That Chevrolet would actually decide to produce the Avalanche will surprise no one interested in utility vehicles, but the extent to which the production model matches the concept model will surprise many.
The 2002 Avalanche was on the ground floor of the company's Rennaissance Center world headquarters, looking a little de-chromed but otherwise as striking as the concept truck unveiled earlier this year.
Which means that, in less than a year, Chevrolet can lay claim to having the most configurable and aggressive vehicle on the market. As Chevy marketers put it: "By combining elements of pick-up trucks and sport utilities, Avalanche has created its own unique niche -- the Ultimate Utility Vehicle (UUV) segment."
Whatever you call it, Avalanche certainly has the greatest range of any vehicle currently planned. It switches from being a 6 passengers sport utility to a 3 passengers pick-up truck with a 2.47 metre cargo box.
"Avalanche truly can do anything, anytime and anywhere," claimed Ed Schoener, the product's brand manager. "Avalanche combines the roominess of Suburban-style with first and second row seating and the practicality of a Silverado-style cargo box. It can be reconfigured to function as either a pick-up or an SUV -- or both at the same time."
It is what Chevrolet calls the Convert-a-Cab system that allows Avalanche to quickly and easily adapt to what customers need, when they need it. The key to this versatility is Avalanche's other trademark-registered feature (along with Convert-a-Cab), the Midgate.
When the rear passenger seat is folded, Schoener explained, the Midgate could be folded down to allow longer and larger cargo. This allows the 1.6 metres standard length bed to convert to a full 2.47 metres -- long enough to carry those legendary 4' x 8' sheets of plywood, drywall or other building material with the tailgate closed and the cargo secured.
"In a cue borrowed from the 1968 Chevrolet Corvette," Schoener said, "Avalanche's rear window can be removed and stored on the Midgate. Keeping the Midgate upright with the window removed creates an open-air feel without the inherent wind noise associated with a convertible."
And with the window removed and stored, the Midgate can also be lowered to create a larger open space. This allows the Avalanche to accommodate taller cargo, such as a quad-wheel ATV or motorcycle, and there are eight multi-purpose tie downs to secure such things.
"The bed and tailgate are made of a combination of steel, GM's new PRO-TEC plastic composite, and other materials," Schoener said.
He pointed out that, "This composite material is exceptionally durable, will resist dings caused by sliding cargo and can be cleaned easily, while vertical dividers in the box allows the cargo to be segmented to reduce sliding."
The tailgate locks with the same key as the vehicle's doors to help protect the cargo inside, and it uses an ergonomically-designed handle and even incorporates two cup holders for the ever-important tailgate parties.
"The three-pieces cargo cover is an integral part of the Convert-A-Cab system," Schoener said. "Each of the panels can be removed separately to maximize the versatility of the bed to haul tall items such as a shrub."
Each panel can be removed by one person and then interlocked to cover the entire bed and protect the contents below from the elements. Each cover can also be easily stored in the pick-up box as well.
"If all that weren't enough," Schoener said "the Avalanche features two Top Box Storage compartments on either side of the box. Inside is a combined 142 cubic-metres of watertight, lockable storage space for tools, sporting accessories or other important valuables. Just like the cargo box, the compartments are lighted for quick access day or night. And getting big cargo in the bed is aided by the step featured in the back bumper and grab handles to the cargo box."
While there is an unmistakable look of Chevrolet Silverado pick-up to the Avalanche, it is at the same time quite unique looking. The full four doors do a lot on that point, but it is the cladding that gives the Avalanche its unique look, which Schoener called "an aura of strength."
The side sail panels blend the line from cab to bed for esthetic reasons, Schoener said, but they are also functional in that they help add body rigidity to cushion the ride.
Avalanche's full-size pick-up heritage is visible in its engine -- the Vortec 5300 V8 that produces 265 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, and is teamed with a 4-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission.
"An independent front suspension and 5-links rear suspension help provide a smooth ride on a variety of road surfaces," Schoener claimed, and "When conditions require, Avalanche's standard Autotrac automatic 4-wheel drive system shifts power to the front or rear wheels depending on where it's needed most."
P245/75R16 tires on 16-inch wheels are standard, while there are more beefy P265/70R17 tires on 17-inch wheels in optional suspension packages.
On 4-wheel drive models, these larger on/off road tires are included with the Z71 package that also adds 46 mm Billstein gas-pressurized shocks, skid plates and more, while the Z66 suspension package includes the larger tires and wheels, along with electronic traction assist and self-leveling rear shocks.
Chevrolet plans to sell more than 100 000 units a year in North America (meaning at least several thousands in Canada) but says it is too soon to announce pricing.
Utility fans might think the Avalanche sounds like some other new hybrid products coming on the market, but Schoener disagreed. "Avalanche is creating its own market niche. Our Convert-A-Cab system and Midgate design gives us something that no one else in the market can offer."
Schoener said, "We have combined a full-size sport utility and a pick-up into one model to really hit the mark. Avalanche is flexible enough to handle a 2.47 metre load like a full-size pick-up or carry up to six passengers comfortably like a full-size SUV. And one person can reconfigure it in seconds without using tools. It truly is the best of both worlds."
