Chevrolet Traverse

Chevrolet Traverse
Overview
Manufacturer General Motors
Production 2008–present (North America)
Model years 2009–present (North America)
Assembly Spring Hill, Tennessee, United States (2008–2009);
Lansing Delta Township Assembly,
Delta Township, Michigan, United States (2010–present)
Body and chassis
Class Full-size crossover SUV
Body style 4-door SUV
Layout Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Platform GM Lambda platform/GMT561 (Series GMT960)
Related GMC Acadia
Buick Enclave
Saturn Outlook
Powertrain
Engine 3.6 L LLT  V6
Transmission 6-speed 6T75 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 118.9 in (3,020 mm)
Length 2009-2012: 205.0 in (5,207 mm)
2013-: 203.7 in (5174 mm)
Width 78.4 in (1,991 mm)
Height 2009: 69.7 in (1,770 mm)
2010–12: 70.4 in (1,788 mm)
2013-: 72.8 in (1849 mm)
Curb weight 2136 kg (4700 Lbs)
Chronology
Predecessor Chevrolet Uplander and Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT (North America)
Chevrolet Blazer (South America)

The Chevrolet Traverse is a seven or eight seat, full-size crossover SUV built on the GM Lambda platform that underpins the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave. It is a successor to both the Uplander and Chevrolet TrailBlazer. The Traverse was built in Spring Hill, Tennessee from its introduction until late 2009, when production was moved to the same Delta Township Assembly plant in Lansing, Michigan that produces the other Lambda-platform crossovers as a replacement for the Saturn Outlook because of GM phasing out the Saturn brand. However, Saturn Outlook production resumed for a short time during early 2010 at the same plant. The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse debuted at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show and arrived at every dealer in October 2008.

Powertrain

The Chevrolet Traverse features the LLT engine, a 3,564 cc (3.564 L; 217.5 cu in) DOHC V6 with VVT and direct injection.[1] The other Lambda-based vehicles also have this powertrain in the 2009 model year. A 6-speed automatic transmission gives power to the front or all wheels.[2] The Traverse delivers 281 hp (210 kW) with the torque at 266 lb·ft. in the LS and LT models. The LTZ model, with dual exhaust, delivers 288 hp (215 kW) and the torque comes in at 270 lb·ft.

YearExhaustEnginePowerTorqueTransmission
2009–Single3.6 L LLT V6281 hp (210 kW)266 lb·ft (361 N·m)6-speed 6T75
2009–Dual3.6 L LLT V6288 hp (215 kW)270 lb·ft (366 N·m)

Design

The Traverse name was originally used for a concept car at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but that concept gave way when the Chevrolet Equinox launched for the 2005 model year. The production Traverse's design was inspired by the 2005 Chevrolet Sequel concept, and has a chevron-shaped grille similar to the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The Traverse has unique sheet metal different from the other Lambda crossovers, with the exception of the doors.

Marketing

The Traverse was part of a product placement by GM in the NBC drama My Own Worst Enemy, along with the new Chevrolet Camaro; the show was cancelled in mid-November 2008. The vehicle also appears on the remake of Hawaii Five-0 and The Mentalist.

Updates and facelifts

2010

On the LT models, the early 2010 update caused the Traverse to lose the "TRAVERSE" badges on the front doors. Shortly after the production shift to Lansing, the GM badges were removed from the front doors,[3] particularly for the 2010.5 model year run. Like the Chevrolet Impala, the 2010 model year of the Traverse made it one of the few Chevrolet vehicles to have been updated twice.

2013 Facelift

2013 facelift

A smiling facelift of the Chevrolet Traverse was unveiled at the 2012 New York Auto Show. The 2013 Traverse receives a new grill and front fascia, a redesigned rear liftgate, and reworked Camaro-inspired tail lights, and the transmission has been reworked for improved shift quality and timing. Pictures were released by GM on March 28, 2012. Chevrolet's new color touch-screen and MyLink radios are standard, as well as wood interior trim. Both cloth and leather seating surfaces will be available, depending on the model. Cloth is standard on the LS and 1LT models, and leather is standard on the LTZ. Both are available on the 2LT model. Some new wheels will be available, and models will continue to be offered in both front wheel drive and all wheel drive versions, ranging from the base LS to the top-of-the-line LTZ. Base price for the 2013 Traverse LS is at $30,510. A Bose audio system will be standard on 2LT and LTZ models.[4][5]

2014

While there was no cosmetic changes made for the 2014 model year, Chevrolet did add new features to the Traverse: Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning. Also, the audio system feature was updated, with a dual charge USB port now located at the rear of the center console.[6]

2015

No cosmetic changes. Only two new features, a revised 18-inch wheel appearance and Siri Eyes Free, were added. Siren Red Tintcoat, Sable Metallic, and Blue Velvet Metallic became available as exterior colors, while Ebony/Saddle Up became available as an interior color option.[7]

Sales in the United States

Year Sales
2008 9,456[8]
2009[9] 91,074
2010[10] 106,744
2011[11] 107,131
2012 85,606
2013 96,467[12]
2014 103,943

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Chevrolet Traverse.