This camouflaged prototype is reportedly hiding a new Trailblazer SUV. Just don’t get confused, since the automaker introduced a Chinese-spec Trailblazer about a month ago. Aside from the name, these two will have nothing in common at all. While the model introduced in China replaces the slow-selling Trax and comes in the form of a small crossover, the U.S.-spec 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer gets a mid-size footprint and off-road characteristics. Yes, the returning nameplate will use body-on-frame architecture and will try to fight against the Wrangler and the upcoming Ford Bronco.
Based on what we’ve heard lately, the 2021 Trailblazer SUV will be introduced sometime next year. The automaker will build the off-roader at the existing Wentzville plant which is getting a shot of adrenaline in form of $1 billion investment.
Since we are dealing with a body-on-frame SUV, it will have to find a suitable platform. Luckily, the carmaker has one that perfectly matches the Trailblazer’s needs. It’s the one that currently underpins Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize pickup trucks. The testing mule isn’t showing much, though based on ground clearance, it’s quite clear it’s using some off-road-oriented suspension.
Judging by the latest reports, the next generation Trailblazer has some oil burning in mind. Yes, the company will couple its off-road beast with a baby Duramax engine. More precisely, the SUV will spin all four wheels thanks to an updated version of the 2.8-liter Duramax diesel. While the current option stays limited to 186 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, the improved one will definitely deliver over 200 horsepower.
The SUV will get a pair of gasoline options too. The entry-point model will most probably be coupled with GM’s new 2.7-liter Turbo L3B inline-four cylinder engine, while the more powerful 2021 Chevy Trailblazer should use a 3.6-liter V6 engine. Just don’t be confused, as this one won’t be the company’s current 3.6L V-6 LFX option, but an all-new, more powerful and efficient V6 LGZ. Unfortunately, we don’t know the details about the options at the moment. What we do know is that the mills are going to be hooked to a new 10-speed automatic transmission.
Like we said already, this is not the prototype at all. Instead, we are dealing with a mule, so it’s still pretty hard to know how it’s going to look like the successor. As far as we’ve heard, the next-gen, 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer will filch the best styling cues from the Chevy FNR-CarryAll Concept. If so, then there’s going to arrive a gorgeous piece of work pretty soon.
Stay tuned for updates.
