The Chevrolet Traverse is a full-size crossover SUV built on the GM Lambda platform that underpins the GMC Acadia. It replaces the long-wheelbase Uplander minivan and Chevrolet TrailBlazer SUV (both vehicles will be phased out after 2009), and will be built in Spring Hill, Tennessee; the former Saturn Production facility. The former Saturn Plant (where the Saturn S-Series, Saturn ION , and Saturn VUE) were produced from 1990-2007; was shut down at the end of March 2007 to be refitted for production of the Traverse.

Chevrolet's answer to the 2009 Ford Flex, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse debuted at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show and will arrive in showrooms in the fall of 2008.

The Chevrolet Traverse will feature a 3.6L V6 engine with VVT and direct injection. The other Lambda-based vehicles will get this powertrain update in the 2009 model year. A 6-speed automatic transmission will give power to front or all wheels. The Traverse will also feature a single exhaust tip delivering 281 hp (210 kW) with the 3.6L VVT engine or dual exhaust tips delivering 286 hp (213 kW).

The Traverse name was originally shown as a concept car at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but that concept gave way when the Chevrolet Equinox launched for the 2005 model year. The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse's appearance will be more similar to the Buick Enclave than the GMC Acadia or Saturn Outlook, as seen in recent spy photos. The crossover was shown at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. In recent spy photos, the Traverse seems to have a "Chevron" shaped grill similar to the grill found on the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. Pictures taken before the 2008 Chicago Auto Show confirm that the chevron shaped grille found on the Malibu is present on the Traverse, as well as unique sheet metal different from those of the other Lambda crossovers.

View also:

Chevrolet Corvette - Chevrolet Equinox - Chevrolet Camaro - Chevrolet Orlando - Chevrolet Volt - Chevrolet Cruze - Chevrolet Beat

Chevrolet Classic - Chevrolet Cobalt - Chevrolet Colorado - Chevrolet Coupé - Chevrolet Groove - Chevrolet HHR - Chevrolet S3X - Chevrolet Silverado - Chevrolet SSR - Chevrolet Trax - Chevrolet Ultra

Check out the Chevrolet Traverse wallpapers and Chevrolet Traverse Pictures (pics) collection below: