Click Here to Comment at The Motor Portal Blog!!     ALL-NEW 2007 CHEVY AVALANCHE IS FLEXIBLE WITH PASSENGERS, CARGO AND FUEL Pricing Specifications   CHICAGO – Chevrolet introduced the 2007 Chevy Avalanche, the next generation of the industry’s most flexible utility vehicle. It combines the passenger-comfort attributes of an SUV with the cargo capability of a truck. The ’07 Avalanche is based on GM’s new, full-size SUV platform, which features more power with segment-leading fuel economy and flex-fuel capability; a sharper, more precise driving feel; increased interior refinement; and improved quietness. Avalanche also delivers a 360-degree safety system of occupant protection and crash-avoidance technology that demonstrates GM’s commitment to providing world-class safety, including available head curtain side air bags and standard StabiliTrak stability control system with new rollover mitigation technology. “Avalanche is vehicle without peers, selling more than 379,500 units from its spring 2001 launch through December 2005,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “Avalanche’s flexibility, from its SUV comfort and ingenious Midgate to its new family of flex-fuel-capable engines, delivers a truly unique combination of cargo and passenger options.” The 2007 Avalanche will be available in the second quarter of 2006. It is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, with 2WD and 4WD (a Z71 off-road package will be offered later in the model year). At the start of production, Avalanche will come with an efficient 5.3L V-8 with Active Fuel Management™ technology that seamlessly switches from eight-cylinder to four-cylinder operation to save fuel. Later, a new, all-aluminum 6.0L V-8 with Active Fuel Management and variable valve timing (VVT) will be available. Several available engines allow Avalanche to run on E85, a renewable fuel. E85 is a blend of 85 percent ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and 15 percent gasoline. It delivers similar performance as regular gasoline and is a renewable, domestically produced fuel made from the starch and sugar in agricultural products – primarily corn. E85 also burns cleaner than regular gasoline, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions. GM vehicles with E85 capability can run on any combination of E85 and regular gasoline. GM is a leader in advancing E85 technology and use. More than 1.5 million GM vehicles on the road already are E85-capable.     Trademark flexibility Avalanche’s unparalleled flexibility enables it to function as an SUV, truck or both, thanks to the unique Midgate. Pioneered on the first-generation Avalanche, the clever Midgate opens to extend the cargo-carrying capability from the cargo bed’s 5.3-foot-long (1.6 m) length to 8.2 feet (2.5 m) – 2 inches (51 mm) longer than previous models. The rear seat must be folded to achieve maximum storage capability; with the rear seat up and the Midgate closed, Avalanche has room for up to six passengers. When the Midgate is open and the rear seat is folded flat, Avalanche can carry 4-foot by 8-foot (1.2 m by 2.4 m) sheets of plywood with the tailgate closed. Storage compartments alongside the cargo box provide ample and lockable storage. The storage compartments also have drains, so they can be filled with ice and used as coolers. A three-piece rigid cargo cover with interlocking panels also is available. New features on the ’07 model enhance Avalanche’s flexible attributes and reflect customer feedback: Central-locking tailgate: Locking and unlocking the tailgate is more secure, as the conventional keyed lock is removed from the tailgate. Locking and unlocking functions are handled by the interior lock switches or from the Remote Keyless Entry fob. Remote vehicle starting: Standard on some models and available on others, the remote vehicle starting system allows convenient start-up from a distance to pre-heat or pre-cool the vehicle’s interior. Cargo cover retaining straps: New straps allow the cargo covers to be held securely in place when removed from the storage compartments. Avalanche also has a new tailgate that is spring-loaded to reduce the effort needed to open or close it. Flexible powertrains Avalanche is powered by a new Gen IV small-block V-8 family that delivers more power than comparable powertrains in previous models. Standard on 2WD models is a Vortec 5.3L V-8 with 320 horsepower (238 kw)* and 340 lb.