Speaking of the DVD system, which includes a rail-mounted 7-inch screen and head unit that works great by the way, the
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| The DVD system includes a rail-mounted 7-inch screen and head unit, hung from a unique standard rail system that allows tremendous storage flexibility. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
minivan-maker which was first to offer OEM in-car video via VHS is available with a truly unique twist on entertainment for 2005. A system dubbed PhatNoise can be added on, consisting of a wallet-size 40 gigabyte removable hard drive, can hold up to 10,000 songs, 40 movies or any combination of up to 100 hours of audio, video or what-have-you. Since it's removable, the hard drive can be connected to a home computer or laptop to download files for playback. It's the first application of PhatNoise in a GM product, and one that is sure to revolutionize the industry. For additional peripherals the Uplander includes a 115-volt outlet in its rear center console. Not quite as high-tech an issue, those familiar with GM's pushrod V6s won't be shocked to hear that a modern multivalve engine does not reside beneath the Uplander's elongated hood. Rather, the brand sticks with its tried and true 3.5-liter lump, new to GM's vans but merely a
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| GM sticks with its tried and true 3.5-liter engine, new to the brand's vans but merely a derivative of the previous Venture's 3.4-liter OHV, 12-valve V6. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
derivative of the previous Venture's 3.4-liter OHV, 12-valve V6. The 3.5 is up 15 horsepower in comparison to the 3.4, now at 200. Torque is up significantly too, with a maximum of 220 lb-ft to spare instead of the 2004 model's 210. It won't run away from a 255 horsepower Odyssey, but it will beat it in
fuel economy which GM feels is a more important issue to the average cash-strapped family. The motor powers the front wheels via a 4-speed automatic transmission, also nothing that will get the techies overly excited. Still, GM's 4-speed has been relatively trouble-free over its long tenure, and should therefore deliver similar performance in the Uplander.
