Oh No, Chevrolet Made a Traverse RS
The Chicago Auto Show is the place for automakers to debut lukewarm “performance” variants and lame special editions, and this year won’t disappoint in that regard.
Several automakers have lined up such debuts for Chicago, including General Motors. The American automaker has pulled the veil from the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse RS today – a sporty-looking take on the crossover that ditches the 3.6-liter V6 engine in favor of GM’s 2.0-liter Ecotec turbocharged engine.
The four-pot is making 257 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque in the Traverse RS, which is less power than the V6, but more torque. It won’t send the big, heavy Traverse speeding down the road like a Camaro SS, but it should prove to be a bit more robust than the V6. Paired with the new turbo four is a nine-speed automatic transmisson, which helps to deliver an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 20 MPG city 26 MPG highway.
SEE ALSO: 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe RST Review
Apart from the 2.0-liter turbo, the Traverse RS also gets a black grille, black window trim, black roof rails, black Chevy bowtie emblems and 20-inch Dark Android-painted wheels. Standard equipment includes HID headlamps, Chevrolet MyLink with an 8-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, tri-zone climate control, a Bose audio system, a power liftgate, keyless open with remote start, backup and surround view cameras, rear park assist, rear cross traffic alert and more.
“The 2018 Traverse offers a full product lineup positioned to effectively compete across the segment,” said Chevrolet’s cars and crossovers marketing director Steve Majoros. “By offering customers more choice with higher-end entries like the RS, which has a more street-inspired look, and top-of-the-line High Country, Chevrolet now offers a comfortable and connected Traverse for every lifestyle.”
The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse RS has been priced from $43,095 including destination.
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Sam McEachern holds a diploma in journalism from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, and has been covering the automotive industry for over 5 years. He conducts reviews and writes AutoGuide's news content. He's a die-hard motorsports fan with a passion for performance cars of all sorts.
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Its still a 5000 pound boat being PULLED by the front wheels. Watch the four banger blow up at 20,000 kms. Stupid idea. Should have put the twin turbo 6 from the xts-v in this.