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Chevrolet thinks it has a better idea than minivans as a comfortable family hauler with their new Traverse CUV. Chevy officials unveiled its new 2009 Traverse recently at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. The Traverse is built on the same Lambda platform as its older Buick Enclave/GMC Acadia/Saturn Outlook siblings, the 2009 Traverse is the first of the lot to be powered by a direct-injection 3.6-liter V-6 (other Lambdas are also expected to receive the same 286-hp engine). Sporting a front fascia clearly inspired by the 2008 Malibu's, the Traverse also inherits projector-style headlights available on its kin, but not on Chevy's mid-size sedan. In addition to wearing Chevrolet's new face, the Traverse has many of the same interior and exterior features available on the Enclave/Acadia/Outlook, such as third-row seating, a rear-seat entertainment system with second-row controls, turn-by-turn navigation, a rear-view camera and optional 20-inch wheels. Many of the SUV's details are typical on higher-priced vehicles but the Traverse brings them to a level that is accessible to more customers. The Traverse is said to have the sportiest ride of the group and its interior is completely different and has a slightly more powerful engine. Pricing is expected to be a bit lower than the Saturn Acadia, but a fully loaded version might be a bit higher. 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.
“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:
“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 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:
We will have a full review of the new 2009 Traverse after we get one in our hands. What we can tell you now is that we like the Saturn Arcadia and Buick Enclave from which the Traverse is based. With its new engine and a sportier drive, this should be one great large CUV.
2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE SPECIFICATIONS Overview
Engine
Transmission & Power Take Off Unit (PTU)
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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. 