|
Overview:
Selected as Motor Trend's Truck of the Year for 2002, the all-new
Chevrolet Avalanche has had a significant impact in the truck marketplace
since its introduction.
The
2002 Avalanche takes the best attributes of GM’s award-winning
full-size truck family and adds a new look and a technical breakthrough
using its Convert-A-Cab system, featuring the exclusive Midgate.
With
Convert-A-Cab, when the rear passenger seat is folded, the Midgate
can be lowered to allow longer and larger cargo into the cab. When
folded down, the Midgate allows the 5'3" standard bed length
to convert to a full 8'1", long enough to carry 4' x 8"
sheets of plywood.
And
in a cue borrowed from the 1968 Chevrolet Corvette, Avalanche’s
rear window is removable and can easily be stowed on board, creating
a convertible-like open-air driving experience when the Midgate
is left up.
Though
it looks more similar to the Silverado, the Avalanche actually shares
around 90% of its content and parts with the Chevrolet Suburban
full size SUV. It also inherits the Suburban's unibody construction
plus a modular, three-piece frame incorporating a number of hydroformed
components for precise dimensional control, superior ride and handling
and reduced NVH levels.
Chevrolet
brings several variations of Avalanche to market.
The
Avalanche 2500 Series uses the new Vortec 8100 engine. This new
Vortec powertrain has received high praise for its use in the all-new
Silverado HD pickup. The 2500 also comes with eight-lug wheels.
The
North Face Edition Avalanche has unique features intended to please
outdoor enthusiasts.
A Z71
off-road package can be selected for excusions off the beaten path.
Two-wheel drive owners can select a similar Z66 appearance package.
Exterior
Design:
The aggressive exterior of the Avalanche signifies the direction
that all GM trucks will be headed in the coming years.
Interior
Design:
Revolutionary and an exclusive among trucks, the Midgate allows
for pass-through access from the cab straight into the bed of the
truck. This essentially creates a huge trunk protected by 3 removable
composite panels. The Midgate can be operated by two people in 30
seconds or less.
The
exclusive interior offered in The North Face edition Avalanche has
green and black seats, door trim panels, floor mats with The North
Face logo, and a white instrument cluster. Also included are two
Summit Pod backpacks, as well as Water Duffalo storage bags, which
will initially be exclusive to Avalanche.
Powertrain:
The most notable difference in the Avalanche 1500 and 2500 Series
will be the power under the hood.
While
the 1500 version of the Avalanche supplies ample 285 horsepower
in a 5.3-liter V8, the 2500 Series uses the new Vortec 8100. The
Vortec 8100 engine is mated to a a heavy duty 4L85 automatic transmission
with overdrive and tow haul mode. It achieves 340 horsepower.
|
