New, Uglyfied 2013 Chevrolet Traverse

The new 2013 Chevrolet Traverse been exposed today, along with some more information about the car. The Traverse is based on the GM Lamba platform, which underpins the Buick Enclave, now-dead Saturn Outlook, and GMC Acadia. The refreshed GMC Acadia has already been shown off at the Chicago Auto Show, and the Buick will debut alongside the Traverse at the New York show, although no details or pictures have been unleashed yet of the Buick.

One thing that jumped out at me was that the two-step grille that Chevrolet has used for so many years is conspicuously absent on this refresh. In my opinion, the lighting elements of the new Traverse is extremely unsightly. The lights look like they have way too much eye shadow on, and the back end looks excessively crowded with the license plate cutout moved up. The giant chrome bar above it doesn't help either.

The interior looks a lot nicer than the outgoing Traverse's elephant skin laden interior. GM claims that there are more soft touch materials inside. I do wish Chevrolet would get rid of the old corporate steering wheel, though; it looks cheap, old and out of place in this modern interior.

Power will come form the same direct injected, 3.6 liter, 281 horsepower V-6 motor the Traverse has always had. Interestingly enough, the transmission is the unit that is getting transformed, although it remains a six speed automatic. Fuel economy will reside at the same numbers as the current models'. Chevrolet has also made some changes to the suspension of the vehicle for a better ride, although the current Traverse's ride is already one of the best rides period.

Every new Lamba crossover will come with a front center airbag, which is said to impede front row passengers from knocking against each other.

The Chevrolet Traverse will make its debut in person at the New York Auto Show.

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