Detroit - Over the years, many trucks have demonstrated a distinct evolution in styling. Chevy Avalanche brings a revolution. By combining elements of pickup trucks and sport utilities, Avalanche has created its own unique niche - the Ultimate Utility Vehicle (UUV) segment. And with the ability to switch between a six-passenger sport utility to a three-passenger pickup truck with an eight-foot cargo box, Avalanche truly can do anything, anytime and anywhere. The truck that wowed the press when it was launched at the Detroit International Auto Show in January was not a far-out concept. In fact, the production truck is very similar to the original concept. 



Avalanche combines the roominess of Suburban-style with first- and second-row seating and the practicality of a Silverado-style cargo box," explained Chevrolet General Manager Kurt Ritter "It can be reconfigured to function as either a pickup or an SUV - or both at the same time." 

Convert-a-Cab SystemTM with Unique MidgateTM At the heart of its breakthrough styling is the ingenious Convert-a-CabTM system that allows Avalanche to quickly and easily adapt to what customers need, when they need it. The key to this versatility is Avalanche's unique MidgateTM design. When the rear passenger seat is folded, the MidgateTM can be folded down to allow longer and larger cargo. This allows the 5'3" standard length bed to convert to a full 8'1" - long enough to carry 4'x8' sheets of plywood, drywall or other building material with the tailgate closed and the cargo safely secured. 

There is plenty more versatility. In a cue borrowed from the 1968 Chevrolet Corvette, Avalanche's rear window can be removed and stored on the MidgateTM. Keeping the MidgateTM upright with the window removed creates an open-air feel without the inherent wind noise associated with a convertible. In addition, with the window removed and stored, the MidgateTM can also be lowered to create a larger open space. This allows the Avalanche to accommodate taller cargo like a quad-wheel ATV or motorcycle. Securing big cargo like this is easy thanks to eight multi-purpose tie downs. 

Advanced Cargo Bed and Tailgate



The bed and tailgate are made of a combination of steel, GM's new PRO-TECTM composite and other materials. This composite material is exceptionally durable, will resist dings caused by sliding cargo and can be cleaned easily, while vertical dividers in the box allow the cargo to be segmented to reduce sliding. The tailgate locks with the same key as the vehicle's doors to help protect the cargo inside. The tailgate uses an ergonomically-designed handle and even incorporates two cup holders for the ever-important "tailgate parties." 

The three-piece cargo cover is an integral part of the Convert-A-CabTM system. Each of the panels, can be removed separately to maximize the versatility of the bed to haul tall items like a shrub. Easy to remove by just one person, each panel can be interlocked to cover the entire bed and protect the contents below from the elements. Each cover can also be easily stored in the pickup box as well. 

If all that weren't enough, the Avalanche features two Top Box Storage compartments on either side of the box. Inside is a combined 5 cubic feet of water-tight, lockable storage space for tools, sporting accessories or other important valuables. Just like the cargo box, the compartments are lighted for quick access day or night. Getting big cargo in the bed is aided by the step features in the back bumper and grab handles to the cargo box. 

Exterior And Interior
The signature Chevy bowtie up front is emboldened in Chevy's most distinctive, vertical grille bar. Teamed with quad headlamps and integral lower fascia fog lamps, other driver's will notice Avalanche coming and going. Four full doors provide easy access to front and back seats. 

Looking beyond the radical MidgateTM and Convert-A-CabTM design, the Avalanche's styling is truly distinctive. Surrounding the base of the Avalanche is cladding that gives the Avalanche an aura of strength. Side sail panels blend the line from cab to bed smoothly, but are also functional in they help add body rigidity to cushion the ride. 

Once inside, Avalanche's expansive interior can fit up to six passengers comfortably. The durable fabrics include cloth or available leather seating surfaces that are designed to handle the abuse of muddy boots and grubby climbing equipment.  

The Strength Under the Shell
Underneath, the Avalanche builds on the strengths of its Chevy full-size truck siblings. It's powered by the Vortec 5300 V8 engine that produces 265 peak horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque, and teamed with a smooth-shifting 4-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission. An independent front suspension and 5-link rear suspension help provide a smooth ride on a variety of road surfaces. When conditions require, Avalanche's standard AutotracTM automatic four-wheel drive system shifts power to the front or rear wheels depending on where it's needed most. 

P245/75R16 tires on 16-inch wheels are standard. Beefier P265/70R17 tires on 17-inch wheels are included in optional suspension packages. On 4-wheel drive models, these larger on-/off-road tires are included with the Z71 package, that also adds 46-mm Bilstein gas-pressurized shocks, skid plates and more -- while the Z66 suspension package includes the larger tires and wheels, along with electronic traction assist and self-leveling rear shocks. 

Autoworld.com

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