2009 Chevrolet Avalanche news, pictures, and information

2009 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE ADDS FUEL-SAVING SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND BLUETOOTH WIRELESS PHONE CONNECTION

In addition to the new six-speed automatic transmission, a host of new features and revisions across the lineup gives Avalanche customers more choices. The changes for '09 include the following:

• New 20-inch chrome-clad wheel – This new wheel design is available on LTZ models

• New exterior colors – White Diamond Tricoat is available on LTZ; Inferno Orange replaces Sunburst Orange and later in the model year, Dark Brahma Jewel will be available in limited quantity

• OnStar 8.0 – The latest-generation OnStar system offers advanced features, including Stolen Vehicle Slow Down, Turn-by-Turn Navigation, and new Destination Download that automatic downloads requested directions to the navigation system

• Bluetooth connectivity – This wireless technology enables safer, hands-free calling, wîth specific §teering wheel controls through either OnStar or a Bluetooth-enabled phone

• XM Satellite Radio wîth NavTraffic – Available wîth the standard XM Satellite Radio service, the new NavTraffic feature delivers real-time traffic advisements and route suggestions into the optional navigation system

LTZ Enhancements – Standard on LTZ models:
• Heated and cooled 12-way power memory seats

• Perforated leather-trimmed seating surfaces

• New body-side moldings wîth chrome accent strip

• New rear fascia wîth chrome accent strip and trailer hitch cover

• Centerpoint Surround Sound Bose speaker system

• New sill plates wîth embossed 'Chevrolet' logo

• New outside mirror glass – A new 'Razor' LED design for the turn signals is incorporated in the mirror glass for LTZ models and 2LT models wîth the luxury package

• Integrated brake controller – Integrated wîth the ABS system, this optional feature provides immediate and measured brake force signaling to electric-controlled trailer brake systems; there is no requirement for external and/or aftermarket brake control systems

• Heavy-duty trailering package – Provides enhanced cooling capacity to deliver maximum towing capability wîth the 3.42 axle ratio

• Fuel-saving 3.08 axle ratio – New base axle for 2WD models that delivers real-world highway fuel economy improvement

Additionally, several changes have been made to previous Avalanche packages and content. They include:

• Twenty-inch polished wheels are available on 1LT and 2LT

• Two rearview camera options: The rearview camera display is included in the inside rearview mirror on models without the navigation radio and on the navigation display for models wîth the navigation radio

• Navigation radio now offered on 1LT

• New fabric for cloth seat trim

• Z71 models now include body-color door handles and mirror caps, as well as a bright chrome grille insert

• Titanium and Cashmere interior options are now available on Z71 models

New luxury package available on 2LT models consisting of:
• Bose premium speaker system

• Heated leather-trimmed seats wîth 10-way power seat adjusters

• Auto-dimming outside mirror wîth new 'Razor-style' turn signal display

• Auto-dimming inside mirror

• Avalanche lineup


The Avalanche is available in LS, LT and LTZ models, wîth 2WD and 4WD. The standard powertrain includes an efficient 5.3L V-8 wîth Active Fuel Management™ technology that seamlessly switches from eight-cylinder to four-cylinder operation to save fuel. (concept carz) A 6.0L V-8 engine wîth Active Fuel Management and variable valve timing (VVT) is also available, giving Avalanche customers more choices for selecting a vehicle that has the capability they demand. Several of Avalanche's engines are FlexFuel-capable, meaning they can run on E85 ethanol-based fuel. (concept carz)

Also available is the popular Z71 Off Road appearance package. This optional package includes the Z71 Off Road suspension wîth high-pressure, gas-charged monotube shocks, 18-inch on/off road tires, automatic-locking differential, front recovery hooks, a durable skid plate and high-capacity air cleaner. Large, color-keyed wheel flares, an aggressive front fascia and satin chrome tubular assist steps, and bright chrome front grille insert provide a one-of-a kind appearance. On the inside are leather-appointed bucket seats that are available in solid Ebony, Cashmere or Titanium.

Midgate flexibility

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.

At the beginning of the 2009 model year, Avalanche comes wîth a 5.3L aluminum-block V-8 as standard on 4WD models, delivering 310 horsepower (231 kW)* and 335 lb.-ft. (454 Nm)* of torque. Shortly after start-up production, the standard engine will change to a 5.3L iron-block V-8 wîth 320 horsepower (239 kW) and 340 lb.-ft. of torque (461 Nm), wîth Active Fuel Management and FlexFuel capability.

Two versions of the Vortec 5.3L V-8 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).* Variable valve timing helps optimize camshaft timing to improve low-rpm torque and high-rpm horsepower. The system is enabled by a unique dual-equal cam phaser that adjusts the camshaft timing at the same rate for both the intake and exhaust valves.

All of Avalanche's engines are matched wîth a new, fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

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

• Driver information center

• Dual-zone automatic HVAC

• Rain Sense wiper system

• Rearview camera system

• Touch-screen navigation system

DVD rear-seat entertainment system wîth eight-inch screen that can play videos stored on iPods
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 eight-inch screen (with in-dash loading). A touch-screen navigation radio is available and incorporates the monitor for the rearview camera system.

Distinctive design

	Vital Stats
Engine : 5.3 L., 8-cylinder Power: 310 hp Torque: 335 ft-lbs Engine : 6.0 L., 8-cylinder Power: 366 hp Torque: 376 ft-lbs
6-speed Automatic

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-color 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 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 its 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; available on LT). The larger wheels fill Avalanche's wheelhouses, giving the vehicle a confident stance.

Avalanche also offers convenient power-articulating running boards on LTZ models, 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.

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