According to GM Authority, which cites unnamed sources, the automaker
is readying a three-row Blazer that will likely be called Blazer XL. The
seven-seat SUV is expected to debut in China in early 2020 and should become
available in other markets later.
Actually, Chevrolet’s intentions were pretty clear
when they unveiled the FNR-CarryAll Concept (pictured) at last year’s Guangzhou
Auto Show. The study featured a design that looked almost ready for production
and was very similar to the standard Blazer.
However, there were some modifications that allowed
it to accommodate a third row of seats and expand capacity to seven passengers.
Unsurprisingly, the Blazer XL will feature similar dimensions to the
FNR-CarryAll concept.
As with the regular model, the Blazer XL will use
the short version of the GM C1 platform. Expect the three-row Blazer to be
around 5.5 in (140 mm) longer, with a 0.2 in (4 mm) longer wheelbase.
Styling-wise, the Blazer XL will adopt a more traditional roofline to make room
for the additional passengers, larger rear doors with a redesigned top end, a
bigger third window, and a more upright tailgate.
The idea behind the XL is to offer it in markets
where the Traverse is not available because it’s simply too large. China is one
of those markets, but the three-row Blazer could also find its way into South
America and South Korea. As for North America, it is not known whether GM plans
to offer it, as it might clash with the Traverse.
The Blazer XL is scheduled to enter production in
February 2020 at SAIC-GM’s plant in Shanghai – and, possibly, other GM
facilities for overseas markets. It will use a 305 hp 3.6-liter V6 and a
China-exclusive 240 hp 2.0-liter turbo-four, both mated to a nine-speed
automatic transmission.
