New Car: 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The new Chevrolet Trailblazer, which goes on sale overseas this June, made its official debut today at the Bangkok International Motor Show in Thailand. While the Thai-built Trailblazer is characterized as a “global” SUV, Chevrolet will not sell the new model in the U.S.

The Trailblazer’s rounded body conceals the same truck chassis as the new global Colorado pickup, which is meant to provide a blend of off-road capability and comfortable on-road driving. The three-row, seven-passenger interior features rear seats that fold flat to create more cargo room if necessary. The Trailblazer’s cabin also has an abundance of storage compartments, plus USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

The new Chevrolet Trailblazer is powered by a choice of two DuraMax turbodiesel inline-four engines. The 2.5-liter unit makes 150 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.8-liter version offers 180 hp and 346 lb-ft. Buyers choose between a five-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission, and rear- or four-wheel drive.

The SUV’s exterior wears traditional Chevrolet styling cues, beginning with a nose bearing a large black grille bisected by the brand’s bowtie logo. Gently flared fenders make the Trailblazer look more rugged, while LED taillights brighten the liftgate. The rear window also wraps around onto the sides of the SUV.

Based on experience living in Thailand and learning how locals use trucks and SUVs, the Chevrolet Trailblazer will be offered in LT and LTZ trims. Exact features and pricing will be announced at a later date. Of course, on seeing the new global Trailblazer, we’re struck with disappointment the utilitarian SUV isn’t destined for sale in the U.S. market. Chevrolet officials feel the new model would steal sales away from existing crossovers like the Equinox and Traverse, and also note that the rugged truck chassis of the new global Chevrolet Trailblazer is better suited for countries with poor roads.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Hot News: Honda to Introduce Crosstour Concept at NY Auto Show

The futuristic Honda Crosstour is about to get a refresh, and Honda is readying a concept car previewing the 2013 model for a New York Auto Show debut.

We should clarify a couple of things: the Honda Crosstour will turn four in 2013, which means the new car will be something of a mid-cycle refresh. The second is that Honda’s concept cars are often nearly identical to their successive production cars. When Honda says that it’s making a concept to preview the new Crosstour, it likely means that a production-looking car will be on stage at New York and the official version will hit showrooms shortly thereafter.

The new Honda Crosstour continues to face an uphill battle in the numbers: the crossover has sold just 51,380 copies since it was launched in 2009. Sales peaked in 2010 at 28,851, but dwindled since–Honda has sold just 1991 in the first two months of this year.

In hopes of broadening the car’s appeal, Honda has shifted the trim levels on the Crosstour: base models now come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (borrowed from the Accord it’s based on) that makes 192 horsepower and delivers 3 more miles to the gallon in mixed driving than the optional 3.5-liter V-6. It also reduces the car’s base price: an I-4-equipped Honda Crosstour (shown) starts at $28,465 with destination to the V-6 model’s $31,150.

The Honda Crosstour won’t be alone in seeing its mid-cycle refresh in New York – Toyota and Subaru will be taking the wraps off the 2013 Venza and 2013 Outback, respectively, in April as well.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Sneak Peek: 2014 Chevrolet Impala

Chevrolet has teased two new vehicles that will appear at its stand at the New York auto show. The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2014 Chevrolet Impala will bow publicly next month in the Big Apple.

Predictably, Chevrolet hasn’t yet released much information on the pair of cars. The Impala will be the tenth generation of vehicles to wear that name; the nameplate itself originated way back in 1958. The next-generation Impala will be built both in Oshawa, Ontario, and Hamtramck, Detroit. We believe the new sedan will adopt the lines from the Chevrolet Malibu and Camaro, and it should have a more lavish and upscale interior than the current full-size car.

It’s likely that the 3.6-liter V-6 engine will carry over to the 2014 Impala, possibly to be joined by a four-cylinder engine with General Motors’ new eAssist mild-hybrid system. The Impala is expected to ride on a longer version of the Epsilon II platform that underpins the new Malibu. It may also receive all-wheel drive as an option.

We have less trouble predicting the updates Chevrolet has in store for the Traverse. As was previously announced, the three-row crossover will get the same front-center airbag system that has become available for the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave. Other notes suggest the Traverse will have improved suspension and better styling.In the teaser picture, we spy wood and leather interior trim.

The Buick Enclave, which shares its “Lambda” platform with the Traverse and Acadia, also will be refreshed at the New York show. If the Acadia is any indication, expect the Chevrolet crossover to get new LED lighting, a mild face lift, and new safety gear like blind spot warning. As a result, all three of the Lambda models will be refreshed by the end of this year.

Thanks to: Motor Trend