2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer SS Plus the Chevrolet Performance and Aftermarket PartsWritten by Jenny McLane
As first truck developed by GM’s Performance Division, Trailblazer SS’ has a towing capacity up to 6,700 pounds with two-wheel drive model and up to 6,500 pounds with available all-wheel drive model. Cargo volume is 41 cubic feet (1161 liters) behind rear seat and 80 cubic feet (2265 liters) with rear seat folded.GM's High Performance Vehicle Operations tuned suspension and upgraded brakes of SS. It features stiffer springs, an inch lower ride height, and thicker anti-roll bars, as well as standard StabiliTrak stability control. Larger, 12.8-inch diameter front brake discs are fitted, allied to new iron twin-piston calipers, while monster twenty-inch aluminum wheels have 255/50 V-rated tires. The TrailBlazer SS has unique exterior styling and specific interior appointments, including prominent 20-inch flangeless wheels. Power is delivered by Corvette-derived LS2 6.0L V-8, enabling a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. A performance suspension with lowered ride height also is part of package and was tuned by GM’s Performance Division at several racetracks, including Germany’s legendary Nurburgring – a challenging road course that features more than 12.5 miles of turns and drastic elevation changes. The TrailBlazer SS is available in two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The four-wheel disc braking system of TrailBlazer SS is enhanced with larger, 12.8-inch front disc brake rotors and new, iron twin-piston calipers. The heavy-duty iron calipers are stiff and retain their shape under high pressure/high heat braking conditions, providing a linear feel and reduced pedal travel in high-energy stops. The brake pads use same high-performance linings as Corvette for strong fade resistance. ABS is standard. There also is an accessory front brake-cooling package available for optimized track performance. Chevrolet's engineers did extensive chassis tuning to Trailblazer SS where they lowered suspension 1-inch and add 25% stiffer springs. The ride height has been lowered about an inch using 25 percent stiffer for a firmer ride and reducing body roll, and to give TrailBlazer SS a lower, more aggressive demeanor. The SS model remains distinct with black-diamond grille, decklid spoiler, and generally looking more like NASCAR cars Gordon campaigns. It has 20-inch polished aluminum wheels and four-wheel disks (12.8-inch rotors at front). StabiliTrak and a rear air-leveling suspension are also standard for SS.
| | 2006 Chevrolet Corvette: GM's Fastest and Most Powerful Car with Superior Aftermarket Parts at PartstrainWritten by Jenny McLane
The 2006 Chevrolet Corvette has a chassis, which is all aluminum, hydro formed in similar dies to those used to build standard steel C6 frame. Magnesium and carbon fiber parts are also used to help contain total curb weight to less than 3150 pounds. The front grille is larger, and an additional small scoop in front of hood gulps cool intake air. Barely visible from a distance, 1-centimeter-wide black strips follow wheel arches, oriented at a right angle to fender. The carbon fiber front fenders are flared to accommodate 275/35ZR18 tires and rear quarter panels are widened 1.5 inches to clear massive 325/30ZR19s. It has a 427.6-cubic-inch small-block LS7 engine, good for 500 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 475 pound-feet of torque at 4800 rpm. Titanium connecting rods, intake valves, and valve springs permit 7000-rpm revving, for this, ultimate small-block. An all-new LS7 7.0-liter V-8 (the displacement works out to 427 cubic inches) is said to churn out 500 horsepower. It will also be fitted with wider tires and larger Brembo brakes. Body modifications include a high-rise hood, deep side skirts and cooling ducts ahead of rear wheels. The engine is an aluminum block designed for stiffness and a special camshaft design for better engine breathing. The aluminum block, cylinder heads, camshaft and induction systems are revised for better breathing at a high rpm. A positive crankcase ventilation system improves oil control during racetrack and acceleration maneuvers, a Z06 titanium exhaust system, mufflers and tailpipes have less mass and more strength than its aluminum or magnesium counterparts. Producing 405-horsepower at 6000 rpm and capable of zero-to-60 in less than four seconds.
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