Chevrolet Traverse revealed ahead of NY Auto Show

Drew Dowdell - March 28th, 2012 - CheersandGears.com

Not wanting to be outdone by Ford's announcement today of the Ecoboost V6 powered 2013 Ford Explorer Sport, Chevrolet release a full photo spread and press release of the refreshed 2013 Chevrolet Traverse crossover.

The new Traverse sports a new face that steps away from Chevy's traditional horizontal split grill design. Along with gaining the industry wide standard traditional trapezoid grill with 3 horizontal bars and chrome ring, the traverse gains new front fender sculpting and new tail light treatments.

The refreshed interior gets a new dash and a 6.5-inch color touch screen radio and available MyLink system.

Press release on page 2

2013 Chevy Traverse Gives Families New Gathering Space

· New athletic exterior debuts Chevrolet crossover utility face

· More refined interior with class-leading space for cargo and up to eight passengers

· New and industry-exclusive safety features including front center air bag

· Improved car-like ride and handling

NEW YORK – The new 2013 Chevrolet Traverse crossover-utility vehicle offers families a new gathering space with greater style, refinement and safety. It goes into production later this year, building on the space, comfort and efficiency that have made Traverse popular.

“The new Traverse is a family vehicle without compromise,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet Global Marketing and Strategy. “It is more capable than many sport-utility vehicles, with as much room as a minivan and better functionality than both. The Traverse is clever, capable and confident – and there when you need it most.”

The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse has a new, athletic exterior design, complemented by a more expressive front end that introduces a new face for Chevrolet crossover utilities.

The front features a new shape supported by a powerdome hood, a three-bar upper and two-bar lower grille design, new lamps, chrome accents around the grille and fog lamps, and sculpted front corners similar to the Malibu sedan. The new design captures the overall character of Chevy’s new car lineup, for a consistent family resemblance.

“We have injected a stronger presence into the Traverse exterior by focusing on the details,” said Phillip Zak, GM director of exterior design. “The small but important changes give it a more vibrant personality that more closely reflects the lifestyles of the families who rely on the Traverse to get them through their busy lives.”

At the rear, redesigned lamps and the license plate pocket are positioned in the new liftgate for a sportier look.

New family gathering space

Space is the hallmark of the Traverse interior. With its class-leading spaciousness, comfortable and flexible seating for up to eight adults, and more cargo-carrying capacity than any other vehicle in its segment, the 2013 Chevy Traverse builds on these established attributes by offering an interior environment with new features and refined appointments.

Upgraded materials include soft-touch surfaces on the instrument panel and front door uppers, contrasting stitching, chrome and silver accents, and available blue ambient lighting that flows through the cabin.

A new center stack showcases a 6.5-inch color touch radio with the available Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system. MyLink allows customers to seamlessly integrate their smartphones for hands-free calling through the audio system and Bluetooth streaming of popular internet radio favorites Pandora and Stitcher. The center stack also has large and illuminated climate controls that are easier to use and have a more upscale feel.

The front seats now feature articulating head restraints that can be adjusted up or down and fore and aft for greater comfort. The eight-way power passenger seat includes leather trim. New wood trim treatments are standard on LT and LTZ.

Adding to the overall feel of quality, the fit and finish of the interior panels have been improved on all models. The new Traverse will come with three interior color choices, in cloth or leather, including Ebony and Mojave, Light Titanium and Dark Titanium, and Ebony.

Passes the parent test

The Traverse passes the parent test with three rows of seating standard on all models, flexible seating configurations, class-leading people and cargo-carrying capacity, and family-friendly entertainment and other features.

Traverse’s second-row seat comes with a pair of captain’s chairs or a three-passenger bench. Each incorporates Traverse’s child-friendly, second-row SmartSlide feature that enables unobstructed access to the third-row bench seat with one hand – and is easy for children to operate.

The third-row seat can comfortably accommodate three adult passengers. Traverse’s 24.4 cu. ft. (691 liters) of cargo room behind its third row is larger than many full-size utility vehicles. Traverse also has easy-to-operate safety belts, up to 12 cup holders and an available rear-seat entertainment system.

Efficient power and car-like ride

Traverse has a long 118.9-inch (3,019 mm) wheelbase, with a wide 67.8-inch (1,721 mm) front track and 67.4-inch (1,712 mm) rear track – a combination that enables smooth, stable ride and handling characteristics.

Efficiency in the Traverse comes from a technically advanced 3.6L V-6 with fuel-saving direct injection technology and continuously variable valve timing. It is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission with improved shift feel that results in more confident acceleration when the driver needs additional power to enter the highway or pass another motorist.

