Chevrolet Avalanche Concept

Av·a·lanche (v-lnch) n.

1. A fall or slide of a large mass, as of snow or rock, down a mountainside.
2. The new Ultimate Utility Vehicle (UUV) from Chevrolet for the 2002 model year

Chevrolet is bringing new meaning to the word Avalanche. The Avalanche is what GM calls an Ultimate Utility Vehicle. Think of it the way its designer John Cafaro describes it - "A high-end hiking boot...comfortable enough to wear every day, but when it's time to get down and dirty, it really digs in."

An obvious competitor to Ford's F-150 SuperCrew, the Avalanche is a derivative of the full-size Silverado pickup. It has four full size doors, a shortened 5-foot
3-inch bed, and the capacity to comfortably seat six full size adults. The Avalanche (at least the concept truck shown) includes GM's new Convert-a-Cab System, a feature not presently found on the SuperCrew. Convert-a-Cab allows Avalanche owners to increase bed space by removing the rear glass window and folding down the convertible Midgate into the cab. This creates a 4 foot by 8 foot pass-through cargo area that can accomodate materials like sheets of plywood or drywall.

In the bed are integrated top-box storage containers to stow small items such as camping or emergency equipment. The containers are lockable and water-tight. The tailgate has molded-in cupholders for use during tailgate parties or at the construction site. A rigid 3

Avalanche designer John Cafaro also worked on the design of the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette

GM is gauging customer reaction at the 2000 NAIAS to the Avalanche's aggressive looks. You can't miss the prominent 'Power Bar' with Chevrolet's Bow Tie logo.

The back of the cab folds down and the rear cabin glass can be removed to increase bed space from 5 feet to 8 feet for large loads.

The bed of the Avalanche is protected by a composite material GM calls PRO-TEC. Note the 'lines' where the Midgate can be folded down.

piece cargo cover can be quickly installed to protect bed contents from the elements.

The interior of the Avalanche Concept was influenced by The North Face clothing and equipment outfitter company. It also comes with two Summit backpacks for outdoor ventures. OnStar navigation and help is only a push button away to reach a live person in those circumstances where the driver requires assistance.

The Avalanche is powered by GM's Vortec 5300 V-8 with the Coolant Loss Protection System to help ensure the engine is not damaged when coolant is lost. A large fuel tank provides over 500 miles of range.

The transmission is a four speed automatic with Autotrac four wheel drive.

Suspension is provided by a new rear five-link coil system. The frame of the truck is 3 pieces incorporating hydroformed elements to increase strength and stiffness.

How serious is GM about the Avalanche concept? GM sees the production truck as a core part of its vehicle lineup and expects to sell 100,000 units per year. And the truck you see in these photos is extremely close in appearance to the Avalanche you will be able to buy in the first quarter of 2001.