The Convert-A-Cab™
System is at the heart of the Avalanche's innovative solution to
hauling passengers and cargo.
The Avalanche can be quickly and flexibly configured for many different
scenarios thanks to its unique Midgate™
design.
The Midgate™
is similar in appearance and function to a tailgate, separating
the second-row seats from the 5'3" cargo bed. This system also
allows for the rear window to be removed for open-air cruising and
for taller cargo. The removable rear window design was borrowed
from the 1968 Chevrolet Corvette and once removed it can be easily
stowed on board. When the window is stowed passengers can cruise
without the levels of noise normally associated with a convertible
passenger car.
Placing the
Midgate™ in the down position allows
owners to transport 4'x8' sheets of building material with the tailgate
closed and their cargo safely secured.
A three-piece
cargo cover is an important part of the Convert-A-Cab System™
and helps convert the back end of the Avalanche in a variety of
configurations. The cover is made of exceptionally durable PRO-TEC™
material and can also be easily stowed on board. The cargo cover
is extremely durable and very lightweight, making quick removal
simple for one person.
The Avalanche
Cargo Box was designed to provide all the load carrying and abuse
of a normal pickup truck plus the addition of security and configurability.
Made of PRO-TEC™ composite material and
steel, it resists marring and protects items inside the vehicle.
In the top
of the bed are two top-box integrated storage lockers with 5 cubic
feet of space. The lockers are watertight and lighted and perfect
for stowing camping or emergency equipment.
For ease of
access to the bed Chevrolet has 'carved' out two footholds in the
rear bumpers on the far right and left sides.
The interior
of the truck was designed in partnership with the NorthFace, an
outdoor outfitter known for their rugged lines of clothing. The
NorthFace lined the floor and seats with rubber and waterproof fabric
for easy cleaning and resistance to wear and tear. The floor of
the truck is actually modeled after the sole pattern of a set of
NorthFace boots. Two backpacks are included and attach behind the
front seats for outdoor excursions.
Recognize
the dash? It looks like GMC's and Lear's research efforts from
the Sierra Professional
Concept paid off. This dash console with LCD should be optional
in the production Avalanche.
The
rear seats in the Avalanche fold forward to provide access to the
Midgate™
With
one hand the Midgate™ can be folded forward increasing bed
length from just over 5 feet to 8 feet.
The
dash of the Avalanche includes
an LCD that Chevrolet will be providing more information about as
the automotive show season progresses. We imagine it will have much
of the same functionality found in the GMC Sierra Professional Concept
first shown at the 1999 SEMA show.
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.