-ft. of torque (470 Nm)*, which offers Active Fuel Management. Two versions of the Vortec 5.3L Gen IV V-8 – including an aluminum-block version that is standard in 4WD models – are compatible with E85. The 5.3L aluminum-block V-8, standard on the 4WD Avalanche, delivers an estimated 310 horsepower (231 kw)** and 335 lb.-ft. (463 Nm)** of torque. Coming later in the year is a powerful, new all-aluminum 6.0L V-8 with variable valve timing, as well as Active Fuel Management. The engine, available on 2WD and 4WD models, is rated at an estimated 355 horsepower (264 kw).** VVT helps optimize camshaft timing to improve low-rpm torque and high-rpm horsepower. The system is enabled by a unique dual-equal cam phaser – the industry’s first application of VVT on a mass-produced V-8 cam-in-block engine. The unique dual-equal phaser adjusts the camshaft timing at the same rate for both the intake and exhaust valves. A Hydra-Matic 4L70 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission is paired with the engine. Contributing to Avalanche’s more efficient performance is improved aerodynamics. A more steeply raked windshield and smoother roofline improve airflow over the vehicle, while a dditional contributors to efficiency include a lower, wider front air dam, tighter tolerances and gaps between the fascias, lamps and grille openings, and improved front-end sealing that nearly eliminates air leak paths. These features all contribute to enhanced fuel economy and improved driving quietness, compared with previous models. Refined, convenient interior Along with Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, the interior of the ’07 Avalanche represents significant new levels of refinement, comfort, quality and convenience. It is roomy and airy, thanks to a lower instrument panel and deeper windshield that improve outward visibility. Passenger space also is increased, including more shoulder space for rear passengers, which is packaged with the available roof-mounted head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for both seating rows. Avalanche’s new front seats are designed to provide more comfort and easier entry/egress. Door pillar-mounted first-row three-point safety belts facilitate slimmer seat design, which helps increase cargo space behind the seats. Comfort has been enhanced with firmer foams, including more aggressive bolsters. The front-row seats have one-inch more aft travel than previous models. The rear seat is unique to the Avalanche and enables easy access to the Midgate system. The seat folds flat, allowing longer items to be carried between the cargo bed and into the rear passenger compartment. Refinements throughout Avalanche’s spacious interior create an environment that exudes quality and precision. A two-tone color scheme is executed with new, softer and low-gloss materials for the instrument panel and other trim pieces. An all-Ebony interior is available. Additional details include LED backlighting for the instruments and chrome accents on instruments and vents. Flush-mounted accessories and controls, such as the climate control/radio center stack, create a seamless, “single unit” appearance. Also, there are almost no exposed metal hardware or latches, as all models feature enclosing “close-outs” around the seat bottoms and door sill trim plates. New comfort features include an upgraded HVAC system, and storage capability is improved with the segment’s largest center console storage bin, a larger glove box and additional new storage compartments. Avalanche also offers a host of available convenience features, including: Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist Rearview camera system Touch-screen navigation system DVD rear-seat entertainment system with larger, 8-inch screen and enhanced features. Avalanche also features an impressive new audio/navigation lineup, which provides quality entertainment and information. A new family of CD/MP3-compatible radios leads the audio lineup, with an enhanced DVD entertainment system that includes a larger, 8-inch screen (with in-dash loading). A new touch-screen navigation radio is available and incorporates the view monitor for the available rear-camera system.       