"I think we've gone from the current GM T200 interiors," Lutz continued. "That was without question the weakest part of the (Venture and Montana), and noncompetitive. Now we
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| GM is planning to make the Uplander an all-round package, better performance, nicer interior, high functionality yet affordably priced. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
Of course, GM is planning on targeting its minivan competitors on pricing too, and feels the new vans will offer excellent value.
"The goal here is to offer the customer substantially more value than has been offered in the General Motors mid-vans up to now with far better performance, much nicer interiors, much nicer exteriors, higher functionality and yet remain price competitive with the other vans in the segment," Lutz said.
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| GM's new 3500, 200-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine will power Chevy's new Uplander. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
The Uplander will feature GM's new 3500, 3.5-liter V6 engine that debuted on the 2004 Chevy Malibu. The motor, which is manufactured at Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, will deliver 200-hp and 220 lb-ft of torque.
Chevy confirmed that its Versatrak all-wheel drive system will be option, built by Austria's Steyr-Daimler-Puch, that will be available in GM's other vans. Being that no more than 10 percent of buyers opt for AWD in the minivan sector, GM may reserve it for its higher priced nameplates only.
All GM's sport vans will reportedly feature an optional Vehicle Stability Enhancement System (VSES) that improves handling, braking and acceleration by using a combination of safety systems including stability enhancement, anti-lock brakes, and traction control.