It’s no secret that consumers are really into crossover and SUVs. Naturally, General Motors is looking to capitalize on this trend by offering a fuller-than-full lineup of Chevrolet utilities, with the newest addition being the new Blazer. The thoroughly modern crossover already has a lot going for it in terms of styling and design flair thanks to inspiration taken from the Camaro and Corvette… but what if it had a convertible edition? That’s exactly what we had drawn up here – a Chevrolet Blazer convertible.
Our logic behind this rendering exercise stems from this line of thinking: crossovers provide the utility and high driving position so many car buyers desire today. A Blazer convertible, meanwhile, can be for those who desire those qualities, plus an open-air driving experience. After all, there have to be at least a few buyers interested in a drop-top Blazer.
We say that because there is precedent here: from 2011 to 2014, Nissan infamously offered the Murano CrossCabriolet, a convertible version of the Murano midsize crossover, which is a direct rival to the new Blazer. The Murano CrossCab was hyper-focused on one type of buyer – female baby boomers, and, served as a halo vehicle of sorts, and also as a test to see if this level of consumer focus would move more units. It was priced from $41,995, which could serve as an indication for what a theoretical Blazer convertible would cost. Nissan sold… dozens… of them.
This theoretical Chevrolet Blazer convertible could use a power-folding soft top, with a tonneau starting behind the rear passenger area, taking up some cargo space when folded. The Blazer vert would still seat four, but the rear seats take a notable nosedive on the subject of practicality.
Style-wise, the imaginary Chevrolet Blazer convertible is faithful to the original, at least up front, carrying on the aggressive angular look. However, as wild as an all-wheel-drive family SUV convertible would be, it loses a bit in the looks department when compared to the actual, production-intent model. With the top dropped, the convertible loses much of the surface styling on the quarter panel design used on the Blazer, instead of having a flattened out profile to match the line of the folded top cover. Overall, it’s surprisingly inoffensive, especially considering the sharp reactions drawn by the aforementioned Nissan.
Would a hypothetical Chevrolet Blazer convertible sell any units? Would it be a feasible business endeavor? Who knows. For the time being, enjoy the renderings, and be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Blazer news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Not practical.
The cost to make the Blazer strong enough without a roof would drive the $40k price even higher to where few would pay.
Also the Murano sales are not exactly massive.
Better to take the money and do a proper Jeep competitor at GMC as women are leaving the Mustang Convertible and flocking to the Wrangler in great numbers.
Obviously it’s not practical which is why they say it’s hypothetical and which is why they say the Nissan sold dozens of units which is a clear indication that they’re joking but i guess some people don’t read.
Situational awareness is better. My take is they did this to stimulate conversation to which I provided. That is what web sites do to stimulate traffic for their advertisers.
Alex and crew here generally save the jokes for April 1. That tells me Reading goo for some but they fail to read Calendars.
They also have failed to do any good reading of the many what if’s published of late.
Now if you read between the lines with the strike news may be slow out side the strike.
A Blazer convertible could be fun to drive, but first I think that GM should offer first a Blazer SS and a Blazer ZR
You guys bored?
It certainly looks better than the Murano did, but that’s not difficult. If they could find a way to price it right, then why not? GM has a history of entering/creating odd ball segments. SSR, Avalanche/EXT, Aztec (for as much as it was chastised, it was ground breaking, and honestly compared to a lot of newer CUV’s I’d say the ugliest crown may need to find a new head) Envoy XUV, Malibu Maxx, Regal Sportback, I could go on….point is, it’s not as out there as you might think.
Although I understand the reasoning behind this. I’m going to have to go with a hard NO on this one guys. GM needs to change a lot of their lineup around and doing this would not be a good idea. Maybe for a Buick but not for a Chevy. Come on GM, let’s get it together over here.
I’d be happy with a 2 door hardtop Blazer.
Just gonna throw out there, I know this is hypothetical on GM Authority’s part, but it’s totally something I could see coming into question at GM. Because everything that used to be done with cars is now being done with crossovers… because what’s supposed to be good with cars is somehow better if it’s on a crossover, even though the concepts are basically the same. It really says something ridiculous about the American auto market.