Distinctive exterior design Avalanche’s all-new exterior, monochromatic design is leaner and more agile looking, with a more steeply raked windshield and smoother roofline accentuating the exterior length. Avalanche wears the new face of Chevrolet, with a large Chevy gold Bowtie, centered on a twin-port horizontal grille. The body-colored grille surround is inset with an argent texture mesh. Fog lamps and headlamps feature jewel-like optics. The lower fascia, incorporating the front license plate holder and integrated recovery hooks, is aggressively styled with a skid plate look that enhances Avalanche’s rugged, off-road appearance. Avalanche’s front end styling reflects its capability. It includes the fast-rake windshield; a bulging power dome hood; a prominent new fender design with integrated wheel flares; a distinctive new grille and headlamps; and a full-wrap fascia. The wraparound fascia, which eliminates the conventional bumper-to-body gap, is one of the numerous attributes that gives the Avalanche a more refined look. It also enhances aerodynamics. There also is a new family of 17-inch and 20-inch wheels. Seventeen-inch wheels and tires are standard, with 20-inch factory-installed wheels available (standard on LTZ). The larger wheels fill Avalanche’s wheel houses, giving the vehicle a confident stance. An available Z71 Off Road package (available in the fourth quarter of 2006) takes this aggressive look to the next level, with larger recovery hook openings, larger, more prominent fog lamps and specific grille texture and platinum chrome grille trim. Eighteen-inch wheels and tires also are part of the package. Avalanche is offered in nine exterior colors: Greystone Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic, Sport Red Metallic, Bermuda Blue Metallic, Black, Summit White, Gold Mist Metallic, Sunburst Orange Metallic and Silver Birch Metallic. New full-size SUV foundation Avalanche is built on GM’s new full-size SUV platform, which incorporates features such as a new, fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and an all-new, premium interior system that bolster the vehicle’s comfort, quality and capability. Wider front and rear tracks enhance handling and vehicle stability for a more confident road feel. Extensive attention to detail was paid by Avalanche’s engineers to ensure a quiet driving experience. The new, stiffer frame reduces vibrations transmitted to the passenger cabin, while the strength and accuracy of the fully-boxed frame also enable more precise mounting and tuning of chassis and suspension components. This helps reduce vibration – even the tires on the large, 17-inch and 20-inch wheels were designed to reduce noise. Noise-reducing components and materials are used throughout the body structure, including the headliner material, door seals and front-of-dash area. The engines also feature a quiet-tuned alternator and an acoustically tuned engine cover that reduces engine noise heard inside the vehicle. New door seals help reduce seal “pull-away” at highway speeds, which can cause wind noise. Also, a sleeker shape, thanks to improved aerodynamics, streamlined exterior mirrors and roof rack, more steeply raked windshield and tighter body gap tolerances, assures a quiet ride. Avalanche’s quietness and smoothness are complemented by the Autoride suspension system, which is standard on LTZ. This segment-exclusive bi-state, real-time damping system provides an extremely refined ride with greatly reduced body motion. The system consists of a semi-active, two-position damping control system that responds in real time to road and driving conditions, based on body and wheel motion sensors. Avalanche offers up to 8,000 pounds (3,629 kg) of towing capability, when properly equipped, enhancing its flexible, ready-for-anything capability. Safety story The ’07 Avalanche offers security in the form of a 360-degree safety system of occupant protection and crash-avoidance technologies. New features include roof-mounted head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for both rows and front-seat safety belt pretensioners that are linked to the vehicle's sensing system to provide segment-exclusive deployment in rear-end crashes. These features are integrated into a stronger vehicle structure that is also designed for improved compatibility with other vehicles. The roof-mounted head curtain air bags include design features that provide increased rollover protection and occupant containment. Sensors located at the front of the vehicle, in the side doors, and within the occupant compartment provide