GM Considers An X3 Fighter For Cadillac As Chevy TrailBlazer Denied Entry To America
A double shot of news on the General Motors SUV front. Automotive News is reporting that Cadillac considering a small SUV to compete with the BMW X3. A separate article suggests that the General will give auto writers another excuse to bitch about the lack of body-on-frame SUVs, with its decision not to import the Thai-engineered TrailBlazer.
On the “Bass Pro Shops” and “Draft Perry 2012” end of the spectrum, GM is setting body-on-frame fans up for disappointment, with their apparent disavowal of any American sales for the 2012 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. The new TrailBlazer is based on the new Colorado compact pickup, developed in Thailand and set to go on sale in 2013. Automotive News quotes a GM exec stating “… we have no plans to bring it here.” The TrailBlazer is possible competition for the Traverse crossover, which is the same size and does the same things as the TrailBlazer – and yes, the Traverse can apparently tow up to 5,200 lbs, which is adequate for a fair number of customers. While the Traverse has GM’s familiar 3.6L V6, the TrailBlazer’s sole engine choice for now is a 2.8L Duramax diesel – one which American customers are seemingly allergic to, if you ask anyone at an OEM marketing department.
More by Derek Kreindler
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It might be a good thing that GM is not going to bring the new generation of the "Trailblazer" to the US. If is is anything like the 2011 Thailand version (Isuzu Mu-Seven) based on the previous Colorado, it is fairly crude. The diesel powerplant is sweet though, and perfect for the truck..even with the 4-speed autobox behind it. Interior trim is just not up to today's standard, just like the Colorado, and it rides like the truck it is based on.