2008 Chevrolet Avalanche news, pictures, and information

2008 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE: HEAD CURTAIN SIDE AIR BAGS NOW STANDARD ON ALL MODELS

Avalanche's unparalleled flexibility enables it to function as an SÚV, truck or both, thanks to the exclusive Midgate. Pioneered on the first-generation Avalanche, the Midgate opens to extend the cargo-carrying capability from the cargo bed's 5-foot-3-inch-long (1.6 m) length to 8 feet 2 inches (2.5 m). The rear seat must be folded to achieve maximum storage capability; wîth 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 wîth 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 wîth ice and used as coolers. A three-piece rigid cargo cover wîth interlocking panels also is available.

Avalanche's flexible attributes also include a central-locking tailgate and cargo cover retaining straps. Also, the tailgate is spring-loaded to reduce the effort needed to open or close it.

Efficient performance

Avalanche is powered by the small-block V-8 family. Standard on 2WD models is an iron-block Vortec 5.3L V-8 wîth 320 horsepower (239 kW)* and 340 lb.-ft. of torque (461 Nm)*, which offers Active Fuel Management. The 5.3L aluminum-block V-8, standard on Avalanche 4WD models, delivers 310 horsepower (231 kW)* and 335 lb.-ft. (454 Nm)* of torque. The 5.3L engines are mated to a Hydra-Matic 4L60 four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

Two versions of the Vortec 5.3L V-8 – including an aluminum-block version that is standard in 4WD models – are compatible wîth E85, a renewable fuel made of 85 percent ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and 15 percent gasoline.

An all-aluminum 6.0L V-8 wîth variable valve timing (VVT), as well as Active Fuel Management is available on 2WD and 4WD models. It is rated at 366 horsepower (273 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 '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 wîth the engine.

Its aerodynamics contribute to Avalanche's efficient performance . A steeply raked windshield and smooth roofline contribute to good airflow over the vehicle, while a dditional contributors to efficiency include a low, wide front air dam, tight tolerances and gaps between the fascias, lamps and grille openings, and front-end sealing that nearly eliminates air leak paths.

Interior refinement and convenience

Avalanche's interior represents a high level of refinement, comfort, quality and convenience. It is roomy and airy, thanks to a low instrument panel and deep windshield that improve outward visibility.

Avalanche's front seats are designed to provide comfort and easy entry/egress. Door pillar-mounted first-row three-point safety belts facilitate a slim seat design, which helps enhances cargo space behind the seats. Comfort comes from firm seat foams, including aggressive bolsters. 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.

Avalanche's spacious interior creates an environment that exudes quality and precision. 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. Comfort features include an efficient HVAC system, and generous storage capability – wîth the §egmènt's largest center console storage bin, a large glove box and numerous storage compartments. Avalanche also offers a host of available convenience features, including:

• Últrasonic Rear Parking Assist

• Remote vehicle starting

Avalanche also features an impressive audio/navigation lineup, which provides quality entertainment and information. GM's family of CD/MP3-compatible radios leads the audio lineup, wîth an available DVD entertainment system that includes an 8-inch screen (with in-dash loading). A touch-screen navigation radio is available and incorporates the view monitor for the available rear-camera system.

Distinctive design

Avalanche's monochromatic design is lean and agile, wîth a steeply raked windshield and smooth roofline that accentuates the exterior length. Avalanche wears the distinctive face of Chevrolet, wîth a large Chevy gold bowtie, centered on a twin-port horizontal grille. The body-colored grille surround is inset wîth an argent texture mesh. Fog lamps and headlamps feature jewel-like optics.

Avalanche's front end styling reflects its capability. It includes the fast-rake windshield; a bulging power dome hood; a prominent fender design wîth integrated wheel flares; bold grille and headlamps; and a full-wrap fascia. The wraparound fascia eliminates the conventional bumper-to-body gap and is one of the numerous attributes that gives the Avalanche a refined look. It also enhances aerodynamics.

Avalanche offers a range of 17-inch and 20-inch wheels. Seventeen-inch wheels and tires are standard, wîth 20-inch factory-installed wheels available (standard on LTZ). The larger wheels fill Avalanche's wheelhouses, giving the vehicle a confident stance.

Avalanche also offers convenient power articulating running boards, which blend smoothly wîth the vehicle's design. They automatically move downward and outward when the doors are opened, providing a lower step-in height.

Available on LTZ models is the Chrome Appearance Package. It includes a stainless steel exhaust tip, chrome recovery hooks, and the choice of one of six 20-inch wheel designs.

Full-size SÚV foundation

	Vital Stats
Engine : 5.3 L., 8-cylinder Power: 320 hp Torque: 340 ft-lbs Engine : 5.3 L., 8-cylinder Power: 310 hp Torque: 335 ft-lbs Engine : 6.0 L., 8-cylinder Power: 366 hp Torque: 380 ft-lbs
4-speed Automatic

Avalanche is built on GM's full-size SÚV platform, which incorporates features such as a fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension, rack-and-pinion §teering and a premium interior system that bolster the vehicle's comfort, quality and capability. Wide front and rear tracks enhance handling and vehicle stability for a more confident road feel.

A stiff frame reduces vibrations transmitted to the passenger cabin, while the strength and accuracy of the fully boxed frame also enable 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. The door seals help reduce seal 'pull-away' at highway speeds, which can cause wind noise.

Avalanche's quietness and smoothness are complemented by the Autoride suspension system, which is standard on LTZ. This §egmènt-exclusive bi-state, real-time damping system provides an extremely refined ride wîth 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 8,200 pounds (3,720 kg) of towing capability, when properly equipped, enhancing its flexible, ready-for-anything capability.

Safety story