Punchy truck adds even more efficiency and versatility to line-up
Salalah, Oman - 4 October 2004: Having established itself as one of the most popular SUVs in the Middle East, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer now has a new relative in 2005, the TrailBlazer EXT, a versatile two- or four-wheel drive Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) that oozes style, yet is as tough as they get.
For 2005, the TrailBlazer EXT version of this dependable truck offers even higher levels of passenger comfort, efficiency and performance, with the inclusion of a new Vortec Gen IV 5.3 liter V8 engine equipped with GM's innovative Displacement on Demand (DOD) technology.
GM's Displacement on Demand technology enables fuel economy gains of up to eight percent under certain driving conditions by reducing the number of cylinders engaged in the combustion process.
A sophisticated, next-generation engine controller determines when to deactivate cylinders, allowing the engine to maintain vehicle speed in lighter-load conditions such as highway cruising.
When the cylinders are deactivated, the engine effectively operates as a V4, with every other cylinder in the firing order operating. The engine returns to V8 mode the instant the controller determines the vehicle speed or load requires additional power. The process is seamless and virtually imperceptible.
Rated at an estimated 344 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque, the Gen IV Vortec 5.3 liter all-aluminium V8 supports the TrailBlazer EXT's superior towing capacities of up to 7,000 pounds (3,175 kg) when properly equipped.
Standard on TrailBlazer EXT models, whether two- or four-wheel drive or in LS or uplevel LT trim, is GM's advanced Vortec 4.2 liter inline six-cylinder engine. Rated at 294 horsepower and 292 lb-ft of torque, this durable powertrain provides the smooth performance and capability of many V8 engines, with the fuel economy of a six cylinder.
Both engines are complemented by the rugged Hydra-Matic 4L60-E electronically controlled four-speed transmission with automatic overdrive.
Safety and Security
The TrailBlazer EXT receives a comprehensive array of new standard and available occupant safety features for 2005.
Available are head curtain side air bags that act like a protective shield when deployed, unfolding from the roof between the windshield and the 2nd row side window. When the bag deploys during a moderate to severe side impact, it is angled somewhat toward the window to enhance protection for outboard passengers.
Passenger Sensing System
The TrailBlazer EXT has GM's Passenger Sensing System (PSS), which uses the latest sensing technology to turn the front passenger air bag on or off. If the sensor system detects an unoccupied front passenger seat or the presence of a smaller occupant, the front passenger air bag would not deploy in the event of a frontal collision. Thus preventing possible injury to very small occupants and avoiding unnecessary airbag replacement. A status indicator on the instrument panel alerts occupants to whether that the passenger air bag is on or off.
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children
The truck is also equipped with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system anchors for child safety seats in the second-row seat. The LATCH system provides two lower anchors and a top tether anchor to be used to secure a child seat to the vehicle seat structure. These anchorages are designed to make it easier to properly install compatible child safety seats and enhance safety for your most prized possessions.
Revised interior appointments
Appearance changes for 2005 include revised badging on the exterior and steering wheel; a new seat designed for improved comfort and craftsmanship; new door panel, floor mat and console trim designs for LT models; and additional chrome interior accents throughout on both LS and LT versions.
New exterior colors for the Middle East include Superior Blue Metallic, Emerald Jewel Metallic and Graystone Metallic. Interior color choices now include Ebony, an Ebony/Light Cashmere two-tone combination and a Light/Dark Gray combination.
Tough but Refined
The TrailBlazer EXT is designed to deliver an optimum blend of refined ride and handling, generous passenger and cargo room and long-lasting dependability. With its spacious third-row seat, the TrailBlazer EXT can carry up to seven passengers, along with more than 23 cubic feet (663L) of stowage behind the third seat. The second and third rows can be folded flat, opening up 107 cubic feet (3,030L) of cargo space.
Hydroformed steel frame side rails form a strong foundation for the truck's overall strength and solid feel, even on unpaved surfaces.
A five-link rear suspension and independent, double-A-arms up front work with a system of 12 specially tuned body mounts using hydraulics and rubber pads to dramatically reduce vibration and harshness on any kind of road or trail.
Four-wheel ventilated anti-lock disc brakes are standard. The celebrated Autotrac four-wheel-drive system is standard on 4WD models, while traction control is available as an option for 2WD models.
The TrailBlazer EXT rides on standard 17-inch bright aluminium wheel rims and P245/65R17 tyres.
Available options on the TrailBlazer EXT include adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, sun visors with lighted vanity mirrors, inside rear-view mirror with temperature gauge and compass, RainSense wipers, leather seating surfaces with eight-way-power driver and passenger seats, sunroof, and both factory- and dealer-installed running boards.
-Ends-
For more information:
Saada Hammad Paul Venn
Communications and Public Relations Manager Account Director
General Motors Middle East Hill & Knowlton
Tel: +971 4 3143350 Tel: +971 4 3344930
e-mail: saada.hammad@gm.com e-mail: paul.venn@hillandknowlton.com
© Press Release 2004
