What is it?
Chevrolet Avalanche
What's special about it?
Possibly the most versatile vehicle design to date, the Avalanche is based on Chevy's full-size truck platform, yet it performs everything from six-passenger seating to enclosed 4x8 load hauling (with several configurations in-between). Called the Convert-a-Cab system, it features a combination folding midgate and removable rear window, along with folding rear seats and a three-piece cargo cover. When optimized for people moving, the Avalanche offers a roomy, rugged interior with premium, durable materials designed for active lifestyles. Chevrolet worked with The North Face, a company that specializes in outerwear and sporting equipment, when it designed the interior. Specific features include integrated water bottle holders and dedicated connectors for North Face Summit packs. The active theme continues outside with lower body cladding, bed rails, a bed liner and a folding cargo cover made from a scratch-resistance composite material. The Avalanche can be reconfigured by a single person, without any tools, in a matter of seconds. Transforming it from people to cargo mode increases bed length from 5'3" to 8'1". Removable items like the rear window and cargo cover may be stowed in on-board compartments, further increasing the vehicle's spontaneous and active philosophy. Power, supplied by Chevy's new Vortec 5300 V8 engine, travels through a four-speed automatic to all four wheels.
Why should I care?
With 85 percent of the Avalanche's parts coming directly from GM's current full-size truck line, this vehicle is a definite go and should be in Chevy showrooms before the end of calendar year 2001. Assuming it beats Subaru's ST-X concept to market, it will be the first production vehicle to utilize a folding panel between the truck cab and bed. In terms of pure innovation and versatility, this was one of the most impressive vehicles displayed at Detroit. Think of the Avalanche as a "Super Xterra" and you'll get an idea what it represents and how successful it should be in the ever-expanding truck market.
Chevrolet Avalanche
What's special about it?
Possibly the most versatile vehicle design to date, the Avalanche is based on Chevy's full-size truck platform, yet it performs everything from six-passenger seating to enclosed 4x8 load hauling (with several configurations in-between). Called the Convert-a-Cab system, it features a combination folding midgate and removable rear window, along with folding rear seats and a three-piece cargo cover. When optimized for people moving, the Avalanche offers a roomy, rugged interior with premium, durable materials designed for active lifestyles. Chevrolet worked with The North Face, a company that specializes in outerwear and sporting equipment, when it designed the interior. Specific features include integrated water bottle holders and dedicated connectors for North Face Summit packs. The active theme continues outside with lower body cladding, bed rails, a bed liner and a folding cargo cover made from a scratch-resistance composite material. The Avalanche can be reconfigured by a single person, without any tools, in a matter of seconds. Transforming it from people to cargo mode increases bed length from 5'3" to 8'1". Removable items like the rear window and cargo cover may be stowed in on-board compartments, further increasing the vehicle's spontaneous and active philosophy. Power, supplied by Chevy's new Vortec 5300 V8 engine, travels through a four-speed automatic to all four wheels.
Why should I care?
With 85 percent of the Avalanche's parts coming directly from GM's current full-size truck line, this vehicle is a definite go and should be in Chevy showrooms before the end of calendar year 2001. Assuming it beats Subaru's ST-X concept to market, it will be the first production vehicle to utilize a folding panel between the truck cab and bed. In terms of pure innovation and versatility, this was one of the most impressive vehicles displayed at Detroit. Think of the Avalanche as a "Super Xterra" and you'll get an idea what it represents and how successful it should be in the ever-expanding truck market.
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