The 2002 Avalanche was on the ground floor of the company's Rennaissance Center world headquarters, looking a little de-chromed but otherwise as striking as the concept truck unveiled earlier this year.
Which means that, in less than a year, Chevrolet can lay claim to having the most configurable and aggressive vehicle on the market. As Chevy marketers put it: "By combining elements of pick-up trucks and sport utilities, Avalanche has created its own unique niche -- the Ultimate Utility Vehicle (UUV) segment."
Whatever you call it, Avalanche certainly has the greatest range of any vehicle currently planned. It switches from being a 6 passengers sport utility to a 3 passengers pick-up truck with a 2.47 metre cargo box.
"Avalanche truly can do anything, anytime and anywhere," claimed Ed Schoener, the product's brand manager. "Avalanche combines the roominess of Suburban-style with first and second row seating and the practicality of a Silverado-style cargo box. It can be reconfigured to function as either a pick-up or an SUV -- or both at the same time."
It is what Chevrolet calls the Convert-a-Cab system that allows Avalanche to quickly and easily adapt to what customers need, when they need it. The key to this versatility is Avalanche's other trademark-registered feature (along with Convert-a-Cab), the Midgate.
When the rear passenger seat is folded, Schoener explained, the Midgate could be folded down to allow longer and larger cargo. This allows the 1.6 metres standard length bed to convert to a full 2.47 metres -- long enough to carry those legendary 4' x 8' sheets of plywood, drywall or other building material with the tailgate closed and the cargo secured.
"In a cue borrowed from the 1968 Chevrolet Corvette," Schoener said, "Avalanche's rear window can be removed and stored on the Midgate. Keeping the Midgate upright with the window removed creates an open-air feel without the inherent wind noise associated with a convertible."
And with the window removed and stored, the Midgate can also be lowered to create a larger open space. This allows the Avalanche to accommodate taller cargo, such as a quad-wheel ATV or motorcycle, and there are eight multi-purpose tie downs to secure such things.
"The bed and tailgate are made of a combination of steel, GM's new PRO-TEC plastic composite, and other materials," Schoener said.
He pointed out that, "This composite material is exceptionally durable, will resist dings caused by sliding cargo and can be cleaned easily, while vertical dividers in the box allows the cargo to be segmented to reduce sliding."
The tailgate locks with the same key as the vehicle's doors to help protect the cargo inside, and it uses an ergonomically-designed handle and even incorporates two cup holders for the ever-important tailgate parties.
"The three-pieces cargo cover is an integral part of the Convert-A-Cab system," Schoener said. "Each of the panels can be removed separately to maximize the versatility of the bed to haul tall items such as a shrub."
Each panel can be removed by one person and then interlocked to cover the entire bed and protect the contents below from the elements. Each cover can also be easily stored in the pick-up box as well.
"If all that weren't enough," Schoener said "the Avalanche features two Top Box Storage compartments on either side of the box. Inside is a combined 142 cubic-metres of watertight, lockable storage space for tools, sporting accessories or other important valuables. Just like the cargo box, the compartments are lighted for quick access day or night. And getting big cargo in the bed is aided by the step featured in the back bumper and grab handles to the cargo box."
While there is an unmistakable look of Chevrolet Silverado pick-up to the Avalanche, it is at the same time quite unique looking. The full four doors do a lot on that point, but it is the cladding that gives the Avalanche its unique look, which Schoener called "an aura of strength."
The side sail panels blend the line from cab to bed for esthetic reasons, Schoener said, but they are also functional in that they help add body rigidity to cushion the ride.
Avalanche's full-size pick-up heritage is visible in its engine -- the Vortec 5300 V8 that produces 265 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, and is teamed with a 4-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission.
"An independent front suspension and 5-links rear suspension help provide a smooth ride on a variety of road surfaces," Schoener claimed, and "When conditions require, Avalanche's standard Autotrac automatic 4-wheel drive system shifts power to the front or rear wheels depending on where it's needed most."
P245/75R16 tires on 16-inch wheels are standard, while there are more beefy P265/70R17 tires on 17-inch wheels in optional suspension packages.
On 4-wheel drive models, these larger on/off road tires are included with the Z71 package that also adds 46 mm Billstein gas-pressurized shocks, skid plates and more, while the Z66 suspension package includes the larger tires and wheels, along with electronic traction assist and self-leveling rear shocks.
Chevrolet plans to sell more than 100 000 units a year in North America (meaning at least several thousands in Canada) but says it is too soon to announce pricing.
Utility fans might think the Avalanche sounds like some other new hybrid products coming on the market, but Schoener disagreed. "Avalanche is creating its own market niche. Our Convert-A-Cab system and Midgate design gives us something that no one else in the market can offer."
Schoener said, "We have combined a full-size sport utility and a pick-up into one model to really hit the mark. Avalanche is flexible enough to handle a 2.47 metre load like a full-size pick-up or carry up to six passengers comfortably like a full-size SUV. And one person can reconfigure it in seconds without using tools. It truly is the best of both worlds."
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