Engine: LS2 6.0L V8
Displacement: 366ci
Compression ratio: 10.9:1
HP: 395 at 6,000rpm
Torque (lb-ft): 400 at 4,000rpm
Transmission: 4L70-E (3.06, 1.63, 1.00, 0.070:1)
Final drive ratio: 4.10:1
Front suspension: A-arm, 34mm anti-sway bar
Springs, f/r: Coil, lowered 1-inch
Rear suspension: Solid axle, five link, 24mm anti-sway bar
Differential: Limited-slip
Turning circle: 36.4 feet
Brakes, f/r: 12.8-inch vented discs, dual-piston calipers; 12.8-inch disc; ABS
Wheels/tires: 20x8-inch polished cast aluminum; Goodyear RS-A 255/50VR20
Weight distribution, f/r: 53/47 percent
Curb weight: 4552 pounds
Max trailer weight: 6,700 pounds
Fuel capacity: 22 gals.
EPA, city/highway: 15/19mpg
Performance: 0-60 (seconds): 5.8 seconds; (seconds/mph): 14.3/98.7; 60-0: 115 feet
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On the road, the SS shows its firm but fluid ride quality. The shock valving is tight and so is the turning radius, a couple of more reasons why the wagon feels so good when it’s just rolling along not trying to upset anyone. Spring rates and shock valving compliment one another and even the big tires quickly meld into the system. Certainly, all the money they poured into the race track suspension development has paid off.
The SS’s understated, low-key persona carries through to the interior as well. In two words, it’s gray and forgettable. But it’s also functional, has easy to access controls, and rear seat backs that flop over (nearly flat) as soon as you look at them. The front seats are firm but long-haul comfort was not one of our bogeys. They are supportive at the thigh and the bottoms don’t hurt your butt, so we think they work pretty well, too.
Okay. As much as we detest the SUV idea, if we had to have one, this particular SS would be it. In silver, it blends into the jaded Florida landscape with near anonymity. Not one civilian did a double take. Not one kid said wow. Perfect. And aftermarket goods could easily punch it into the 12s, if that’s what’s bothering you. What’s bothering us is that Chevrolet isn’t building a 3,500 pound rear-wheel drive sedan full of the same stuff.
Production runs on special iterations like the Traiblazer SS are usually short-lived and thus they become desirable from an investment or collector stance. We just hope they build something with balls that ordinary folk can afford. Ordinary Chevy folk out here are damn tired of saving face.