Trucks, SUVs to be put to work
Redesigned Blazer has five model trims with new technologies
Chevrolet, General Motors’ sales leader, offers a large choice of vehicles, with a full lineup of autos, sport utility vehicles and small trucks to be presented at this year’s Canadian International Auto Show.
Chevrolet has the traditional car market well covered, starting with the urban-friendly Spark, then the Cruise, the Malibu, the Impala and the performance-oriented Camaro and Corvette.
Its SUV lineup includes the Blazer, an all-new contemporary mid-size SUV, totally redesigned with new customer-oriented technologies and functionality. The new Blazer comes in five model trims with either the standard 2.5-litre four cylinder of 193 horsepower or a 3.6-litre V6 with 305 hp. Behind either engine is a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The Blazer is available in either two-wheel or four-wheel drive, sits on a 2,863-mm wheelbase and rides on either 18-inch or 21-inch wheels. Passenger volume is 3,052.9 litres in the spacious five-seater cabin, and with the rear seats folded, the cargo area is 1,818.1 litres.
Chevy has provided more utility functions with the Blazer, offering a division-first cargo management system that employs a rail system and cargo fence that divides the cargo area into compartments. The rear seat is adjustable and slides for convenience.
Each trim level of the Blazer is distinct to suit the tastes of the customer, with unique grille appearances, additional bright chrome, or the blacked-out styling components of the RS model.
Dual exhausts and an integrated tailgate spoiler highlight the rear of the Blazer.
Some of the technological and connectivity items in the new Blazer include an electronically locking glove box, automatic heated seats and steering wheel which is activated with the vehicle’s remote starting system, a hands-free power tailgate, wireless charging with six USB ports, and an 20.32-centimetre colour infotainment system.
For the ultimate in a go-anywhere vehicle, the new ZR2 Bison edition of the Colorado offers the nimbleness and manoeuvrability of a mid-size pickup with a host of technology for off-road use.
Tough and aggressive-looking, the ZR2 has the DNA to meet up with any off-road situation with Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve technolo- gy, cast-iron control arms, functional rock sliders, and aluminum skid plates under the engine, transmission, and transfer case. The track of the Blazer is increased 88.9 mm over a standard Colorado, and also sits 50.8 mm higher. Both final drives feature electronically locking differentials, and the rear axle has a 3.42 gear ratio.
The ZR2 is available in either an extended or crew cab version, both riding on a 3,264-mm wheelbase. Engine choices are the inline 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel with 186 hp, or the 3.6-litre V6 with 308 hp. The four comes with a sixspeed automatic, the V6 with an eight-speed automatic. Both versions ride on 17-inch wheels, and provide a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms.
Some other highlights include standard keyless remote entry, remote vehicle start and heated front seats and outside mirrors are available.
Chevrolet will also be presenting its new 2020 Silverado HD at this year’s Canadian International AutoShow. This new full- size pickup features five distinct models with different combinations of design, features, and technologies to suit a varied customer base.
The Silverado HD will be available in Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ and High Country trims, each with distinct exterior and interior trim.
The Silverado HD’s new design focuses on the truck’s muscular and work-ready purpose, and in fact shares only its roof sheet metal with the lighter-duty and revamped Silverado 1500. Inside the HD has architectural upgrades including three more inches of legroom in the Crew Cab models and a taller more comfortable seating position.
Two new powertrains will be available for the new HD, an all-new gasoline engine with direct injection mated to a sixspeed transmission, or the Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 delivering 910 lb-ft of torque through an all-new Allison 10-speed transmission.
The 2020 Silverado HD will also offer all-new customer-focused trailering technology, significant increases in towing and payload capabilities combined with a host of technologies and features designed specifically for heavy-duty truck customers.
This new HD, created by the Chevrolet brand team in Canada, is expected to go on sale in the middle of 2019.
And to present a unique behind-the-scenes look at the rigorous testing process for its vehicles, Chevrolet will host a 4D Virtual Reality Experience for consumers at its CIAS exhibit area.