RIDE AND HANDLING HIGHLIGHT SAVANA'S SUPERIORITY AMONG FULL-SIZE VANS
DETROIT - The 1999 Savana GMC's full-size van,
provides a bonus to buyers drawn by its high style, roominess and luxury appointments.
They discover that Savana
offers surprising comfort and handling as well.
Savana's broad-based
appeal reaches out to those engaged in commercial activities and to enjoy themselves in an
upscale recreational conversion van.
"Savana is a
full-size van for adventurous and enthusiastic drivers who want to share pleasurable and
rewarding experiences with those who ride with them," said Cheryl Catton, Savana brand manager.
"Whether used commercially or for personal use as a passenger or conversion van, Savana is clearly a superior
choice."
Among its many features, Savana
provides full boxed frame design, steering, independent front suspension, a stiff body
design and an impressive choice of engines.
New Colors Two new exterior colors, Fernmist Green Metallic and Dark Bronzemist
Metallic, and one new interior color, Medium Dark Pewter, are available for 1999.
Conversion Conversion van buyers, including both young and old, families and
retirees, are among Savana's
greatest aficionados. Their demand for luxury is an expression of style. They expect value
and are willing to spend extra to get what they want. They love to travel and often tow
boats or trailers. So. in addition to room, comfort and safety, they demand strength and
power. GMC has worked with a variety of qualityapproved conversion manufacturers to supply
just about anything a customer could want.
PassLockTheft-Deterrent System For extra vehicle security, the 1999 Savana features a standard
PassLock theft-deterrent system. The vehicle uses a special lock assembly and
decoder module which require a valid key for operation. If the code is sensed and matched,
the PassLock module sends a "continue fuel" message to the vehicle control
module. If the code does not match) as in a theft attempt, a "disable fuel"
message is sent. If unauthorized use is attempted, the vehicle is locked out from further
starting attempts for ten minutes.
Safety First Savana is equipped with a steering wheel that houses a mini-module driver's-side Next Generation air bag that reduces mass and adds to the interior spaciousness and driver comfort. A Next Generation passenger-side air bag is standard in Savana (passenger vans up to 9,500 GVWR).
The restraint system features a rear seat belt comfort guide which keeps Savana passengers comfortably and securely restrained, regardless of size. Additional safety features include daytime running lamps, side-door guard beams for both front and side doors) a center high-mounted stop lamp, child locks for rear doors and the sliding side door, four-wheel antilock brakes and brake/transmission interlock.
Exterior Savana carries its distinctive "GMC" ruby red logo on
Badging the rear door and grille.
Engines The 1999 Savana
offers more engine choices than any other full-size
van. Savana's Vortec 4300
V6 and Vortec 7400 V8 engines feature sequential port fuel injection that delivers maximum
power and torque in an efficient manner without sacrificing fuel economy. The Vortec 5000
and 5700 V8s offer GMs patented sequential central port fuel injection (SCPI) which
provides high-precision fuel control for optimal cylinder-to-cylinder distribution. SCPPs
highly efficient fuel delivery method improves cold start and hot engine restart and takes
fuel control at idle to world-class.
The turbo-diesel engine - the 6.5-liter heavy-duty version - utilizes an electronic fuel
injection control system. A powertrain control module (PCM) ensures that the engine,
transmission, electronic control throttle, and electronically controlled fuel injection
pump perform optimally to increase fuel economy, eliminate black-and-white exhaust smoke,
improve cold-weather starts and idle quality, and reduce noise levels. The diesel
revs up to 195 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.
Automatic The 4L60-E transmission features a two-piece transmission case that
Transmission provides a high degree of powertrain stiffness to help keep vibration
and noise at a minimum. Transmission efficiency is aided by software that compares
engine/vehicle operating parameters and sets precise transmission line pressure
accordingly. A deep transmission oil pan aids overall transmission durability and fluid
fife. On both the 4L60-E and 4L80-E. an electronically controlled converter clutch (ECCC)
increases fuel economy while maintaining driveability.
Cooling & Climate The vehicle control module
oversees cooling fan and air-conditioning compressor operation. As a result, the fan is
deactivated at higher vehicle Control System speeds when it is no longer needed.
When the engine is switched off,
the fan may run to help avoid radiator boil-over. In the event cooling system temperatures
are severe, the vehicle control module will temporarily disengage the air-conditioning
compressor. In addition, automatic cancellation of repetitive mode shifts result when the
climate control system is placed in the auto-recirculate position.
InnovativeRear Doors At the rear of Savana is an innovative pair
of hinged doors that swing open a full 165 degrees for unrestricted access to the
cavernous cargo hold. Sturdy hinges that support these doors are neatly folded behind
closeout panels when doors are shut. By maintaining tight manufacturing tolerances, all
doors have reduced open and close efforts.
Model Savana is available in 135- and 155-inch wheelbases; three weight
Availability series 1500 (1/2-ton), 2500 (3/4-ton) and 3500 (one-ton); and GVWRs
up to 9,500 pounds. Sliding or 60/40 swing-out side doors are available
as well as SL and SLE trim levels, which offer different features and equipment. Savana, a favorite of
upfitters, is available with aftermarket equipment supplied by a variety of conversion
manufacturers. Space Savana's
interior design provides plenty of space for up to 15 passengers
Space Abounds in as many as five rows of seats. Maximum cargo volume is 267
cubic feet
for the short (135-inch) wheelbase and 317 cubic feet for the extended version (with rear
seats removed).
Comfort and Convenience Features Convenience is important to Savana. owners. With that in
mind, front wheelhouses and engine covers are designed to allow maximum access and
leg room. Front seats slide through a greater range of fore and aft travel. Power seat
adjusters are available. A handy dash-mounted assist handle is provided for the front
passenger. The center console provides
two cupholders, an auxiliary power outlet, a tilt-open storage bin, and CD/cassette tape
storage (keyed to the sound system selected).Middle and rear bench seats are removable.OBD
II Savana's engines also
feature a highly sophisticated on-board computer which monitors a wide variety of
emissions systems for the slightest level of deterioration or malfunction. Diagnostic
tools include the oxygen sensor, crank and cam position sensors, MAP sensor and manifold
air temperature sensor. OBD II capability brings benefits to the customer as well by
storing and retrieving messages that will help technicians
diagnose and fix problems more quickly and accurately.
New for 1999 0 New interior color:
Medium Dark Pewter & middle; New exterior colors: Fernmist Green Metallic, Dark
Bronzemist Metallic& middle; 4L60-E and 4L80-E automatic transmission enhancements
Demographics Age Range 35-54
Mate/Female 80/20%
Average Household Income $55K
Quick Facts * Vehicle Classification - Full-size passenger van
(Cargo and cutaway vans also available)