When it comes to economics or global politics, sometimes it’s difficult to answer the question, “How can we make this better?” Luckily, it’s much easier to do that when it comes to vehicles. More often than not, the solution is adding more power. That’s how GM enhanced its Trailblazer SUV in the 2000s, as you can see in our Pick of the Day, an all-wheel-drive 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer SS posted on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Arizona.
In the brochure for the all-new 2002 Trailblazer, Chevrolet identified its midsize people-mover as “one strong SUV” and called attention to how its full-length hydroformed steel frame side rails and laser-welded door frames and joints would “provide enduring strength” and durability. GM’s Bow Tie division also highlighted how the Trailblazer’s new 270-horsepower Vortec 4.2-liter I6 made it the “most powerful SUV in its class.”
True to its badging, the 2006 SS model made the already powerful rig even better by adding power. By then, the Vortec 5300 was already available, but the Super Sport version took things up a notch to the LS2 6.0-liter V8—you know, the same engine that was in the Corvette at the time. Under the hood of Chevy’s performance SUV, the big V8 cranked out 395 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, all processed by a 4L70E four-speed automatic. When Car and Driver tested the brute ute back in the day, it was able to get to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and finish the quarter mile in 14.1 seconds at 98 mph.
Of course, power needs to be controlled and focused to be most effective. That’s why Chevrolet offered the Trailblazer SS with all-wheel drive (which this particular one has) and made quicker steering, a stiffer and lower sport suspension, and a limited-slip rear differential standard equipment. To keep the LS2 in check, it installed a set of 12.8-inch brake rotors behind the massive 20-inch polished aluminum wheels.
This one-owner 2006 Trailblazer SS has all of those performance upgrades as well as a cabin equipped with a power driver’s seat, sunroof, CD player, dual-zone climate control, and HVAC controls for the rear passengers so they can keep their cool whenever the driver decides to burn some rubber off the tires. One thing this SS doesn’t have is a lot of miles—the odometer only shows 49,638 of them.
If you want to add to that amount (even if it’s just one full-throttle quarter mile at a time), this is the amount you’ll need to take out of your bank account so you can start driving: $26,999 (OBO).
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com