Chevrolet Trailblazer

The wraps came off the spanking-new Chevrolet Trailblazer study today at the opening of the 2011 Dubai International Auto Show.

We shared the first pictures of GM's near-production midsize sport utility vehicle on Wednesday night, but we now have more details as well as a bunch of new photos and videos including one from the presentation in Dubai.

The study previews the production model that will be sold around the globe, beginning with Thailand in early 2012. GM has not said if it will be offered in North America, but being that it is based on the Chevy's new Colorado, which will be built and sold in the States, we can't see why not.

GM touts the fact that the Trailblazer is based on the Colorado and claims that it combines the hauling and towing capability of a body-on-frame SUV with the ride comfort and efficiency of a crossover.

“[The] TrailBlazer does it all. You can tow anything, go anywhere, comfortably seat seven people, and do so with the fuel efficiency associated with a smaller, less capable vehicle. It’s the complete package," said Brad Merkel, GM’s global vehicle line executive for midsize trucks and SUVs.

The study is powered by the same 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine linked to an all-wheel drive system found on the latest Colorado.

The new Trailblazer comes with seating for seven passengers in three rows of seats, while the study is packed with several goodies such as the overhead console that integrates the HVAC system with onboard infotainment.

“The third row in this SUV isn’t an afterthought," says Matt Noone, director of design for GM do Brasil, which was responsible for the creation of the Trailblazer. "It’s an authentic third row where people can sit comfortably for long trips. Combine that with luxurious interior appointments and it is easy to see why TrailBlazer really is an all-purpose vehicle.”

GM says that the Dubai show vehicle is very close to the production 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer.

“Although this is a show vehicle, the overall design is faithful to the production version that will arrive in Chevrolet showrooms next year," said GM Middle East Operations President and Managing Director John Stadwick.