The Blazer
midsize crossover is one of the eye-popping new vehicles on sale right here at Jim Butler, and as we have been
pouring over the latest of digital news this past week, a new report that Motortrend.com
gleaned from GM Authority claims that a brand-new
three-row version is in the works. Production is scheduled for the SAIC-GM
Jinqiao Cadillac plant in Shanghai, with the possibility of another facility
elsewhere cranking out units as well. We think that this new model could
closely resemble the Chevy FNR-Carry-All Concept that debuted at the 2018
Guanzhou Motor Show last year.
It features design cues that are similar to what
are found on the spry-and-sinister Camaro, and has six seats. Also potentially
being named the Blazer XL, it would feature a more traditional roofline than
the current Blazer's. Larger doors and a tailgate sporting a more vertical
stance would be in the works as well, and the new crossover is expected to
boast 5.5 inches more length than the two-row Blazer. The current-model
Traverse has a wheelbase that measures 120.9 inches, compared to this new
three-row Blazer's expected 112.9-inch base. This size difference is definitely
comparable, but many others in the auto media world are wondering if it is
enough to persuade GM to offer yet another additional 3-row crossover in the
states.
According to the report, there are under-the-radar
SAIC-GM documents that categorize the three -row Blazer
under the vehicle program code identical to C1UC, which is the same as the
standard Blazer. This leads us to believe that both models sit on the same C1
architecture that also underpins the Cadillac XT5. GM Authority fully
expects the Blazer XL to have two powertrain varieties: a 305-hp 3.6-liter V-6,
and a turbocharged 2.0-liter Inline-4 offering 240 hp, only available in China.
The current model is offered with the V-6, and a base 193-hp 2.5-liter
inline-four; everyone on staff here loves the grunt and gusto of the 6 cylinder,
and the can-do exploratory spirit of the Blazer that made its way back
triumphantly with a dose of a bit more current flair and family-friendly
luster.
The Blazer's history dates back to 1969 when times
of turbulence, unrest, but also a pinnacle time of rebirth redefined our entire
nation. It was then introduced as a large three-door SUV and was long favored
as the go-to vehicle for those who loved the convenience of hauling that a
truck offered minus the extra-large frame. The current Blazer features both 4WD
and AWD, which a choice of L, Blazer 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT, RS, and Premier trim
levels. The review staff hard at work heading up the Cnet Roadshow reflected
after a test drive of the current model that it is much more road-and commute
friendly, and exchanges the trucky ride of the older Blazer for something that
evokes a bit more in the day-to-day practicality arena. The revamping of a
classic is always exciting news, and as the Blazer has shown time and time
again, the relationship between the wild and less-worn roads can be a bold and
beautiful thing!