Chevrolet TrailBlazer debuts at Dubai international motor show

The Chevrolet TrailBlazer made its return on Thursday at the Dubai international motor show. The show vehicle is a precursor to the production version but is very similar, according to General Motors.

The seven-passenger TrailBlazer looks a lot like GM's recent SUV and crossover entries, with a rounded body, curved headlight housings and LED accents. You can see hints of the Chevy Traverse, Equinox and Orlando in the shape.

“Although this is a show vehicle, the overall design is faithful to the production version that will arrive in Chevrolet showrooms next year,” said John Stadwick, GM Middle East operations president. “TrailBlazer will be the ideal fit, not only for consumers in the Middle East, but in every place around the world where it will be sold.”

The SUV is based on the Chevrolet Colorado pickup, meaning it's a body-on-frame chassis, unlike many of the current crossovers with passenger-car underpinnings.

The TrailBlazer was designed with the philosophy of “body in, wheels out,” according to GM, leading to both high approach and departure angles. The hood is raised in the center to convey power while the dual-projector headlights sit below on either side of Chevy's dual-port grille. Polished aluminum accents the fascias, rocker panels, beltline and roof rack.

This global model carries a 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine under the hood.

The interior looks typical GM with a few upgraded bits in the center stack. The TrailBlazer will get dual-zone climate control as well as the latest infotainment system. A number of storage compartments are located throughout the cabin.

Second-row seats will tumble and fold flat, and the third row will do the same. GM says the last row won't just be glorified child-seat anchors, either.

“The third row in this SUV wasn't an afterthought,” said Matt Noone, director of design for GM Brazil. “It's an authentic third row where people can sit comfortably for long trips.”

The new TrailBlazer will be sold in Thailand starting in 2012. For now, Chevy has no plans to bring it to the United States.

By Jake Lingeman