Chevrolet Overviews

For Release: June 9, 2008
Download Word Document

ALL-NEW TRAVERSE CROSSOVER LEADS CHEVY TRUCK LINEUP INTO 2009

DETROIT – Chevrolet shakes up the crossover segment in 2009 with the all-new Traverse – an expressively styled, well-equipped crossover that gives customers people-hauling and cargo-carrying capability typically found in larger SUVs. It leads Chevy’s lineup of proven, dependable trucks into the new model year.

“The Traverse is the right vehicle at the right time,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “It has great looks, utility and safety, with a driving experience typically found in smaller vehicles. But Traverse delivers it with three rows of seating – including a third row that fits adults – and class-leading cargo space.”

Developed with the same formula that made the ’08 Malibu a hit, the Traverse is bringing Chevy back to a new generation of consumers, with great styling, class-leading features and value. Those attributes are exemplified in trucks that live up to the brand’s heritage of ruggedness and capability. GM’s commitment to fuel solutions is delivering uncompromising performers that uphold the capability expectations of a Chevy truck with greater efficiency.

In ’09, the Silverado Hybrid joins the Tahoe Hybrid as the second full-size truck in Chevy’s portfolio to be powered by GM’s patented 2Mode Hybrid system, delivering approximately 25-percent improved overall fuel economy – including substantially greater efficiency in city driving – with excellent towing capability. New, fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmissions also have been added to most of Chevy’s full-size light-duty trucks and SUVs.

Additionally, the peerless HHR Panel SS joins the lineup and a new, 5.3L V-8 is offered in the midsize Colorado. The TrailBlazer soldiers on as one of the best value stories in its segment, with the incomparable SS edition returning, too – much to the delight of high-performance enthusiasts who’ve made the “TBSS” a cult hit.

“There’s never been a more diverse range of Chevy trucks,” said Peper. “There is absolutely something to suit any customer’s needs.”

Traverse details

With styling cues inspired by the acclaimed ’08 Chevy Malibu, the Traverse delivers refined details with strong proportions and the bold front-end appearance found on all new Chevrolets. It is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. Product highlights include:

Chevy trucks in ’09

Here’s a look at what’s new with the rest of the 2009 Chevy truck lineup:

Avalanche

Avalanche’s unparalleled flexibility enables it to function as an SUV, truck or both, thanks to the exclusive Midgate. It opens to extend the cargo-carrying capability from the cargo bed’s 5-foot-3-inch-long (1.6 m) length to 8 feet 2 inches (2.5 m). The rear seat must be folded to achieve maximum storage capability; with the rear seat up and the Midgate closed, Avalanche has room for up to six passengers.

Avalanche’s efficiency is enhanced in ’09 with the new, fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission that is standard on all models, as well as a fuel mileage-enhancing 3.08 axle ratio. New technologies that enhance safety are also added to the Avalanche for 2009, including Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity, a new rear camera system and side blind zone detection. These new features complement an already strong package of standard safety items, such as head curtain side-impact air bags and StabiliTrak electronic stability control system.

Colorado

Chevy’s midsize Colorado pickup enters 2009 with a host of performance enhancements, including a new, optional 5.3L V-8 engine. It is available on extended cab and crew cab models. It pumps out 300 horsepower (224 kW), for nearly 25-percent more than the Colorado’s available 3.7L I-5 engine. It also delivers 320 lb.-ft. (434 Nm) of robust torque for an exceptional maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg).

All Colorado models receive a new brake system that delivers greater stopping power and an improved brake pedal feel. The system features four-channel ABS with yaw control for flatter, more controlled stopping during panic stops and improved control on slippery surfaces. Returning to the lineup for ’09 is the performance-bred ZQ8 sport suspension and appearance package.

Equinox

Chevrolet Equinox’s combination of sleek styling, confident performance, a spacious interior and good efficiency continue to make it a popular choice among compact SUV customers. Models equipped with the standard 3.5L V-6 and five-speed automatic transmission are EPA-rated at 24 mpg on the highway – as is the Equinox Sport, with its more powerful, 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing and six-speed automatic transmission.

The Equinox rolls into 2009 with minimal revisions. Head curtain side-impact air bags are standard on all models, as is XM Satellite radio. (Previously these features were optional on some models.) An all-new feature for the Equinox is Bluetooth connectivity available with the OnStar system.

HHR

Chevy HHR continues to claim a growing share of the compact market. Despite a challenging overall market in early 2008, HHR sales were up 8 percent, maintaining the momentum of 2007. That year, HHR sales topped 105,000 – a record that beat 2006’s 101,000 sales.

New for ’09, the HHR’s 2.2L and 2.4L Ecotec engines are FlexFuel capable, meaning they can run on E85 ethanol, gasoline or any combination of the two fuels. The HHR SS also brings a turbocharged dose of thrills that is unmatched in the segment. Features such as “no-lift shift” and other driver-selectable performance modes help it achieve 0-60 mph performance in 6.3 seconds and cover the quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds at 98.5 mph. The top speed is more than 150 mph, with the manual transmission. As with other GM Performance Division-developed vehicles, the HHR SS was validated on Germany’s famed Nürburgring racing circuit, where it set a new lap record of 8:43.52 minutes for its class.

For ’09, the mad scientists at GM Performance Division have combined the SS’s DNA with the unique HHR Panel to create a limited-edition HHR Panel SS. It combines all of the SS’s performance attributes with the Panel’s “blank canvas” styling, making it a perfect choice for enthusiasts and performance-oriented business owners to personalize.

