Chicago 2008: 2009 Chevy Traverse makes it a Lambda superfecta
by Alex Nunez on Feb 6th 2008 at 1:05AM 
click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Chevy Traverse
Let's cut right to the chase. Everything about the 2009 Chevy Traverse that will be unveiled later today in Chicago is stuff we pretty much already know. As the fourth Lambda-platform crossover from General Motors, the basics have been introduced already in the GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave. The Traverse is a roomy seven (or eight)-passenger crossover with a well-organized cockpit, whose details differ only slightly from its platform sibs. That's been GM's M.O. thus far, so why should the Traverse be any different? Power, like the other Lambdas, comes from the 3.6L V6 with direct injection, which makes 281hp/253 lb-ft or 286hp/255 lb-ft in the Bowtie version depending on whether the vehicle is equipped with a single or dual exhaust. GM promises "best in class" fuel economy (final numbers are still TBD), but our experience with the other Lambdas (non-DI 3.6 VVT models) has been that they averaged in the mid teens during real-world driving.
The Traverse comes in third in the looks race behind the Enclave and Acadia and ahead of the Saturn Outlook. In front, the jumbo-sized Chevy grille is the dominant element, flanked by some rather angry-looking headlamps. In profile, the Traverse has a lot of Enclave to its looks, with pronounced but less-sculpted rear haunches and similarly-shaped glass. The rear end is highlighted by some very funky-looking taillights. Other than that, you feel like you've been here before, mostly because you have. GM hasn't announced pricing yet, but there'll be LS, LT and LTZ trim levels with both 2WD and AWD available. Given that the Chevy should be competitively priced and has a large dealer network, we wonder how many sales it's going to cannibalize from its siblings -- particularly the Outlook. We'll find out this Summer when it starts appearing in showrooms.
[Source: GM]
Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
PRESS RELEASE:
Chevrolet Announces the All-New 2009 Traverse
New Crossover Features Bold Styling, Sophisticated Details and
Best-in-Class Fuel Economy from a Direct-Injected 3.6L V-6
CHICAGO – Introduced at the Chicago Auto Show, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is an expressively styled, well-equipped crossover that gives customers people-hauling and cargo-carrying capability typically found in larger SUVs.
With styling cues inspired by the acclaimed '08 Chevy Malibu, the Traverse delivers refined details with strong proportions and the bold front-end appearance found on all new Chevrolets. Traverse will start production in the third quarter of 2008 at GM's Spring Hill, Tenn. manufacturing facility.
"We think the Traverse is the right vehicle at the right time," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "It has great looks, utility and safety, with a driving experience typically found in smaller vehicles. But it delivers this with three rows of seating – including a third row that fits adults – and class-leading cargo space. The Traverse is following the formula that is bringing Chevy back to a new generation of consumers – great styling, loads of class-leading features and tremendous value."
The '09 Traverse is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. Product highlights include:
* Distinctive design that highlights the new face of Chevrolet
* Optimized aerodynamics that enhance fuel economy and reduce wind noise
* Four-wheel independent suspension system
* StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
* Family of 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheels
* Second-row Smart Slide seat feature, for easy access to the third-row seats
* Rear-seat entertainment system with second-row controls
* Six standard air bags, including side curtain air bags that deploy over all three seating rows
* OnStar with Turn by Turn Navigation and Direction Download (with navigation system)
* XM Satellite Radio with XM NavTraffic, a real-time traffic feature (with navigation system)
* Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity
* Cruising range of more than 500 miles (800 km)
* Exceptional attention to detail and strong build quality
Sleek, sophisticated design
The Traverse casts a unique profile with a sleek, smooth and flowing design that characterizes the new, global face of Chevrolet. Elements such as chrome-ringed grille inserts, available projector-beam headlamps and large wheel-and-tire combinations highlight the vehicle's finely honed attention to detail.
Taut body lines and minimal overhangs convey the image of a smaller vehicle, reinforcing the Traverse's feeling of a large vehicle that drives smaller, while tight tolerances between body components – enhanced by the vehicle's unitized body structure, which enables wraparound, single-piece fascias – emphasize a highly precise build quality.
