The Traverse is here...

[beach109]

...and is just like expected. Very much like a Malibu-esque Lambda, which is a good thing.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/06/c...da-superfecta/

http://chevytraverseforum.com/index.php?showtopic=30



As for the Lambda-tuned DI 3.6L:

The 3.6L engine's direct-injection technology helps produce power similar to many V-8 engines and uses regular unleaded gasoline. The Traverse is rated at an estimated 286 horsepower (213 kW)* and 255 lb.-ft. of torque (345 Nm)* with dual exhaust (281 hp/210 kW* and 253 lb.-ft./343 Nm* with single exhaust) - but delivers better-than-expected fuel economy. Ninety percent of the engine's peak torque is available from approximately 2,500 rpm to more than 6,000 rpm.

With direct injection, fuel is sprayed directly into the engine cylinder, where it is mixed with air. As the fuel vaporizes in the cylinder, the air and fuel mixture is cooled. This enables the use of a higher compression ratio in the combustion chamber, which improves engine performance and efficiency. Less fuel is required to produce the equivalent horsepower - particularly at normal cruising speeds - of a conventional, port-injection system. Also, the use of unique pistons with the direct-injection system helps reduce cold-start emissions by 25 percent.

Advanced, high-pressure fuel injectors are used to reduce noise and comprise only one of numerous underhood features designed to minimize or eliminate noise, vibration and harshness. Other elements include an acoustically tuned engine cover and intake manifold and center-feed fuel lines. Also, a new engine mount system reduces vibration at idle.

The 3.6L engine is mated to the Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission, an advanced transmission with clutch-to-clutch shift operation for front- and all-wheel-drive vehicles. The transmission's six-gear configuration allows for a "steep" 4.48:1 first gear, which helps deliver exceptional launch feel, and a 0.74:1 overdrive sixth gear - the "tall" overdrive gear lowers rpm at high speeds, reducing noise and vibration. Also, the 6T75 offers automatic grade braking, shift stabilization and precise shift control.

[skydrive]

I think it's great! Plus, many of the features will find their way to the rest of the Lambdas for 2009 - Bluetooth, heated/cooled seats, rearview camera in the rearview mirror, larger wheels/tires and direct injection 3.6. It will be really interesting to see how pricing compares to the Outlook especially.

I would still give the Outlook the edge in exterior styling however. At least GM didn't do a cheapo rebadge and made the Traverse distinctly different.

[gmgineer]

Official press release: http://media.gm.com/us/gm/en/news/ev...206/index.html

[BradJK]

I have to agree with Skydrive.
I'm very impressed with the Chevrolets design,
especially that it doesn't appear to rip off any of the 3 originals styling.

Now when will the Direct injection engines spread to the other vehicles?
Even if only the XR got it, id be happy. I'm curious how much fuel economy will improve?

[ThePlainsman]

OMG, the Traverse is hideous! Those awful tail-lights, and the front end is all Malibu. I say that as a guy whose first four cars were all Chevys. I like the cruising range of 500 miles. That's very impressive. I don't even know the cruising range on the Outlook. I think it's in the 300s, which is pitiful.

[beach109]

Originally Posted by BradJK

I have to agree with Skydrive.
I'm very impressed with the Chevrolets design,
especially that it doesn't appear to rip off any of the 3 originals styling.

Now when will the Direct injection engines spread to the other vehicles?
Even if only the XR got it, id be happy. I'm curious how much fuel economy will improve?

All of the new features it gets will be across the entire Lambda line for 2009...so every Outlook, every Acadia, etc. will have the same Direct Injection engine standard, optional Bluetooth, etc.

People on other boards are already moaning about the hp/torque numbers being little different on paper, but there's still more grunt and it's expected to be in a more usable powerband (i.e. more torque available sooner), and the Direct Injection puts out less emissions and a bit better mileage. As for that mileage, it really will likely rate at just 1mpg higher and most people would never get anything different than they would with a current model, but every little bit helps.