increased and more immediate crash detection. The vehicle's sensing system provides industry-exclusive capability to deploy front seat safety belt pretensioners during certain rear-end collisions, enhancing the belt system's ability to hold the occupants firmly in place. The roof-mounted head curtain side air bag system incorporates one of the segment's first rollover indication sensors, which is located on the vehicle's center tunnel in the occupant compartment. The sensor monitors the vehicle's accelerations and roll rate. If these signals indicate an impending rollover, the roof-mounted head curtain side air bags deploy to provide an extra measure of occupant protection and containment. These rollover-capable head curtain side air bags stay inflated longer than air bags developed only for side impacts because rollover incidents can last longer. The deployment duration and other design features of the rollover-capable air bags combine to provide increased occupant protection and the ability to help keep occupants inside the vehicle. Crash avoidance is bolstered through enhanced design and driver control dynamics, such as wider front and rear tracks, as well as more responsive suspensions – including a new coil-over-shock front suspension design and new rack-and-pinion steering. The vehicles are built on a stronger and stiffer, fully-boxed frame that contributes to enhanced crash energy management. The front frame section has been designed to optimize crush progression, resulting in improved energy absorption efficiency. The improved crush performance, enabled by hydroformed frame rails and efficient chassis component packaging, also comprehends design provisions that help improve vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility in the event of a frontal impact with a smaller vehicle. Additional safety features include: Standard StabiliTrak stability control system with rollover mitigation technology Standard dual-stage driver's front air bag Standard dual-stage outboard-front passenger air bag with Passenger Sensing System Available roof-mounted head curtain side air bags for both seating rows Standard front seat safety belt pretensioners with rear impact deployment capability Standard tire pressure monitoring system Available rain-sensing wiper system Available Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist that can detect certain stationary objects in the rearward path of the vehicle and send an audible warning sound and display via three LEDs on the right D-pillar Available rearview camera system designed to provide the driver with a view of people or objects in the rearward path of the vehicle Standard pull-up/push-down power window switches All models come with the Generation 6 OnStar system (with a one-year Safe and Sound service plan). The system includes the General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, making crash data available to emergency services to potentially dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster. If the vehicle is in a crash that activates an air bag, the OnStar system automatically notifies an OnStar advisor, who will check on the occupants or summon emergency help if necessary. OnStar also can assist authorities in locating a vehicle if it is reported stolen (ability to locate stolen vehicles varies with conditions). *Horsepower and torque SAE certified. A new voluntary power and torque certification procedure developed by the SAE Engine Test Code committee was approved March 31, 2005 . This procedure (J2723) ensures fair, accurate ratings for horsepower and torque by allowing manufacturers to certify their engines through third-party witness testing. GM was the first auto manufacturer to begin using the procedure and expects to use it for all newly rated engines in the future. ** Horsepower and torque estimated.     