2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer SS

Now that sales of the mid-size Chevy ute have softened, resulting in mega discounts at dealers around the country, the bow-tie division is attempting to inject some sex appeal with this SS derivative. The main selling point is the installation of the Corvette's LS2 6.0-liter V-8 engine, making a solid 391 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque--enough to motivate the truck from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. To make sure that the truck isn't just about straight-line go, GM's High Performance Vehicle Operations tuned the suspension and upgraded the brakes. The SS features stiffer springs, an inch lower ride height, and thicker anti-roll bars, as well as standard StabiliTrak stability control. Larger, 12.8-inch diameter front brake discs are fitted, allied to new iron twin-piston calipers, while the monster twenty-inch aluminum wheels have 255/50 V-rated tires. The SS actually looks pretty mean and serious, thanks to more aggressive fascias, a black mesh grille, body color trim, and removal of exterior cladding. Inside, the SS gets a new instrument cluster, front bucket seats, a T-shaped shifter, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Cloth seats are standard, while leather is optional. The SS comes with rear-wheel drive--a limited slip differential is standard--or with available full-time all-wheel drive. The truck goes on sale late this fall.

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