"The Traverse delivers a design that is unexpected from Chevrolet," said Michael Burton, director of design for the exterior. "Many of the details are typical on higher-priced vehicles, but the Traverse brings them to a level that is accessible to more customers."
Some of the upscale design details include:
* Deep-set grille inserts with chrome-ringed trim
* Turn signals integrated in the outside mirrors
* Expressive taillamps
* Rear spoiler integrated over the tailgate window
* Roof rails designed to enhance the sleek appearance when a roof rack is not in place
* 20-inch Ultra-Bright aluminum wheels (standard on LTZ models)
* Dual, bright exhaust outlets
* Panoramic, power-operated sunroof
"The headlamps, for example, are more than merely projector beam units; they are integrated in stylized housings that are rich and detailed, reinforcing the high-tech features found throughout the Traverse," said Burton.
Like the exterior, the Traverse's interior is a confluence of refined styling, technology and attention to detail. The instrument panel has a dual-cockpit design that is a hallmark of Chevrolet's heritage; it flows into the door panels, creating a sleek, highly detailed appearance. The instrument panel is mounted in a "low and away" position that enhances outward visibility.
The instrument panel houses a pair of large gauge binnacles that are accented with bright trim rings; and for so-equipped vehicles, the available navigation system screen is integrated prominently at the upper-center of the instrument panel.
The Traverse's interior can be configured for seven or eight adults, including two front bucket seats, a 60/40-split second-row bench (three passengers) or two second-row captain's chairs (two passengers) and a 60/40-split third-row bench seat. Perforated leather seats and second-row captain's chairs are available. The third-row seat is capable of comfortably seating adults while simultaneously providing best-in-class storage space behind it.
Great amenities
Complementing the Traverse's exterior and interior designs is a comprehensive roster of standard and available amenities that enhances the driving experience for the driver and passengers alike. They include:
* Rear ultrasonic parking assist
* Rear-view camera
* Outside mirrors with spotter mirrors
* Power liftgate
* Extended-range remote vehicle start
* Heated windshield fluid
* DVD entertainment system
* DVD navigation system (with OnStar Destination Download and XM traffic routing)
* Heated and cooled front seats
* XM Satellite Radio with XM NavTraffic, a real-time traffic feature
* Heated, power-adjustable outside mirrors with blind-spot mirrors
* Power folding outside mirrors with integrated turn signals
* OnStar (with one year of Directions & Connections service) with Turn by Turn Navigation and, with the navigation system, Direction Download.
GM's Five-Year/100,000 Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty continues to make GM a better choice for customers. GM's coverage focuses on the complete ownership experience and includes other provisions that competitors do not offer, including transferability to the next owner, more complete coverage of parts, and coverage for new and certified used vehicles. In addition, GM offers complementary programs such as courtesy transportation and roadside assistance.
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Ahmad 1:12AM (2/06/2008)
Very nice. Not exactly what I expected, but good to see GM is making products look different.
Not too sure about those taillights, though.
Reply
Ed 1:24AM (2/06/2008)
So... Isn't GM supposed to be trying to end their badge engineering?
Why buy the Buick when you can buy the GMC for less. Why buy the GMC when you can buy the Chevy for less?
That type of thinking is what has caused GM to lose its more profitable higher-end markets and I'm starting to think they'll never clue into that.
Oh well. At least it looks... uh... could be worse.
Reply
Michael LaFramboise 1:35AM (2/06/2008)
Those tail lights look almost Camaro-ish
Reply
HotRodzNKustoms 1:45AM (2/06/2008)
I think the reason for this is that bow-tie up front will easily net them another 200k in sales for very little investment. At least spreading a good car around starting with brands that need it to the volume brand is better than spreading a bad car around from the volume seller to niche brands. So thank goodness the Lambdas are excellent cars....trucks...SUVs...Vans... whatever I like em.