Pricing Announced for 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche, the Industry's Most Flexible Utility Vehicle Avalanche is third all-new Chevrolet utility priced more than $2,000 less than its predecessor in 3 months Dallas, Texas -- Chevrolet, America's number one brand, announced pricing today at the Dallas Auto Show for the all-new 2007 Avalanche, the next generation of the industry's most flexible utility vehicle. The 2007 Avalanche LS begins at $32,490; the starting price for an Avalanche LT is $33,170 and the Avalanche LTZ will start at $39,905. All prices include $875 destination freight charge and apply to two-wheel drive models with a standard 5.3L V8. The 2007 four-wheel drive version of the Avalanche LS has a base price of $35,490, the starting price for the 4WD Avalanche LT is $36,170 and the 4WD Avalanche LTZ starts at $42,905. Vehicle prices include $875 destination freight charge. Delivering on Chevrolet's promise to be the number one value leader in the marketplace, the all-new 2WD and 4WD 2007 Avalanche LS and LT models are priced more than $2,000 below comparably equipped 2006 Avalanche models. The LTZ trim-level was not offered in 2006. Avalanche is the third all-new Chevrolet utility launched during the past three months that is $2,000 less expensive than its predecessor. The Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban were also priced more than $2,000 less than the previous model-year. "The Chevrolet Avalanche enjoys one of the highest customer retention ratings in the industry," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet General Manager, "We wanted to reward and grow that customer loyalty by exceeding expectations for unparalleled capability and value. Avalanche buyers are practical adventure seekers who are looking for a vehicle to support their active lifestyles with the comfort of an SUV coupled with industry-leading, lockable cargo space they've come to expect from a pick-up truck. " The unique Midgate technology enables the Avalanche to function as an SUV, truck or both. When the Midgate is closed, the lockable cargo bed is 5 ft. 3 in. (1.6 m) long and the passenger compartment can seat up to six passengers comfortably. When the Midgate is open and the rear seat is folded flat, the lockable cargo bed extends to 8 ft. 2in. (2.5 m) - 2 inches (51 mm) longer than previous models. In addition to unparalleled flexibility in its design, the Chevrolet Avalanche's efficient 5.3L V8 engine with Active Fuel Management TechnologyTM seamlessly switches from eight-cylinder to four-cylinder operation to save fuel. Several available engines will allow Avalanche to run on E 85, a renewable fuel source. About Chevrolet Chevrolet is America's No. 1-selling automotive brand. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. In addition, Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $9,995 to $72,235. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles. Chevrolet's global headquarters is at the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit. For more information, go to www.chevy.com.     2007 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE SPECIFICATIONS Overview Models: Chevrolet Avalanche LS, LT and LTZ Body style / driveline: 4-door sport utility vehicle/pickup, front-engine, 2- or 4-wheel drive, half-ton models Construction: body on frame EPA vehicle class: half-ton truck vehicle Manufacturing locations: Silao , Mexico Key competitors: Ford Super Crew, Dodge Ram Quad Cab Engines         Vortec 5300 5.3L V-8 (LY5, LMG) Vortec 5300 5.3L V-8 (LC9) Vortec 6000 6.0L V-8 (L76) Type: 5.3L V-8 5.3L V-8 6.0L V-8 Displacement (cu in / cc): 325 / 5328 325 / 5328 364 / 5967 Bore & stroke (in / mm): 3.78 x 3.62 / 96 x 92 3.78 x 3.62 / 96 x 92 4.00 x 3.62 / 101.6 x 92 Block material: cast iron cast aluminum cast aluminum Cylinder head material: cast aluminum cast aluminum cast aluminum Valvetrain: overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder, hydraulic roller lifters overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder, hydraulic roller lifters overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder, variable valve timing Ignition system: coil-near-plug ignition, iridium electrode tip/ iridium core spark plugs, low resistance spark plug wires coil-near-plug ignition, iridium electrode tip/ iridium core spark plugs, low resistance spark plug wires coil-near-plug ignition, iridium electrode tip/ iridium core spark plugs, low resistance spark plug wires Fuel delivery: Active Fuel Management™; sequential fuel injection Active Fuel Management™; sequential fuel injection Active Fuel Management™; sequential fuel injection Compression ratio: 9.9:1 9.9:1 9.7:1 Horsepower (hp/ kw @ rpm): 320 / 238 @ 5200* 310 / 231 @ 5200** 355 / 264 @ 5400** Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): 340 / 470 @ 4200* 335 / 463 @ 4000** 365 / 504 @ 4400** Fuel: 87 octane, E85-capable (LMG) 87 octane, E85-capable 87 octane