Kretz said this engine provides "excellent launch feel and responsive performance at all driving speeds" as well as "fuel economy that is expected to be near the top of the mid-van class."
 |
| The 200-hp 3.5-litre V6 engine provides "fuel economy that is expected to be near the top of the mid-van class." (Photo: General Motors) |
Ride and handling is pretty good in the current minivans, but Kretz expects it to be even better in the Uplander and the other CSVs.
She attributed this to the larger tires, a retuned and upgraded independent McPherson strut front suspension, including a new four-point isolated, hydroformed engine cradle, tuned bushings and stabilizer bars on FWD and AWD models.
Although it was designed primarily for structural safety improvements, Kretz said "the engine cradle's considerably stiffer design also contributes to providing a smoother, quieter ride."
There are three rear suspensions, including an upgraded twist axle beam suspension for the FWD Saturn Relay, a specially designed independent long-and-short arm suspension for the Buick Terraza, and an independent differential- and axle-shaft-driven rear suspension on models with the AWD Versatrak package.
In addition to the base suspension packages, there are three optional suspension packages, including the FE3 Sport Suspension, an FE4 Ride and Handling Package, and FE5 Ride, Handling and Performance package.
Also new on the 2005 CSVs is GM's advanced Vehicle Stability Enhancement System (VSES), which improves safety, stability and control on all road surfaces at all speeds. It is not, unfortunately, available with the Versatrak system.