Additional specifics of note would include a four-wheel-drive system designed for on-road performance rather than off-road ability, a standard 9.5-inch heavy-duty axle with limited slip, four-wheel disc brakes with 325-mm front rotors and twin-piston calipers that can be had with a cooling package for optimized track performance, and a rear air-leveling suspension with an onboard air compressor.
These features create a vehicle that John Heinracy, director of GM High Performance Vehicle Operations, believes surpasses the original TrailBlazer SS concept first shown at the 2002 SEMA aftermarket show in Las Vegas.
The noted Corvette engineer and racer noted that the production TrailBlazer SS ''improves on the concept by delivering driving satisfaction through strong acceleration, superior handling and enhanced braking capability, along with driver-focused enhancements.''
The lower ride height from new springs at all corners reduces the vehicle's center of gravity, Heinracy points out, and that improves overall handling. Because the springs are up to 25 percent stiffer, he says, this complements the lowered ride height with a firmer feel and reduced body roll.
''Corner control and body roll control also are improved with front stabilizer bars that are approximately 10 percent larger in diameter than other TrailBlazer models,'' Heinracy adds, and StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard.
The four-wheel disc braking system of the TrailBlazer SS is enhanced with 12.8-inch front disc brake rotors and new, iron twin-piston calipers. The heavy-duty iron calipers are stiff and retain their shape under high pressure/high heat braking conditions, Heinracy says, ''providing a more linear feel and reduced pedal travel in high-energy stops. The brake pads use the same high-performance linings as the Corvette for strong fade resistance, and ABS is standard.''
The braking system is also bolstered by a larger master cylinder, which provides more stopping power and gives the driver a higher, firmer pedal feel, Heinracy says, and that feeling is enhanced by a new 3.6 brake pedal ratio. It also has a high-flow master cylinder, moving fluid more efficiently to optimize performance of the StabiliTrak electronic stability control. With TrailBlazer SS's new brakes, tires and revised ABS algorithm, its 100 kmh to 0 stopping distance is approximately 40 metres.
The LS2 6.0L V-8 is similar to versions used in the Corvette and SSR in that it is based on the Gen IV small-block V-8 architecture and therefore ''delivers satisfying down-low torque for strong off-the-line performance.'' Response to the electronic throttle is said to be ''crisp and immediate.''
Unique to the TrailBlazer SS's version of the engine is a composite intake manifold used in other mid-size trucks and adapted to the LS2 to ''help produce balanced torque and horsepower within packaging parameters.''
The engine also has the TrailBlazer's trademark pass-through oil pan, Heinracy says, which allows the front differential's half-shaft to run through the pan instead of under it. ''This helps keep the engine mounted lower in the chassis for better balance and a lower center of gravity,'' he explains. There also is an SS-specific engine cover, radiator support cover and coordinated air induction box.
The Hydra-Matic 4L70-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic debuts in the TrailBlazer SS, and ''it was developed to handle the high horsepower and high torque loads of performance-oriented light-duty vehicles.'' Special high-strength and heat-treated materials are used throughout the 4L70-E to ensure it delivers smooth, dependable shifting, Heinracy explains.
These features create a vehicle that John Heinracy, director of GM High Performance Vehicle Operations, believes surpasses the original TrailBlazer SS concept first shown at the 2002 SEMA aftermarket show in Las Vegas.
The noted Corvette engineer and racer noted that the production TrailBlazer SS ''improves on the concept by delivering driving satisfaction through strong acceleration, superior handling and enhanced braking capability, along with driver-focused enhancements.''
The lower ride height from new springs at all corners reduces the vehicle's center of gravity, Heinracy points out, and that improves overall handling. Because the springs are up to 25 percent stiffer, he says, this complements the lowered ride height with a firmer feel and reduced body roll.
''Corner control and body roll control also are improved with front stabilizer bars that are approximately 10 percent larger in diameter than other TrailBlazer models,'' Heinracy adds, and StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard.
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| (photo: General Motors) |
The braking system is also bolstered by a larger master cylinder, which provides more stopping power and gives the driver a higher, firmer pedal feel, Heinracy says, and that feeling is enhanced by a new 3.6 brake pedal ratio. It also has a high-flow master cylinder, moving fluid more efficiently to optimize performance of the StabiliTrak electronic stability control. With TrailBlazer SS's new brakes, tires and revised ABS algorithm, its 100 kmh to 0 stopping distance is approximately 40 metres.
The LS2 6.0L V-8 is similar to versions used in the Corvette and SSR in that it is based on the Gen IV small-block V-8 architecture and therefore ''delivers satisfying down-low torque for strong off-the-line performance.'' Response to the electronic throttle is said to be ''crisp and immediate.''
Unique to the TrailBlazer SS's version of the engine is a composite intake manifold used in other mid-size trucks and adapted to the LS2 to ''help produce balanced torque and horsepower within packaging parameters.''
The engine also has the TrailBlazer's trademark pass-through oil pan, Heinracy says, which allows the front differential's half-shaft to run through the pan instead of under it. ''This helps keep the engine mounted lower in the chassis for better balance and a lower center of gravity,'' he explains. There also is an SS-specific engine cover, radiator support cover and coordinated air induction box.
The Hydra-Matic 4L70-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic debuts in the TrailBlazer SS, and ''it was developed to handle the high horsepower and high torque loads of performance-oriented light-duty vehicles.'' Special high-strength and heat-treated materials are used throughout the 4L70-E to ensure it delivers smooth, dependable shifting, Heinracy explains.