Maximum engine speed (rpm): 6000 6000 5900 Emissions controls: close-coupled catalytic converter, Quick Sync 58X ignition, returnless fuel rail, fast-response O² sensor close-coupled catalytic converter, Quick Sync 58X ignition, returnless fuel rail, fast-response O² sensor close-coupled catalytic converter, Quick Sync 58X ignition, returnless fuel rail, fast-response O² sensor Estimated fuel economy: TBD TBD TBD Transmission     Type: Hydra-Matic 4L60, 4-speed automatic (5.3L engines) Hydra-Matic 4L70, 4-speed automatic (6.0L engine) Gear ratios (:1): First: 3.06 3.06 Second: 1.63 1.63 Third: 1.00 1.00 Fourth: 0.70 0.70 Reverse: 2.29 2.29 Final drive ratio: 3.73:1 (std), 4.10 :1 (opt) 4.10 Chassis/Suspension Front: independent, coil over shock; Autoride real-time damping (std. on LTZ and LT with 6.0L) Rear: five-link with coil springs; Autoride real-time damping (std. on LTZ and LT with 6.0L) Traction assist: all-speed traction control Steering type: power-assisted rack-and-pinion Steering ratio: 17.75:1 Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock: 3 Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m): 43.0 / 13.1 Brakes Type: 4-wheel disc, 4-wheel ABS Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm): front: 13 x 1.18 / 330.2 x 30 rear: 13.5 x .787 / 345 x 20 Wheels/Tires Wheel size and type: 17 x 7.5-inch machined cast aluminum, silver sparkle accent (LS, LT) 18 x 8.0-inch polished aluminum (Z71 package) – Q4 ’06 availability 20 x 8.5-inch polished aluminum (opt. LT, std. LTZ) Tires: P265/70R17 blackwall Goodyear AL2 (all-season) steel belt radials; P265/70R17 white letter Goodyear AL2 (all-season) steel belt radials; P265/70R17 blackwall Bridgestone OOR (on-off-road) steel belt radials (export only) P265/65R18 blackwall Bridgestone OOR (on-off-road) steel belt radials – Q4 ’06 availability P265/65R18 blackwall Bridgestone AL2 (all-season) steel belt radials (export only) P275/55R20 blackwall Bridgestone AL2 (all-season) steel belt radials Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase (in / mm): 130 / 3302 Overall length (in / mm): 221.3 / 5620.8 Overall width (in / mm): 79.1 / 2010.4 Overall height (in / mm): 76.6 / 1944.8 Track (in / mm): front: 68.2 / 1731.8 rear: 67.0 / 1701.8 Minimum ground clearance (in / mm): 2WD: 9.1 / 230.7 4WD: 9.1 / 230.7 Step-in height (in / mm): 2WD: 21.9 / 555.6 4WD: 22.2 / 562.8 Ground to top of cargo floor (in / mm): 2WD: 32.2 / 818.9 4WD: 32.5 / 824.8 Approach angle (deg): 2WD: 16.78 4WD: 16.64 Departure angle (deg): 2WD: 20.05 4WD: 20.31 Curb weight (lb / kg): 2WD: 5478 / 2485 4WD: 5645 / 2560 Weight distribution (% front / rear): 2WD: 51 / 49 4WD: 52 / 48 Interior First Row Second Row Seating capacity (9 total): 2 / 3 2 / 3 Headroom (in / mm): 41.1 / 1043.2 40 / 1014.9 Legroom (in / mm): 41.3 / 1048.9 39.1 / 1048.9 Shoulder room (in / mm): 65.3 / 1657.9 65.2 / 1657.3 Hip room (in / mm): 64.4 / 1636.7 61.8 / 1570.1 Cargo length (in / mm): Behind 1 st row, Midgate closed 31.8 / 806.8 Cargo volume (cu ft / L): Behind 1 st row, 2 nd row folded, Midgate closed 54.3 / 1537.3 Behind 1 st row, 2 nd row folded, Midgate open 101 / 2859.1 Cargo box Cargo Length – bed, Midgate closed (in / mm): 63.3 /1609.1 Cargo Length – behind 1 st row, Midgate open (in / mm): 97.6 / 2479 Cargo width at wheelhouse (in / mm): 50.0 / 1270.4 Cargo height – max. inside w/Midgate open (in / mm): 47.4 / 1204.7 Cargo height – open bed (in / mm): 25.0 / 634.7 Cargo height – w/bed cover (in / mm): 22.6 / 574.5 Cargo volume, open bed, Midgate closed (cu ft / L): 45.5 / 1289.1 Capacities GVWR: (lb / kg): 2WD: 6800 / 3084 4WD: 7000 / 3175 Payload, base (lb / kg): 2WD: 1322 / 600 4WD: 1355 / 615 Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg): 2WD: 8000 / 3628 (5.3L & 6.0L w/ 4.10 axle) 4WD: 7800 / 3538 (5.3L w/ 4.10 axle) Fuel tank (gal / L): 31.5 / 119.2 Engine oil (qt / L): 6 / 5.7 (5.3L & 6.0L) Cooling system (qt / L): 16.8 / 15.9 (5.3L & 6.0L) *Horsepower and torque SAE-certified. A new voluntary power and torque certification procedure developed by the SAE Engine Test Code committee was approved March 31, 2005. This procedure (J2723) ensures fair, accurate ratings for horsepower and torque by allowing manufacturers to certify their engines through third-party witness testing. GM was the first auto manufacturer to begin using the procedure and expects to use it for all newly rated engines in the future.