By Jenny
McLane
As the first truck developed by GM’s Performance
Division, Trailblazer SS has a towing capacity up to 6,700 pounds
with the two-wheel drive model and up to 6,500 pounds with the
available all-wheel drive model. Cargo volume is 41 cubic feet (1161
liters) behind the rear seat and 80 cubic feet (2265 liters) with
the rear seat folded.
GM's High Performance Vehicle Operations tuned the suspension and
upgraded the brakes of the SS. It features stiffer springs, an inch
lower ride height, and thicker anti-roll bars, as well as standard
StabiliTrak stability control. Larger, 12.8-inch diameter front
brake discs are fitted, allied to new iron twin-piston calipers,
while the monster twenty-inch aluminum wheels have 255/50 V-rated
tires.
The TrailBlazer SS
has unique exterior styling and specific interior appointments,
including prominent 20-inch flangeless wheels. Power is delivered by
the Corvette-derived LS2 6.0L V-8, enabling a 0-60 mph time of 5.7
seconds. A performance suspension with lowered ride height also is
part of the package and was tuned by GM’s Performance Division at
several racetracks, including Germany’s legendary Nurburgring – a
challenging road course that features more than 12.5 miles of turns
and drastic elevation changes. The TrailBlazer SS is available in
two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.
The four-wheel disc braking system of the
TrailBlazer SS is enhanced with larger, 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, providing a 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.
ABS is standard. There also is an accessory front brake-cooling
package available for optimized track performance.
Chevrolet's engineers did extensive chassis tuning to the
Trailblazer SS where they lowered the suspension 1-inch and add 25%
stiffer springs. The ride height has been lowered about an inch
using 25 percent stiffer for a firmer ride and reducing body roll,
and to give the TrailBlazer SS a lower, more aggressive demeanor.
The SS model remains distinct with black-diamond grille,
decklid spoiler, and generally looking more like the NASCAR cars
Gordon campaigns. It has 20-inch polished aluminum wheels and
four-wheel disks (12.8-inch rotors at the front). StabiliTrak and a
rear air-leveling suspension are also standard for the SS.
The TrailBlazer SS’s engine has a composite
intake manifold used in other mid-size trucks and was 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. The pan’s cast-in passage 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. There also is a
stylish SS-specific engine cover, radiator support cover and
coordinated air induction box.
Backing the 6.0L V-8 is a new Hydra-Matic 4L70-E
electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. It
debuts in the TrailBlazer SS and 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.
Partstrain
manufactures and sells aftermarket performance products and
accessories for GM vehicles. Partstrain strives to be the ultimate
source for performance products and accessories for most GM
vehicles.
Parts train's product line-up for the Chevrolet
Trailblazer SS includes Engine system, Electrical system, Header,
Exhaust, Hoods, Hubcaps, multiple Body Kit designs, Suspension,
Condensers, Bumpers, Radiator Support, Spoiler, Catalytic Converter,
and a variety of additional upgrades that compliment the car.
Its extensive array of maximum quality GMC Replacement Parts
and great wholesale deals await you at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/GMC. A wide variety of maximum quality Chevrolet
Replacement Parts, Aftermarket Parts, Performance Parts and great
wholesale deals await you in our online store. In case you have any
difficulties in choosing Chevrolet Parts, its friendly customer
service representatives are ready to serve you.
Jenny McLane
is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars
and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a
Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the
country today.
| If you would like to submit an
article for publication, send an email to websmith at
ewebsmith.com with "Article" in the subject
line. |
