2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer could be Jeep rival we crave
Off all the buzz that surrounds the auto industry, that GM has reportedly been mulling the idea of building a rival to the Jeep Wrangler got hearts and minds pumping.
The rumour mill really starting churning in 2014, when Buick-GMC vice-president Duncan Aldred allegedly told Edmunds that the latter of the two brands he's responsible for could slot a rugged sport ute into its lineup in the future.
It continued last year when a Wall Street Journal report claimed "several people briefed on the matter" said a Wrangler rival was being bounced around GMC's board rooms.
The gossip has died down considerably since then, but it may pick up again with the introduction of the 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer.
Okay, so it's not a GMC, and yes, it has a fixed roof and four doors, but it definitely has the look of a vehicle that's ready to go head-to-head with Jeep's most rugged SUV.
Built on the platform that underpins the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize pickups, this Chevrolet Traliblazer rides on a 112-inch wheelbase and stretches 192 inches from bumper to bumper.
Both of those are well within reach of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and its 116-inch wheelbase and 185-inch overall length.
It also has what looks to be impressive ground clearance and approach and departure angles, though numbers weren't available.
The engine choices are promising, too, with a 2.8-litre turbodiesel and 3.6-litre gas-powered V6 on offer, both of which are available under the hoods of the Colorado and Canyon twins.
This Trailblazer is sold in South America and the Middle East, two markets that love rugged vehicles, so there's no reason to believe it won't have the chops to, well, blaze a trail when needed.
And with reports of a new Ford Bronco on its way, there's no better time than now for GM to make the move.