The engine is SAE-certified at 288 horsepower (215 Nm) and 270 lb.-ft. of torque (366 Nm) with dual exhaust (281 hp/210 kW and 266 lb.-ft./361 Nm with single exhaust). Its direct injection fuel delivery helps produce power similar to many V-8 engines and uses regular unleaded gasoline.

The transmission controls have been revised to provide quicker and more consistent shifts. Along with additional transmission hardware changes, the Traverse is expected to continue to deliver among the best fuel economy ratings of any eight-passenger (FWD) utility vehicle.

Ride and handling improvements have been made through the use of rebound springs in the front struts that increase roll control. New shock valving has been employed for low-velocity control to deliver a smoother ride at lower speeds.

The available intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system provides increased traction on slippery roads by actively managing the torque distribution between the front and rear axles, based on factors such as wheel speed, throttle and surface conditions. There is no driver intervention; the system automatically decides how much torque to apply and delivers it to the wheels that have the best traction.

Traverse maintains capability to deliver improved ride and handling, offering utility-like towing capacity of up to 5,200 pounds (2,358 kg).

Smart and safe family hauler

The Traverse is among the safest vehicles on the road today, previously earning top honors and recognition from leading third-party organizations and in government crash testing.

For 2013 it enhances its safety reputation with the industry’s first front center air bag. It is engineered to provide additional restraint to drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes, where the affected occupant is on the opposite, non-struck side of the vehicle.

When a severe impact occurs, the air bag deploys in milliseconds from the inboard side of the driver’s seat and inflates between the driver and front passenger, providing added protection for both front occupants.

“While no restraint technology or feature can address all body areas or all potential injuries, the front center air bag is designed to address field-relevant, side-impact crashes that are not addressed by current regulatory or consumer metric test conditions,” said Gay Kent, GM executive director of Vehicle Safety and Crashworthiness. “It works with the vehicle’s other air bags, safety belts and structure to deliver a safer occupant environment.”

Additional safety and security features:

· Available Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems (standard on LTZ) use radar to watch spots the driver may not see – and provide visible and audible warnings to help prevent collisions.

• Standard head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for outboard occupants in all seating rows. In addition to providing protection in moderate-to-severe side crashes, the roof-mounted head curtain air bags will deploy in a rollover to help provide increased occupant protection and containment.
  
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation technology is standard on all models and incorporates full-function traction control.
  
• Standard rearview camera system is designed to provide the driver with added capability to view what is in the rearward path of the vehicle.
  

· Standard four-wheel-disc brake systemwith ABS featuring smooth, quiet operation, longer pad life and more resistance to brake pulsation.

· Safety belt pretensioners reduce forward movement during a collision, and are standard on the front safety belts, along with load-limiting retractors that help limit the belts’ impact on the occupants’ chest. The dynamic locking latch plate locks to hold the occupants’ pelvis in place.

· LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat attachment system is included in outboard second-row seating positions.

· Tire pressure monitoring system is standard on all models.

· Strong body structure to absorb crash energy and provide a protective “safety cage” around occupants.

· Standard hill start assist brakes help reduce the tendency of a vehicle to roll forward or backward on a hill after the brake pedal is released by momentarily retaining pressure on the brake discs.

OnStar Features

OnStar is standard on all Traverse models. It uses GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of a crash. OnStar subscribers also can use the service to be Good Samaritans by sending help to other motorists, and to call for help in other non-crash emergencies.

· OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada.

· Six months of complimentary OnStar Directions and Connections service with Turn-by-Turn Navigation for easier route guidance comes on all Traverse models. The feature is easy to use because all directions are sent to the car by an advisor, without the need to stop. Turn-by-Turn can be cost-effective, since map updates and aftermarket navigation systems are not needed.

· Stolen Vehicle Assistance helps police track the vehicle.

· OnStar Mobile App allows owners with Android™ or Apple™ smart phones to remotely start the engine, lock and unlock doors and view vital vehicle information such as tire pressure, fuel tank level, range, remaining oil life, etc.

For 2013, Traverse is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models (with two LT packages: 1LT and 2LT), in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. It is built in Lansing, Mich. Pricing is not announced.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com

2013 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Model:

Chevrolet Traverse

Body style / driveline:

crossover-utility vehicle / front-engine; front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive

Construction:

body-frame integral

EPA vehicle class:

sport utility vehicle

Manufacturing location:

Lansing Delta Township Assembly, Lansing, Mich.

