2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, Buick Encore GX Have Same Platform, Different Wheelbases
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Typically, when two vehicles share the same underlying platform, they will also have the same specs with regard to wheelbase length. However, that’s not the case for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer and 2021 Buick Encore GX, which actually have different wheelbase lengths despite the fact both subcompact crossovers are based on the GM VSS-F architecture.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Buick Encore GX
For those who may be unaware, VSS-F, or Vehicle Strategy Set – Front, is an automotive architecture used to underpin front-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive-based all-wheel-drive GM vehicles. The VSS-F platform can more appropriately be called a “vehicle set,” as it is part of GM’s strategy to consolidate its various architectures in an effort to reduce overall production complexity and simplify engineering.
As such, the VSS-F vehicle set underpins both the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer and the 2021 Buick Encore GX. However, thanks to the flexibility afforded by these new vehicle sets, the two subcompacts have different wheelbase measurements, with the Trailblazer measuring in with a 103.9-inch wheelbase, and the Encore GX measuring in with a 102.2-inch wheelbase.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Buick Encore GX
To note, both the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer and the 2021 Buick Encore GX are assembled on the same production line, specifically the GM Bupyeong facility in South Korea.
Going forward, the VSS-F vehicle set is also expected to underpin the next-generation Chevrolet Equinox and next-generation GMC Terrain. As we covered previously, GM President Mark Reuss previously underscored GM’s efforts to streamline its product offerings, with both the future Chevrolet Equinox and future GMC Terrain cutting the available build combinations from over 200, to 100.
2022 Chevrolet Equinox
2020 GMC Terrain
“We will reduce total trim levels on Equinox and Terrain from eight to six, reduce engine variants from 11 to five, reduce build combinations from more than 200 to less than 100 per program, and see significant cost savings of an already paid-for architecture that took the mass out, helping us self-fund electrification programs,” Reuss said earlier this year.
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Same platforms with different wheelbases doesn’t make much sense as it adds production costs to the program; but it does allow for different brands to differentiate models more, imagine if Pontiac and Chevrolet were allowed to do this with their F-car twins.
Will those numbskulls at GM EVER get it right?
Chevrolet. Entry level. (Low price 3 … ‘memba that?).
Buick. Premium (Upper middle price class OR Near luxury, depending on how far you want to go back).
So the newest Buick Enclave looks like a first year Traverse, and the newest Buick Encore GX subcompact has a shorter wheelbase than the same platform Chevy Trailblazer.fter me:
Mary, Mary, Mary.
I know you are young, but you really should brush up on GM history.
Maybe this will help.
Repeat after me:
Buick starts with B. Means BIG.
Chevrolet starts with C. Means CHEAP.
Buicks are supposed to be bigger than Chevys.