http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/02/n...r-to-be-a-cuv/

 

Chevrolet is killing the Trailblazer and replacing it with a CUV. Since the Trailblazer doesn't have a long history, they are going to use a different name.

I can understand why Ford is dropping the traditional Explorer. It is a relatively large heavy SUV that uses a lot of gas but it is not large enough or have a large enough engine to be a proper towing vehicle. The Explorer lacks the wheelbase and power for heavy towing and has no more room for passengers that a more economical CUV.

 

I think GM is replacing Chevrolet Trailblazer with Hummer H4.

 

The name Trailblazer does have history it was the original name back in the late 60's before GM shorten it to Blazer. Second the H4 is hummer not Chevy, Chevy will always have a mid size SUV type it just hasn't been decided if it will be BOF or CUV.

 

Will this new cuv explorer have a v8?

 

What is a CUV? I've never heard that term before.

Tim

 

..

Crossover Utility Vehicle---Built on a car platform.

 

CUV = fancy name for a station wagon

 

How can you be so sure?
Is this story about Explorer is true, Ford won't have mid-size SUV (Mercury Mountaineer will be probably gone). Why would Chevy be any different?

 

The unnamed replacement will be on the Lambda platform. The manufacturers have decided CUVs will
replace both minivans and midsized SUVs so they will simply take a minivan platform, add 4X4, reshape the body and eliminate the sliding doors. Honda did it, then cut the back off of it and called it a truck.

"General Motors has made it clear that they want a very large piece of the crossover market. Lambda-based vehicles will be crossover vehicles that are slotted between midsize and large. The first Lambda to arrive will be the Saturn Outlook, followed by the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave. After the current minivans are done, their Chevrolet and GMC replacements will be Lambda-based as well.

 

I would rather see them drop the nameplate than do this to it. I really thought Ford was making some good decisions under the new management, but this blows my mind. How can you make an explorer without a v8 option, without a frame, and it'll probably have a fwd option! How are people going to tow a boat with their explorer?

I guess this leaves the door open for a new ranger platform and to make a 4 door option of it too, but..

 

Ford and GM are doing this because this is what people want, I am with you it should stay BOF rwd/4x4 but I am a minority most people don't. At least full sizes with never go this route they need BOF for towing and so on.

 

There is really nothing wrong with the explorer going to unibody. The Jeep cherokee was unibody as well as the grand cherokee and were capable of being just as good as their competitone. IMO the problem withthe explorer is that it has gotten bigger, heavier, and bloated. Go back to the origional idea, a small/midsize suve that is around 4000 pounds IMO.

 

What ever happened to calling a station wagon a station wagon?

 

This made me laugh, it's true though.