[Chevy Blazer News]

With Ford pushing into the performance crossover game, is Chevy soon to follow? If they do, then it’s likely to be with a Chevy Blazer SS – seen here in our exclusive renderings.

So what would a Blazer SS entail? Sadly, it most certainly wouldn’t make use of the 6.2-liter V8 found in the Camaro SS. Pity!

Yes, 455-hp would be exciting.

The reason being that that engine is designed to work in rear-drive platforms and the Blazer’s C1XX platform is built for front and all-wheel drive applications.

With the V6-powered Blazer already making 306 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, a reasonable powertrain (assuming it can be made to work) would be the turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 used in a select few other GM products. For example, in the Cadillac CT6 it makes 404 hp at 5700 rpm and delivers 400 lb-ft of torque at 2500 rpm.

That would put the Blazer SS solidly above the Ford Edge ST, which makes use of a 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 with 335-hp and 380 lb-ft of torque.

In the CT6 the engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic and it’s not clear if the Blazer’s current 9-speed unit could be made to match up with the 3.0TT motor.

With this powertrain and standard AWD (for the Blazer SS), expect a 0-60 time of around 5.3 seconds.

Beyond that, look for plus-sized wheels (or the optional 21-inch wheels offered on the RS trim), a lowered suspension and more capable brakes.

Design highlights include blacked-out styling cues, a more aggressive front fascia with large fog light surrounds, and a hood bulge to indicate just what’s lying underneath. Our back, most notable would be the integrated chrome 4-pipe exhaust system.

Now the real question is, will Chevy build it? And what’s next, a Traverse SS?

 

[trailblazer]

core performance aside, I can't wait to see how they treat the interior
sportier seats like the Camaro SS and Chevy SS sedan would be ideal and even more so the Camaro's steering wheel!

 

[Layne]

If Chevy does decide to bring something like this to market, what are the chances that it will be in limited production for launch? That's probably the best way for them to mitigate risk, because at this point they dont even know how the RS model will sell.

 

[trailblazer]

I think its fair to say we'll see a set allotment from launch but it will always be in Chevrolets best interests to adjust demand as it shows. Never should they limit any product like this entirely. However it should be the case with higher end Chevy's, Corvette being one.

 

[Rhett]

If the SS starts north of $50k like these articles are suggesting then its going to be one of the more premium models we've seen from Chevy. Its all just speculation at this point and interest in something like this will be heavily dependent on the powertrain selected.

 

[trailblazer]

I wonder how much of its performance parts will be shared with Cadillac's upcoming models?

If were are going to see a real performer from GM it should mean sharing of real performance parts among select models. GM doesn't operate any other way.

 

[Kayfive]

I do have some concerns that an SS variant of the Blazer could mean more watered down versions on the Equinox, Traverse, Trax etc. And at these estimated prices, they are many other luxury performance crossovers that can be had.