Overview:
The Avalanche combines the best attributes of GM's full-size truck
family with striking looks and innovative configuration abilities.
It also seats up to six adults comfortably.
Avalanche's
revolutionary Convert-a-Cab System and Midgate offer great flexibility
and function. When the rear passenger seat is folded, the Midgate
can be lowered to allow longer and larger cargo. 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.
Exterior
Design:
The aggressive exterior of the Avalanche signifies the direction
that all GM trucks will be headed in the coming years.
For
2003 buyers can specify whether they would like their Avalanche
with or without
bodyside cladding.
Interior
Design:
Impressive new entertainment systems -- including rear-seat entertainment
systems with a DVD player and flip-down screen - add to Avalanche's
"creature comforts." These systems feature the next-generation
Radio Data System, and can interface with services such as XM Satellite
Radio, a new option for 2003. Available rear-seat audio controls
allow second-row passengers to enjoy a separate audio source from
front seat occupants. A custom-designed Bose audio system uses a
new, high-powered, six-channel amplifier and six speakers.
The
2003 Avalanche offers XM Satellite Radio as an option on all models.
XM radio features 100 coast-to-coast digital channels, including
71 music channels (more than 30 of them commercial free) from hip
hop to opera, classical to country, bluegrass to blues and 29 channels
of sports, talk, children's and entertainment programming. XM also
brings to the vehicle, for the first time on radio, a diverse selection
of 24-hour news sources previously available only in the home. XM's
next-generation sound quality technology provides superior sound
remarkably close to compact disc.
A new
driver convenience package is available for 2003. For the first
time, Avalanche offers brake and accelerator pedals that can be
adjusted rearward in unison by nearly 3 inches for better positioning
and comfort; also, they are available with a memory feature. An
available eight-button steering wheel control allows Avalanche owners
to personalize several functions (trip calculator, fuel data, etc.),
and safely access all entertainment systems. The controls also provide
easy access to the OnStar system, an innovative in-vehicle communications
and assistance service designed to provide drivers with access to
live, personalized service and emergency assistance at the touch
of a button, 24 hours a day.
A new
multi-zone manual-control heating, ventilation and air conditioning
(HVAC) system is standard on Avalanche. It allows the driver and
front passenger to adjust the temperature to their own comfort -
as much as a 30-degree Fahrenheit difference between the two front
zones. Exterior mirrors feature power tilt glass and power folding
to protect them in narrow spaces; heating elements that clear frost,
snow or ice; left side electrochromatic glass that dims glaring
headlights; puddle lights; new turn indicators embedded in the glass;
and a memory feature. Homelink Universal transmitter is also part
of the package.
Powertrain:
Avalanche offers uncompromising brawn and stamina. The durable and
powerful 285-hp Vortec 5300 5.3L V8 engine is standard on 1500 Series
models.
The
Avalanche 2500 Series offers the Vortec 8100 8.1L V8 engine, which
achieves 340 hp and boasts a 12,000-lb maximum towing capacity.
