New Chevy Crossover

GM’s Lambda-based crossover vehicles have been on the market for some time now, in the form of the GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and, most recently, the Buick Enclave, while the Chevrolet brand has continued without an entrant into full-sized crossover segment. But it appears things are about to change, as indicated by some spy photos taken earlier this week of the upcoming Lambda-based Chevrolet Traverse.

Automakers usually first build a test mule, a production body draped over the platform of an upcoming model, but since GM already has several other Lambda vehicles in production, Chevrolet was able to skip this step. Therefore, these are the first images of the Chevy Traverse, captured in Las Vegas of all places. The vehicle is, however, still in its prototype phase. While prototypes are usually fairly close to the production model, the camouflage on the front and rear of the vehicle indicates that Chevy might still be tweaking the crossover’s styling. Automakers also use the vinyl coverings to keep the overall design of the vehicle secret and, in the case of the Traverse, mission accomplished. But we have learned a few things about Chevy’s new Lambda.

Although the final styling is still a mystery, it is believed that the Traverse, Codename GMT 561, will share several styling cues with the new Malibu due out this fall. This seems very likely as it would give Chevy vehicles a unique corporate face, much like Ford has done with the three-bar chrome grill across its line-up. However, overall styling shouldn’t stray too far from the GMC Acadia or the Saturn Outlook.  And, like the other Lambda-based crossovers, power is expect to come from a 3.6 liter V6 and and be available in front or all-wheel drive configurations. Chevrolet is hoping that the more fuel-efficient eight passenger Traverse will help retain customers that no longer want to buy large, inefficient SUVs such as the Chevrolet Suburban. It has yet to be seen whether offering multiple Lambda vehicles will entice new customers from other makes or cannibalize sales among GM divisions.

Unlike GM’s other large crossovers, the Traverse will be built at the Spring Hill, Tennessee plant, formerly a Saturn only facility. Because of how far along the prototype looks, it is expected that the Traverse will begin production in August 2008, making it ready for the 2009 model year. The name Traverse, however, might not make it to production. Chevrolet has yet to confirmed a production name for the car. Based on those dates, the Traverse should make its debut at either January’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit or at February’s Chicago Auto Show. The Chicago show might be more likely as it is know for showing new trucks and SUVs.  Pricing of the Traverse is expected to be the lowest of the Lambdas, slotted below the Saturn Outlook. More photos at Leftlane News.