General Motors unveils Chevrolet Traverse

General Motors unveils Chevrolet traverse

General Motors unveils Lambda-based CUV called Chevrolet Traverse Chicago Auto Show. Although the Traverse shares underpinnings with the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook, its styling reflects Chevrolet’s latest design direction.

The Traverse’s exterior styling also includes turn signals integrated into the side mirrors, an integrated rear spoiler, 17-, 18- or 20-inch wheels, an available panoramic sunroof, and optional dual exhaust. Existing Lambdas use a six-speed automatic transmission with a 3.6-liter V-6 available in single- and dual-exhaust versions with respective horsepower ratings of 270 and 275.

Traverse may have these too, but this is a fairly expensive powertrain for Chevy’s market class, so the Uplander’s 3.9-liter V-6, a lower-cost pushrod engine with 237 horses, could show up in Chevy’s new crossover, along with an associated four-speed automatic. Either way, maximum rated towing capacity should be around 4500 pounds. Antilock brakes and traction control should be standard.

Chevrolet Traverse should be the lowest-priced Lambda, likely starting a few hundred dollars below the Saturn Outlook’s current $27,255 minimum. That could mean around $25,000 for a base 2WD model, but a lot will depend on standard. The Chevrolet traverse will be in the market late 2008 as a 2009 model after making its debut earlier in the year.

The ‘09 Traverse is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.

Chevrolet traverse highlights include:

• Distinctive design that highlights the new face of Chevrolet
• Optimized aerodynamics that enhance fuel economy and reduce wind noise
• Four-wheel independent suspension system
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
• Family of 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheels
• Second-row Smart Slide seat feature, for easy access to the third-row seats
• Rear-seat entertainment system with second-row controls
• Six standard air bags, including side curtain air bags that deploy over all three seating rows
• OnStar with Turn by Turn Navigation and Direction Download (with navigation system)
• XM Satellite Radio with XM NavTraffic, a real-time traffic feature (with navigation system)
• Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity
• Cruising range of more than 500 miles (800 km)
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong build quality