GM has released pictures of the new Chevrolet Outlook Traverse, set to start production this fall. In a press release, Chevy GM Ed Peper dismissed charges that Chevy's take on the Lambda platform should have been the first out of the box, rather than the last. (Never mind the only.) "We think the Traverse is the right vehicle at the right time." The new-ish CUV features styling cues "inspired by the acclaimed '08 Chevy Malibu." It comes in three trim levels (cheap, not so cheap and livable) and FWD or AWD variations. Chevy's offering a full complement of "amenities" to "enhance the driving experience for the driver and passengers alike" (how passengers could have an enhanced "driving experience" is a question left unanswered). The important thing is this: "the Traverse is following the formula that is bringing Chevy back to a new generation of consumers – great styling, loads of class-leading features and tremendous value." That's one way to describe a badge-engineered Chevy that will cannibalize sales from GM's other divisions. If the Saturn Outlook was doomed before, it's doomederer now. And the final indignity? The Traverse will hail from Saturn's Spring Hill factory, where the "different kind of car company was born."
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On the bright side, this is a very attractive CUV that is a generation ahead of the old Chevy minivan and Trailblazer.
While the interior isn’t exciting, did you see how tight the panel gaps are? It’s a small detail, but small details are what separate first from worst, and GM is getting its act together on the product side.
The branding issues, of course, remain.
GM should lock up TOTY of the year award – well since the same chassis won COTY twice in a row – even though they are the exact same car. Why couldn’t Saab win COTY since it was also rebadged Opels?
This is a nice looking CUV that is likely to undercut its platform mates in price. Should sell very well. I am not really all that perplexed by the branding issues. Having 4 Lambdas simply gives GM another outlet and another flavor to sell to the public. It may be irksome if you are a Saturn or GMC dealer as this is likely to really cut into Acadia and Outlook sales. However, GMC and Saturn dealerships would probably rather have a Lambda on their lot than not have one. It may now be a diluted platform, but the differentiation between the models, at least in exterior appearance, should spread some of the sales around, and at least it is based on a very well executed vehicle.
I sat in a Malibu this weekend, as hard as the plastic is in that car (like along the top of the door panel where you will uncomfortably rest your arm) they can use hammers to make those gaps (and a lot of them there are) tight – except for the one between the IP and door, which I could stick my middle finger in.
that thing looks just like a murano. and that is definitely not a complement. Why can’t they just make a station wagon? I hate that webbing over the rear quarter panel.
At least it’s handsome. Kill the Outlook and the Acadia, keep the Enclave and the Traverse.
Does anyone else think the Enclave should have been called Roadmaster?
inspired by the acclaimed ’08 Chevy Malibu
Boy these guys sure know how to spew out BS!
“Why can’t they just make a station wagon?”
Child car seats killed the station wagon. I know a car enthusiast that leased a Mazda 6 wagon because he is like you in hating suv’s and thinking that an sw is the perfect family car. Child three arrived and now he has no space to carry the family in one vehicle. The other one is a Focus SVT.
When I grew up, you could legally cram ten (small) people in a Country Squire with the optional rear seating.
Tell me what passenger car today can hold three car seats accross? The Grand Marquis, hardly an enthusiast, or young family choice.
Not bad looking. I thought the acadia was nice also until I saw it up close and saw how gigantic it was.
All this time I thought these new CUV’s were RWD. What is the tow capacity on these FWD Lambda’s?
oboylepr :
February 6th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
inspired by the acclaimed ‘08 Chevy Malibu
Boy these guys sure know how to spew out BS!
Judging from the accolades in the automotive press, I’d say the 08 Malibu has been acclaimed. But that is not the issue here; the Traverse is the issue.
Its looks attractive (for a CUV), is built on a solid platform, and we can assume it will be well done (based on the other Lambdas). I agree with the branding challenges though. It makes me wonder if Pontiac will be getting a Lambda too!!?
The towing capacity is somewhere around 4-5K lbs I think.
The strange thing about this (and the Malibu) is that is that its got a better looking, more expressive design than its Saturn counterpart. You’d think if Saturn was supposed to be the more upmarket brand the opposite would be true. Swapping the front clips, interior and badging between the Traverse and Outlook would make some sense (if Saturn’s existence is to make any sense).
I think I like the look of this better than the Outlook, but I definitely like the look of the Aura better than the Malibu.
Now, of course, the real question is whether this can sell well enough to replace the Uplander and Trailblazer without stealing too many sales from its siblings.
Bland, grey outside and grey inside. This was inspired by the Malibu?
If so then where are the wild interior color combos? If you’re going to cannabalize yourself you might as well do it with some style.
If I am not mistaken, could this be a bargain basement Enclave rebadging, if it is G.M. has done a very nice job of it, just looking at the rear quarter panel gave me a clue…anyway very nice CUV, I am impressed, hopefully this is not “smoke and mirrors” Hopefully this is the new GM…and sadly to say to the editor, I thought they did a very nice job with the “Bue” condsidering it was a redo of the Aura, I would replace my 02 Altima, I so dearly love, that is only they could promise me 150k or better life span, only then I’d come back
@nikita
Tell me what passenger car today can hold three car seats accross? The Grand Marquis, hardly an enthusiast, or young family choice.
The mini-minivans, which are popular in Europe, usually have three identical seats in the 2nd row.
Zafira, Touran, C-Max, Mazda5, Kia Carens…
As far as small station wagons go… Peugeot has the 307SW with 3 identical child-seat ready seats and an optional third row.
Picture of the 307SW’s interior:
http://www.lione.ru/img/catalog/307sw.jpg
http://www.forum-auto.com/uploads/200512/mister_arno_1135113955_307sw0505ps1246yb.jpg
Or a whole gallery:
http://www.whatcar.com/car-review-pictures.aspx?RT=327