Introducing the 2009 Chevy Traverse
[Arriving Fall 2008]
The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse delivers a robust and satisfying combination of power, efficiency, ride and safety. The driving experience is supported by a sophisticated, 3.6L DOHC V-6 that features variable valve timing and gasoline direct-injection technology. It is designed to provide excellent power and efficiency that translates to usable, power-on-demand performance and what is expected to be the best highway fuel economy in the segment.
The engine is backed by a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission that channels power to a responsive, four-wheel independent suspension.
"Traverse delivers a win-win for customers: It is expected to have the best fuel economy in the segment, along with the most power," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "With its great looks and excellent driving characteristics, it's a vehicle that customers will love to drive."
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 and 255 lb.-ft. of torque with dual exhaust - but delivers better-than-expected fuel economy.
Advanced, high-pressure fuel injectors are used to reduce noise and comprise only one of numerous under-hood 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.
Also standard are several features that enhance ride and handling, as well as safety:
- StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology
- Traction control system
- Tire pressure monitoring system
The Traverse has 360-degree safety system that helps protect passengers before, during and after a crash, including new anchor pretensioners for outboard occupants and pelvic-thorax seat-mounted side air bags.
A strong structure is the foundation, and it is augmented by a wide stance and low center of gravity that reduce the likelihood of a rollover. Traverse's responsive four-wheel independent suspension also enhances safety by providing stable ride and handling characteristics.
Traverse is equipped with six standard air bags: two dual-stage frontal air bags, for the driver and front passenger, two seat-mounted pelvic-thorax side-impact air bags in the first row, which provide improved occupant coverage when compared against previous thorax side air bags, and two head curtain side-impact air bags that cover all three seating rows. The head curtain side air bags are among the longest air bags in any production vehicle.
Complementing the air bags is GM's rollover sensing system, which can preemptively activate the side-impact air bags if sensors determine a rollover is imminent. In the event of a rollover, the air bags stay inflated longer to provide increased occupant containment.
The Traverse comes standard with OnStar Generation which features Turn by Turn Navigation and the Advanced Automatic Crash Notification system. If the crash activates an air bag, the OnStar system automatically notifies an OnStar advisor, who immediately calls the vehicle and/or summons emergency help.
Also, on vehicles equipped with the available navigation system, the OnStar package includes OnStar Direction Download. With it, the customer can call OnStar with an address and the advisor will send the information directly to the navigation system, proving quick, hands-free guidance.