Silverado 1500

The ’09 Silverado is not only the strongest ever offered by Chevrolet, but delivers segment-topping fuel economy – a combination that is winning over more and more customers and critics – including repeat appearances on Car and Driver’s 5Best Trucks list for 2008.

For 2009, Silverado’s fuel economy advantage is enhanced with a new six-speed automatic transmission that is paired with V-8 engines. Also, a new 6.2L V-8 with variable valve timing and E85 capability is offered on crew cab models. Additional new features include new-design 18- and 20-inch wheels, OnStar with new Destination Download feature and Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity.

Silverado Hybrid

The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid is a powerful full-size pickup that achieves 40-percent greater city fuel economy and a 25-percent improvement in overall fuel economy while delivering the capability expected of a full-size truck – including a 6,100-pound (2,767 kg) towing capacity. It is offered in the crew cab body style on both 2WD and 4WD models; each model is equipped with several standard, popular features, including StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, a locking rear axle and a trailering package. Silverado Hybrid also offers dual-stage frontal air bags and head curtain side air bags.

Partnering General Motors’ patented two-mode hybrid system and a powerful 6.0L gas V-8, the Silverado Hybrid delivers highly efficient performance, including all-electric driving up to 30 mph (48 km/h). That allows fuel savings to be realized even when the truck is fully loaded or towing a trailer.

Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD

With powerful designs complementing exceptional capabilities, the Chevrolet Silverado heavy-duty models are ready for any task, whether work or leisure. They are offered in a range of 2500HD (three-quarter-ton) and 3500HD (one-ton) models; and are available in WT, LT and LTZ trim.

A wide range of configurations – three cab styles, three cargo box styles and five wheelbase lengths – delivers tremendous choice: Some full-size truck manufacturers do not offer three-quarter-ton or one-ton heavy-duty trucks. The Silverado HD pickups also offer many segment-best capabilities, including 18,500-pound (8,392 kg) gross combined vehicle weight rating for vehicles with a gas V-8 and a 13,000-pound (5,897 kg) conventional trailer weight rating enabled by a larger-capacity trailer hitch platform. Maximum towing capacity is 16,700 pounds (7,575 kg), when equipped with a fifth-wheel hitch.

New features and content changes for 2009 include a number of safety-related and convenience features, including OnStar with a new Destination Download feature, Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity and XM Satellite Radio with NavTraffic real-time traffic advising.

Suburban

An American icon, the unique Chevrolet Suburban is the benchmark of full-size SUVs. It is spacious and capable and, for 2009, more efficient than ever, thanks to the implementation of a new, fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission. The new Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed is standard on 1500 models.

New technologies that enhance safety are also added to the Suburban in ’09, including Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity and side blind zone detection. These new features complement an already strong package of standard safety items, such as head curtain side-impact air bags and StabiliTrak electronic stability control system. The Suburban lineup is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, with 2WD and 4WD, as well as 1500 and heavy-duty 2500 series.

Tahoe

As the industry’s best-selling full-size SUV, Chevrolet Tahoe continues to offer great spaciousness and towing capability with a precise driving feel, robust performance and impeccable interior refinement and quietness. It also delivers the segment’s best fuel mileage – a standing that is enhanced in 2009 with the introduction of a new, six-speed automatic transmission. The new Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed is standard on models with the Vortec 5.3L V-8 and a new 6.2L V-8.

A Vortec 6.2L is new for 2009, too, and is offered on LTZ models. It features a lightweight aluminum block and variable valve timing; and it is the most powerful engine in the Tahoe’s lineup. Additional new features for ’09 include Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity and OnStar with a new Destination Download feature.

Tahoe Hybrid

The Chevy Tahoe Hybrid delivers a dramatic improvement in fuel economy over non-hybrid models – up to 50-percent improved mileage in city driving – with all of the comfort and capability customers expect in a full-size SUV. The vastly improved fuel economy is due largely to a state-of-the-art hybrid system using GM’s all-new Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT). Two-wheel-drive Tahoe Hybrid models, for example, deliver 21 mpg in the city, a 50-percent improvement over their 5.3L non-hybrid siblings and comparable to the city fuel economy of much-smaller cars.

An industry first for any full-size SUV, the patented hybrid system allows these vehicles to return exceptional fuel economy in both city and highway driving while still delivering full-size SUV performance. Imagine a full-size SUV that offers 25- to 30-percent more combined city-highway fuel economy while also providing up to 6,200 pounds (2,812 kg) of usable towing capacity (2WD) and 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg) on 4WD models; 12,000 pounds (5,443 kg) GCWR and eight-passenger seating capacity.

TrailBlazer

The Chevy TrailBlazer continues to appeal to customers who seek a midsize package with the capabilities of larger truck. Along with its unique capabilities, the TrailBlazer continues to offer a value-driven combination of standard comfort, convenience and safety features. The lineup is headed by the performance-bred TrailBlazer SS that offers sports car performance combined with the functionality expected of a utility vehicle.

Across the model range, the lineup includes a long list of standard equipment, including XM Satellite Radio and head curtain side air bags on all models. New features for 2009 include OnStar 8.0 with available Bluetooth connectivity for safer, hands-free phone calls and other wireless connections, and a trio of new exterior colors: Silver Ice Metallic, Silver Moss Metallic and Sand Beige Metallic.

# # #

Contact:
Brian Goebel
Chevrolet Communications
Phone: 313-665-8049
E-mail: brian.goebel@gm.com

Top