[Tethys]

I just posted in the 11-page (currently) Traverse thread on GMI, I'm glad someone already started a thread here.

The Traverse's mere existence bothers me because I think it will translate into stolen Outlook sales. Even though the final base price hasn't been revealed, it's supposed to undercut the Outlook by several thousand dollars (figures from $4,000 - $8,000 less have been bandied about).

While all 2009s receive the new upgrades, combine those with the lower price and for families who need room while shopping on a budget, the decision's plain; they'll go for the Traverse. Add to that Chevrolet's extensive dealer network and it's doubly a no-brainer.

Charlie, has Saturn told you that the Zafira's coming in 2010 or 2011 to replace the Outlook? With just 1,941 units moved last month and less than 35,000 sold since introduction, I'm starting to think this model's days are numbered. Saturn's woeful lack of advertising and small retailer body are added impediments, IMO.

I don't agree that GM needs four CUVs and if Chevy wasn't part of the plan at the start, it should have been forced to sit this model out.

[onefunkar]

theyve had 4 of these since they were venture, transport, sillouette and whatever the buick was. at least now they do a good job of making them look somewhat different.

[Tethys]

The "Dustbuster" (or plastic pachyderms as Lutz referred to them when he worked for Chrysler) APVs you mentioned (Lumina APV, Trans Sport and Silhouette) were mini-vans (two front swing-out side doors and two sliding side doors, not four swing-out side doors) and Buick didn't get one until the Terrazza debuted. Those later vans (Venture/Uplander, Trans Sport/Montana and Relay) were steel-bodied.

These mini-vans aren't exactly the best antecedents for the CUVs we have now and I believe there was too much overlap with those mini-vans as well.

[Chevy_Rules]

Originally Posted by Tethys

I just posted in the 11-page (currently) Traverse thread on GMI, I'm glad someone already started a thread here.

The Traverse's mere existence bothers me because I think it will translate into stolen Outlook sales. Even though the final base price hasn't been revealed, it's supposed to undercut the Outlook by several thousand dollars (figures from $4,000 - $8,000 less have been bandied about).

While all 2009s receive the new upgrades, combine those with the lower price and for families who need room while shopping on a budget, the decision's plain; they'll go for the Traverse. Add to that Chevrolet's extensive dealer network and it's doubly a no-brainer.

Charlie, has Saturn told you that the Zafira's coming in 2010 or 2011 to replace the Outlook? With just 1,941 units moved last month and less than 35,000 sold since introduction, I'm starting to think this model's days are numbered. Saturn's woeful lack of advertising and small retailer body are added impediments, IMO.

I don't agree that GM needs four CUVs and if Chevy wasn't part of the plan at the start, it should have been forced to sit this model out.

GM doesn't give a crap about the Outlook. It's dead in the next gen. It only exists to help recoup the cost of the Lambda platform which was extremely over budget. So they won't mind the Traverse stealing its sales.

[Uzzy]

That's better looking than the Outlook and Acadia, for sure. The Enclave is still by far the best of them bunch. I love that thing.

EDIT: Ok, I looked at the back and I'm not as much of a fan of the back, but it's not that bad. I really like the front and the headlights.

[f3qu3t]

In regards to pricing, the Traverse (LT) may be $6000 cheaper than the Outlook, but it will most definitely have that $6000 difference taken out of the standard equipment that comes with the Outlook. That's if it will be a difference of $6000. Regardless, when similarly equipped, the Traverse and Outlook with have roughly the same price - as with all Lambdas.

And if that is not the case, and the Traverse is still cheaper, you will be losing something, whether it's ride comfort, quietness, quality of materials, etc. How much sense would it make to have an identical vehicle under a different mask priced less?

Chevy needs the Traverse. They need to have something to sell to those who are looking for a minivan type vehicle. -- I think they begged GM for it.

