Internationally Known: Return of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer

We've been aware of the return of Chevy's TrailBlazer for quite some time now, so its official debut earlier this week in Thailand was a bit anti-climatic. And while we're thrilled an honest to goodness, mid-size body-on-frame SUV still exists in the General's portfolio, we—and a host of vocal internet commenters—are a bit miffed that the new T-Blazer won't be available for purchase here in the good old U.S. of A.  That's right—when Chevy's new TrailBlazer goes on sale this June, it'll be available just about everywhere but here. As Chevrolet sees it, it has our homegrown, mid-size, family-hauler needs covered with existing products, primarily the Traverse and Equinox.  But those are unibody vehicles; the TrailBlazer is diesel-powered and built on GM's global body-on-frame mid-size truck architecture, the same chassis you'll find under Chevrolet's upcoming Colorado mid-size pickup. Unfortunately, Tom Wilkinson, Chevrolet Trucks communications manager, told us that there are "no plans to sell the TrailBlazer or any mid-size body-on-frame SUV in the States in the near future."  As they say, you always want what you can't have. With that in mind, let's check out some of the latest details to emerge: As we mentioned back in November, TrailBlazers will be available in either rear- or all-wheel drive with a choice of two GM Duramax four-cylinder turbo-diesel engines: the 150-hp, 2.5-liter or the 180-hp 2.8-liter equipped with a variable-geometry turbocharger.  A five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic with electronic shift control will be the available transmissions. GM didn't specify if transmissions and engines could be ordered a la carte. Coil springs and a multilink rear-suspension setup lend the old-school body-on-frame SUV some modern road manners and comfort. A suite of safety-minded features including stability control, traction control, and panic brake assist keep travel mellow; hill descent control indicates the presence of some actual off-road aspirations. Inside, the TrailBlazer utilizes the tried and true, seven-passenger layout, allowing operators to fold the second and third rows flat for cargo duty.  The second row is configured 60/40, the third row 50/50. Boldly, GM claims the third row is an "authentic third row where people can sit comfortably for long trips." So there you have it—well, actually, you don't. It looks like the Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Xterra and the Jeep Wrangler are the last real men in the room. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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