Chevrolet TrailBlazer Concept debuts at Dubai International Motor Show

I’ve never really been a big fan of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and its awkward design until it came to the 6.0 liter LS2 V8 SS model. At that point, one could get past the looks and excited about what’s provided under the hood. Thankfully, GM is finally going to redesign the midsize SUV, which is making its global debut in concept form this week at the Dubai International Motor Show in the Middle East.

The seven-seater Chevrolet TrailBlazer will be available for sale around the world starting of with Thailand in early 2012.

“The new-generation TrailBlazer combines the hauling and towing capability of a body-on-frame SUV with the ride comfort and efficiency of a crossover,” GM said in a statement. “Developed in tandem with the all-new Chevrolet Colorado pickup by GM do Brasil, it shares the same architecture as its truck sibling, with a chassis tuned to combine heavy-duty off-road capability with refined city driving.”

The Chevrolet TrailBlazer show vehicle in Dubai has an all-wheel-drive system and is powered by GM’s new 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine, which features a variable-geometry turbocharger.

“The growing markets of the world want flexibility. That means power and capability combined with comfort and efficiency,” said Brad Merkel, GM’s global vehicle line executive for midsize trucks and SUVs. “TrailBlazer does it all. You can tow anything, go anywhere, comfortably seat seven people, and do so with the fuel efficiency associated with a smaller, less capable vehicle. It’s the complete package.”

While the TrailBlazer making its debut in Dubai this week is just a show vehicle, GM says that overall design is faithful to the production version that will hit showrooms next year.

– By: Omar Rana