Key competitors:

Honda Pilot; Ford Explorer

Engine

Type:

3.6L V-6 DI VVT

Displacement (cu in / cc):

217 / 3564

Bore & stroke (in / mm):

3.70 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6

Block material:

cast aluminum

Cylinder head material:

cast aluminum

Valvetrain:

DOHC; four valves per cylinder; continuously variable valve timing

Fuel delivery:

direct, high-pressure fuel injection

Compression ratio:

11.3:1

Horsepower (hp / kW):

281 / 210 @ 6300 (single exhaust)*

288 / 215 @ 6300 (dual exhaust)*

Torque (lb-ft / Nm):

266 / 361 @ 3400 (single exhaust)*

270 / 366 @ 3400 (dual exhaust)*

Recommended fuel:

regular unleaded

Max. engine speed (rpm):

6700

Emissions controls:

dual close-coupled converters; two pre- and two post-oxygen sensors

EPA fuel economy:

17 / 24 (FWD)

16 / 23 (AWD)

Transmission & Power Take Off Unit (PTU)

Manufacturer:

GM

Type:

Hydra-Matic 6T75 6-speed FWD/AWD automatic transmission

Gear ratio (:1)

First:

4.48

Second:

2.87

Third:

1.80

Fourth:

1.41

Fifth:

1.00

Sixth:

0.74

Reverse:

2.88

Final drive ratio:

3.16

Chassis / Suspension

Front:

coil-over strut; direct acting stabilizer bar; full perimeter isolated cradle

Rear:

linked H-arm independent suspension; coil springs with twin-tube shock absorbers mounted on isolated sub-frame

Steering type:

hydraulic rack-and-pinion; straight ratio and variable effort

Steering ratio:

16.1

Steer wheel turns, lock-to-lock:

2.89

Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m):

40.4 / 12.3

Brakes

Type:

four-wheel disc

Rotor diameter (in / mm):

front: 12.8 x 1.1 / 325 x 29, ventilated

rear: 13 x 0.8 / 331 x 20, ventilated

Anti-lock braking system (ABS):

Bosch 8.0 Chassis Controls: ABS / ETC / ESC w/rollover mitigation

Wheels / Tires

Wheel size and type:

17 x 7-in; steel

18 x 7.5-in; machined cast aluminum

20 x 8-in; machined cast aluminum

Tire size and type:

P245/70R17 ALS blackwall

P255/65R18 ALS blackwall

P255/55R20 AL3 blackwall

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm):

118.9 / 3019

Overall length (in / mm):

203.7 / 5173

Overall width (in / mm):

78.4 / 1991

Overall height (in / mm):

72.8 / 1846 (w/roof rails); 69.7 / 1770 (w/o roof rails)

Track

Front (in / mm):

67.8 / 1721

Rear (in / mm):

67.4 / 1711

Curb weight (lb / kg):

4713 / 2138 (FWD)

4956 / 2248 (AWD)

Min. ground clearance (in / mm):

7.2 / 183 (FWD and AWD)

Interior

Seating capacity:

7 or 8

Headroom

First row (in /mm):

40.4 / 10264 (w/o sunroof); 38.6 / 979 (w/ sunroof)

Second row (in / mm):

39.4 / 1000 (w/o sunroof); 38.73 / 983 (w/ sunroof)

Third row (in / mm):

37.8 / 960 (w/o sunroof); 38.1 / 968 (w/ sunroof)

Legroom

First row (in / mm):

41.3 / 1049

Second row (in / mm):

36.8 / 937

Third row (in / mm):

33.2 / 843

Shoulder room

First row (in / mm):

61.5 / 1563

Second row (in / mm):

61 / 1549

Third row (in / mm):

57.6 / 1463

Hip room

First row (in / mm):

58 / 1472

Second row (in / mm):

57.8 / 1467

Third row (in / mm):

48.3 / 1227

Cargo volume

Behind first row (second-row seat folded and third-row seat and cargo management system removed (cu ft / L):

116.3 / 3293

Behind second row with third-row seat and cargo management system removed (cu ft / L):

70.3 / 1990

Behind third row with cargo management system removed (cu ft / L):

24.4 / 691

Capacities

EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L):

150.8 / 4269

Fuel tank (gal / L):

22 / 83.3

Engine oil (qt / L):

5.5 / 5.2

Transmission fluid (qt / L):

9.5 / 9.0 (Dexron VI only)

Cooling system (qt / L):

11.8 / 11.18

Max towing capacity (lb / kg):

5200 / 2358

GCWR (lb / kg):

10250 / 4649 (FWD)

10450 / 4740 (AWD)

GVWR (lb / kg):

6411 / 2908 (FWD)

6459 / 2930 (AWD)

*SAE certified.

Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.