Reply
Torrent 1:47AM (2/06/2008)
I actually like it, especially Chevy's new dual-port grille design.
Reply
Torrent 1:51AM (2/06/2008)
Oh, and I hope it's priced right to go against the Dodge Journey.
Reply
Andrew L 1:53AM (2/06/2008)
I agree its redundant to have 4 different versions of the same vehicle.... isn't Cadillac supposed to get a version of this as well?
sigh
Reply
Polly Prissy Pants 9:36AM (2/06/2008)
I agree. This is the main reason why Saturn is irrelevant and should go.
Outlook -> Traverse
Aura -> Malibu
Sky -> Solstice
Vue -> Should have been new Equinox
Astra -> Add a sedan variant and it replaces the crummy Cobalt.
With just a little effort GM could merge Saturn into Chevy making for a fantastic lineup while saving tons of money.
Seoultrain 2:09AM (2/06/2008)
lol, that right front tire is severely under-inflated.
Reply
Seoultrain 2:11AM (2/06/2008)
picture 8, btw
Tony 2:11AM (2/06/2008)
Most customers(90%) can't tell that all four Lambda crossovers share the same platform, heck my sister and her husband almost bought a Saturn Outlook(even though they really wanted a Enclave), and couldn't tell that GMC Acadia across the street was essentially the same vehicle. The differnces may only be skin deep, but everyone that isn't a car buff can't tell or could care less about the similarites.
BTW whats with Cheverolets rear end designs recently, the Malibu, Cobalt, Aveo hatch(actually this one is just fugly to begin with) and now the Traverse share good looking front ends and decent profiles with rear ends and tailights that look like afterthoughts.
Reply
Reality 2:16AM (2/06/2008)
GM is doing everything right (CTS, Malibu, etc), but these crossover clones are the Trailblazer fiasco all over. Yes, the Lambdas are actually competitive, but its the same thing. The only way I could justify GM's actions is that the crossover market is still growing quickly. But four models? I would have left it at three.
Reply
William 2:16AM (2/06/2008)
The design is very nice and I can definitely tell Chevrolet has upped its ante, especially with their recent interior designs. I don't know, but the Hyundai Santa Fe comes up to my mind though. Just the side profile and the rear 3/4 view.
Reply
nate_687 2:22AM (2/06/2008)
Let me go ahead and tell you, you wont be seeing this in showrooms this summer. Try late 08 maybe even early 09.
I work at the plant that is going to be building the Traverse and they are way behind schedule on the re-tooling of the plant.
Reply
nate_687 2:23AM (2/06/2008)
I forgot to add, the Traverse looks very nice I think it will do well. It will be fun building it.
Drock 3:33AM (2/06/2008)
I do find this platform interesting and I think the product is very attractive. I rode in the GMC version and it seems to engulf the parking space so much it was hard to open my door without bumping the next car over. These crossovers are a little on the wide side.
They look cumbersome to drive as well, but then I need to drive one myself before I make any judgements.
.
.
.
I still waiting for an updated TRAILBLAZER!!!!!!!!!!!!
C'mon CHEVY!!!!!!!!!
Reply
E-man 9:47PM (3/17/2008)
The Chevy Trailblazer is going to be discontinued as well as the chevy van being replaced by the Traverse and Camaro
Bob-omb 5:07AM (2/06/2008)
Cumbersome to drive? But you want a new TRAILBLAZER? These Lambda vehicles are so much better it's not even funny. And they drive FAR better.
As for this design, I think it's the least cohesive of the lambda models. I'm surprised it has such an aggressive front-end....considering this could be a high-volume car for Chevy, it probably should have been tamed down a bit. Still, this'll be a great value I'm sure.
Reply
len simpson 6:33AM (2/06/2008)
I like this style,s qtr window treatment, doesn,t look like an afterthought
like most cuvs.
Reply
John 6:43AM (2/06/2008)
With regard to the redundancy in the platform, I think it is a good marketing move, as people have loyalties to certain brand names. These are also hot selling vehicles, might as well put them in as many stores as possible.
Reply