The latest generation of the Chevrolet Blazer was received rather coldly in the circle of SUV enthusiasts. The return of the model in 2018, betting on a name that built its reputation on the kilometers traveled – slowly – on hard-to-drive trails, marked a fundamental change in philosophy with its monocoque skeleton and Camaro-inspired design. The bow tie brand now wants to breathe new life into it with an all-electric livery that is particularly wide-ranging. Here are the highlights.
Posted at 11:45 a.m.
Always relying on a crossover posture, attractiveness obliges, this newcomer is in a way a more evocative adaptation of the design of its gasoline counterpart. Presenting a rather square face and curves on the side, it exposes its identity as an electric vehicle with a very long wheelbase, pushing the wheels practically to the four corners of the vehicle.
Three modes of propulsion
However, what clearly sets this Blazer EV apart from competitors currently sold or soon to be sold is its way of moving. The crossover will be detailed as much in front-wheel drive as in rear-wheel drive or with all-wheel drive. This testifies to the great flexibility of this platform, which embeds the latest generation Ultium electrical architecture, obviously composed of the battery and the motors as well as all the related elements. Of course, the front-wheel-drive version will be the most affordable.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GENERAL MOTORS
Chevrolet Blazer EV SS
Rather succinct on the technical aspect of the Blazer, Chevrolet claims that the entry-level LT version with front-wheel drive will have a range of 400 km, while the Blazer 2LT will be able to travel 70 km more, always in two-wheel drive version. before. Higher in the hierarchy, the rear-drive RS livery will be able to run 515 km. The latter is also offered in a front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive version. Finally, the sporty SS livery will have a slightly less range due to the power of its two engines, at 467 km.
The Blazer SS takes on the Mustang Mach-E GT
It is this last livery that is exposed in more detail. It will try to capture the attention of sports driving enthusiasts with its 557 hp and 648 lb-ft, figures higher than those of the Ford Mach-E GT (480 hp and 634 lb-ft). Brembo brakes will provide stopping power and the Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system will be integrated as standard.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GENERAL MOTORS
The interior of the Chevrolet Blazer EV SS
The Blazer EV is scheduled to go into production in the summer of 2023 with the 2LT and RS liveries selling for $59,148 and $63,848 respectively (freight included). This will be followed by the SS version ($83,548) in late 2023 and the entry-level 1LT ($54,548) livery in early 2024.