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click above for more high-res live shots of the 2009 Chevy Traverse
As was previously mentioned, Autoblog is here at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, doing our best to bring you up to speed on all the latest live reveals. We made it down to the GM booth early in the morning for the official debut of the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, and it was pretty much exactly as we expected: another Lambda crossover, platform mate to the GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave. Looks-wise, the Chevy Traverse is not the least attractive Lambda (looking at you, Outlook), but the Acadia and Enclave have it beat. Though Chevy claims that it used styling cues from the Malibu midsize sedan in the Traverse's design, we don't think they work as well on a CUV of this size. Especially note the grille, which apes the current Chevy design language to a tee. As Alex mentioned, the headlights look a little mean in pictures, but less so in real life. We like the upswept rear quarters, which remind us of the Enclave - by far the best looking Lambda. Other than that, everything remains status quo, with the 3.6 liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, your choice of front-wheel or all-wheel-drive and seating for either seven or eight.
The presentation that GM put on for the Traverse was much less agreeable than the actual vehicle. Involving a family of two parents and their four children (all actors, for sure) reciting a contrived script, it reminded us of a high school play, though thankfully was much shorter.
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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.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Beat-it-nerd @ Feb 6th 2008 11:36AM
I like it better with the personal pictures as opposed to the factory shots.
Alex Nunez @ Feb 6th 2008 11:38AM
This looks better in the "live" pics than it did in the GM-provided photos. With the DI motor, better looks, and a presumably equal/lower price, this is going to cream the Outlook.
tbss_in_the_D @ Feb 6th 2008 11:43AM
Yeah it is really going to hurt the Outlook. I like the looks better and it is going to be a couple of grand cheaper. Saturn is going to have to lower the price to match this one. I like the look of all three, but I think Autoblog has this one right.
I agree that the real life pictures make it look a ton better.
Mehul @ Feb 6th 2008 11:44AM
Wrong video!
I'm not digging the looks. The split grille only looks good on the Malibu and I like the other Lambdas rear. Weren't they supposed to stop badge engineering??
svg58 @ Feb 6th 2008 11:45AM
I think it looks better than Acadia from the outside, but on the inside Acadia is better.
chris gorski @ Feb 6th 2008 11:48AM
this crossover is lovely, possible more beautiful than it's sister the enclave. chevy will have another hit on their hands with this one. built to last. built to love.
toyota might want to rethink launching that hideous VENZA crossover, chevy just trumped them AGAIN!
Anti-believer @ Feb 6th 2008 11:51AM
I hope they make a fifth version for Saab. It's really needed that they keep repeating their selves.
Saab 9-9
Maybe Cadillac could have one too... the Cadillac CSV
Yeah, we need more!
MAOR @ Feb 6th 2008 11:52AM
gm has done a GREAT job with the Lambda platform. All the vehicles are handsome, unique to one another, and exude an air of quality that we haven't seen in years from American manufacturers. If I could find a fault with this vehicle, I just wish the otherwise beautiful interior was a tad less plasticky and had some other materials mixed in (wood, metal, gloss trim, etc)
Ducky @ Feb 6th 2008 11:53AM
My taste in cars might be different from a lot of people's, but I like the grill on this SUV better than on the Malibu... it actually looks pretty good for a SUV in my opinion
MCS05 @ Feb 6th 2008 11:56AM
We have the Outlook and really like it. We bought it exclusively on lease price per month. If the Buick or GMC had a lower monthly...guess what. To my eyes these Lambdas look all different but the same.
TriShield @ Feb 6th 2008 11:57AM
Here it is and ready to cannabalize sales from the Outlook, Acadia and Enclave, not to mention the Tahoe and Yukon.
tbss_in_the_D @ Feb 6th 2008 12:02PM
There are no other variations planned.
Torrent @ Feb 6th 2008 12:07PM
Cadillac has one in production. The BRX I think it's called.
why not the LS2LS7? @ Feb 6th 2008 12:08PM
I think the Acadia is easily the worst-looking Lambda. It's mostly those awful taillights.
This looks fine although I think it's too early for Chevy to water down their great nose from the Malibu by plastering it on everything. Wait until the Malibu is a little less hot please, so that you don't accidentally transfer lack of interest to the Malibu instead of vice-versa.
chris gorski @ Feb 6th 2008 12:10PM
the crossover market is growing by leaps and bounds. chevy needs one of these types of quality vehicles in their portfolio, unless you're towing a boat, a family doesnt need a Tahoe or Yukon. and the mini-van is dead.
these GM crossovers are just right!
Torrent @ Feb 6th 2008 12:11PM
All Lambdas are looking good so far. Chevy Already has the Traverse on it's website. Traverse Looks MUCH Better with these live pics.
Polly Prissy Pants @ Feb 6th 2008 12:12PM
Sweet ride. If Chevy can sell these at similar price/trim levels as the new Malibu then they'll never be able to keep up with demand.
tbss_in_the_D @ Feb 6th 2008 12:15PM
Nope different platform. The BRX is europe. This thinks is like twice the size. The new SAAB 9-4 and Caddy will be on the Theta platform not the Lambda.
J.Crew @ Feb 6th 2008 12:17PM
This thing is going to sell like crazy. It is very sharp with nice lines and design cues that are carried forward from the Malibu inside and out. Great job GM!
Koko @ Feb 6th 2008 12:20PM
I still think I like the Acadia better, but these shots are better than the chevy provided ones. Are the front fogs/blinkers designed to resemble the chevy bowtie?