[djhhjd]

The rear windows and rear profile look just the Buick. I love the projected cheaper price and will really consider it next time around, all the goodies plus for less money its almost a no brainer! I still love my Outlook though and its looks, maybe Saturn will rethink their pricing when Chevy starts taking sales away from them.

[beach109]

The price difference isn't going to be as huge as people continue to speculate. Moreso, a base LS with black mirrors, smaller/cheaper wheels, etc. will start lower than all the others...but not thousands less, just a bit.

No firm information yet, but it's pretty easy to tell when people speculate too much on certain things, when they just aren't possible.

[cdp326]

Originally Posted by Tethys

Charlie, has Saturn told you that the Zafira's coming in 2010 or 2011 to replace the Outlook? With just 1,941 units moved last month and less than 35,000 sold since introduction, I'm starting to think this model's days are numbered. Saturn's woeful lack of advertising and small retailer body are added impediments, IMO.

That doesn't mean it's selling poorly. My retailer almost ran out of Outlooks in stock over the summer because they were selling well. The Outlook wasn't expected to sell in huge loads in the first place.

These mini-vans aren't exactly the best antecedents for the CUVs we have now and I believe there was too much overlap with those mini-vans as well.

Yes, but even regardless of that shrinking minivan segment, how often do you hear of complaints of minivan rebadges? It never really hurt Chrysler all these years.

[guyatherton]

It is unlikely that GM can support four large crossovers based on the lambda. The Chevy will steal sales from the Outlook since Chevy has a bigger dealer network, a cheaper start price, more advertising and looks similarish to the Outlook (compared to Acadia and Enclave which are more differentiated).
Maybe the Outlook with its relatively low sales (<35000 a year) will be replaced by the smaller Zafira - continuing the Opel connection. There is no Outlook sized vehicle in the Opel range.

[beach109]

Originally Posted by guyatherton

It is unlikely that GM can support four large crossovers based on the lambda. The Chevy will steal sales from the Outlook since Chevy has a bigger dealer network, a cheaper start price, more advertising and looks similarish to the Outlook (compared to Acadia and Enclave which are more differentiated).
Maybe the Outlook with its relatively low sales (<35000 a year) will be replaced by the smaller Zafira - continuing the Opel connection. There is no Outlook sized vehicle in the Opel range.

It has been said the Outlook will fade away (but I can't remember if that was ruled out as pure rumor), with the next gen. We'll see.

For Saturn, and the way of their pricing and limited dealerships, a very large and relatively pricey vehicle doesn't seem to be their hottest ticket. Shame, because it's great and has gotten buyers previously looking at the GMC, Buick, and others...but we'll see. It could be around for a very long time, or not.

One thing for sure, the Chevy won't help it at all. Especially so, it may turn out a lot like the current hot Malibu vs. dead Aura, depending on how marketing, etc. goes. The Chevy pricing still will NOT be as big of a difference as people have heard, but the wider model spread, MANY more dealers, etc. will all take a chunk.

[scotted73]

Originally Posted by ThePlainsman

OMG, the Traverse is hideous! Those awful tail-lights, and the front end is all Malibu. I say that as a guy whose first four cars were all Chevys. I like the cruising range of 500 miles. That's very impressive. I don't even know the cruising range on the Outlook. I think it's in the 300s, which is pitiful.

396-572 for FWDs
374-528 for AWDs

This is based on the Outlook's 22 gal tank and 18/26 mpg for FWD and 17/24 mpg for AWD.
Of course this will vary but is still in line with the DI engine which adds about 1 mpg.

[AuraDrvr89]

I was hoping we would be surprised to see something that didn't look almost identical to the outlook/acadia/enclave ensemble...


..Out of the 4, the Enclave is my favorite..

I'm thinking this will sell well though. Plus, it is aggressive looking

[darnell89]

The Traverse looks so much better than the Enclave. BUT! The Outlooks looks the best out of the four.



Names have different PLATFORMS:

SATURN Outlook = GMC Arcadia (Same Platform)

Buick Enclave = Chevy Traverse (Same Platform)