Chevrolet Traverse

Chevrolet Traverse

Manufacturer	General Motors
Also called	Chevrolet Grand Blazer (South America)
Production	2008–present (North America) 2011– (South America)[citation needed]
Model years	2009–present (North America) 2012– (South America)
Assembly	Spring Hill, Tennessee, United States (2008–2009); Lansing Delta Township Assembly, Delta Township, Michigan, United States (2010–present)
Predecessor	Chevrolet Uplander and Chevrolet TrailBlazer (North America) Chevrolet Blazer (South America)
Class	Full-size crossover SUV
Body style	4-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive / All-wheel drive
Platform	GM Lambda platform/GMT561 (Series GMT960)
Engine	3.6L VVT DI High Feature V6
Transmission	6-speed automatic
Wheelbase	118.9 in (3,020 mm)
Length	205.0 in (5,207 mm)
Width	78.4 in (1,991 mm)
Height	2009: 69.7 in (1,770 mm) 2010–present: 70.4 in (1,788 mm)
Curb weight	2136 kg (4700 Lbs)
Related	GMC Acadia Buick Enclave Saturn Outlook

The Chevrolet Traverse is a seven/eight seat full-size crossover SUV built on the GM Lambda platform that underpins the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. It is a successor to both the Uplander minivan and Trailblazer SUV. The Traverse was built in Spring Hill, Tennessee from its introduction until late 2009, when production was moved to the same Delta Township Assembly plant in Lansing, Michigan that produces the other Lambda-platform crossovers as a replacement for the Saturn Outlook because of GM phasing out the Saturn brand. Shortly after the production shift to Lansing, the GM badges were removed from the front doors. However, Saturn Outlook production resumed for a short time during early 2010 at the same plant.

The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse debuted at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show and arrived at dealerships in October 2008.

Powertrain

The Chevrolet Traverse features the LLT engine, a 3,564 cc (3.564 L; 217.5 cu in) double overhead cam V6 with VVT and direct injection. The other Lambda-based vehicles also have this powertrain in the 2009 model year. A 6-speed automatic transmission gives power to the front or all wheels. The Traverse delivers 281 hp (210 kW) with the torque at 266ft. lbs. in the LS and LT models. The LTZ model, with dual exhaust, delivers 288 hp (215 kW) and the torque comes in at 270ft. lbs.^{[citation needed]}

Design

The Traverse name was originally used for a concept car at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but that concept gave way when the Chevrolet Equinox launched for the 2005 model year. The production Traverse's design was inspired by the 2005 Chevrolet Sequel concept, and has a chevron-shaped grille similar to the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The Traverse has unique sheet metal different from the other Lambda crossovers, with the exception of the doors.

Marketing

The Traverse was part of a product placement by GM in the NBC drama My Own Worst Enemy, along with the new Chevrolet Camaro; the show was cancelled in mid-November 2008. The vehicle also appears on the remake of Hawaii Five-O and the Mentalist.

Sales in the United States

Year	Sales
2008	9,456
2009	91,074
2010	106,744

External links

• Official Chevrolet Traverse website
• "Chevrolet Announces the All-New 2009 Traverse" (Press release). GM. February 6, 2008. http://archives.media.gm.com/us/gm/en/news/events/autoshows/08chicago/brands/chevrolet080206/index.html. 
• Edmunds InsideLine: 2008 Chicago Auto Show: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
• Chevy Traverse wins SEAMO 2009 Family Car of the Year Award