2001 GMC Envoy news, pictures, and information

Surprisingly roomy and comfortable, Envoy and Envoy XL provide more first- and second-row head, leg, shoulder and hip room than most competitors. And the Envoy XL's superior third-row seat, wîth six inches more shoulder room than Ford Explorer, for example, isn't just a child's seat. Its two seating positions can comfortably accommodate two 6' 2', 190 lb adult males. All seats feature longer, wider and thicker cushions, providing comfort for a variety of individual heights – from 4'11' to 6'2'. Envoy's SLT trim provides premium soft leather seating surfaces.

Envoy's rear seat and Envoy XL's second- and third-row seats fold down for extra loading flexibility. With the convenient second- and third-row flip-fold seats folded down to provide a flat load floor, Envoy XL provides an astounding 100.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo space – 18.9 cubic feet more than a seven-passenger Explorer, for example, and 12.3 cubic feet more than Dodge Durango.

Envoy XL also features a highly versatile rear cargo shelf wîth adjustable height levels. It can be used to extend the flat load floor in the rear when the seats are folded, raised up for privacy in concealing items stored beneath it or simply stowed or removed to maximize cargo space.

Accommodating comfort features

Envoy and Envoy XL's standard heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system provides dual zone climate control wîth as much as a 25 degree F difference in temperature settings for the driver and front passenger. Envoy XL's standard HVAC system also provides rear-seat passengers wîth independent temperature controls, conveniently accessible at the back of the front console. The five-passenger Envoy provides rear passengers wîth separate HVAC airflow direction controls.

Envoy and Envoy XL's SLT trim provides individual memory and personalization features for two drivers. Each can tailor seat and side mirror positions, radio stations, HVAC controls and more to their individualized preferences.

The SLT's standard six-language driver information center also provides vital information on fluid levels, along wîth calculations for fuel data such as average fuel economy and range.

Envoy's standard audio system features a CD player wîth Radio Data System (RDS) technology that permits searching for radio stations by type and receiving text-based messages. A 275-watt Bose premium sound system, available on the SLT, optimizes listening pleasure. The SLT's secondary §teering wheel controls also enable the driver to continue watching the road while adjusting the audio, climate control or driver message center.

Envoy and Envoy XL will also offer an -first, factory-installed DVD Rear-Seat Entertainment system. Envoy's state-of-the-art DVD system includes a wide screen, flip-down, color liquid-crystal display and the capability of playing studio quality audio/video in both CD-audio and DVD formats. The optional DVD system will be available in September.

GM's renowned OnStar system is standard, along wîth one year of OnStar's safety and security service package. For more information about OnStar, see the 'OnStar' section of the Corporate press kit.

Smooth, comfortable ride

Envoy provides responsive handling and unexpectedly smooth, stress-free riding comfort.

Its extremely stiff and rigid body, wîth a 23-Hertz rating comparable to that of world-class luxury sedans, minimizes noise and vibration. Advanced, full-length hydroformed side rails wîth eight cross-members on the five-passenger Envoy and 10 cross-members on Envoy XL provide the backbone for this amazing structural rigidity and stiffness.

Envoy's new independent short- and long-arm front suspension and five-link solid axle rear suspension also enhance ride comfort. Standard Bilstein monotube shock absorbers provide excellent handling and tire-to-road action. An optional, electronically controlled air suspension adjusts the spring height at each rear wheel to maintain a smooth, level ride, regardless of load and road conditions.

The hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion §teering system enhances maneuverability. Despite Envoy's increased wheelbase and length, its 36.4-foot turning diameter is almost six feet shorter than its predecessor. Envoy XL, although 16 inches longer than the five-passenger Envoy, still provides an impressive 41.3-foot turning diameter.

Four-wheel vented disc brakes, wîth standard four-wheel antilock braking system (ABS), provide surer control during hard stops; the brakes also provide world-class pedal feel, wear life and quietness.

A wider track and larger standard 17-inch Michelin tires and aluminum wheels contribute to a more stable, comfortable ride and surer handling.

Únsurpassed power and performance

A totally new, all-aluminum Vortec 4200 inline six-cylinder engine drives Envoy to the top of its class in power and performance.

The standard 4.2-liter, 24-valve, dual overhead cam (DOHC) engine produces 270 peak horsepower — more than the V-8 engines of competitors like the Ford Explorer, Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Its impressive 275 lb-ft of torque also enables Envoy, equipped wîth a 4.10 axle ratio, to tow trailers weighing as much as 6400 pounds and up to 6000 pounds on Envoy XL.

The Vortec 4200 is so incredibly smooth and quiet at idle and during acceleration that a starter-interrupt feature, called 'Intelli-start,' has been added to prevent re-engaging the starter if the engine is running.

Refined, sophisticated styling

A bold, center-port grille, offset by GMC's ruby red logo, highlights the distinctive front-end appearance of both the Envoy and Envoy XL. Large, vertically oriented headlamps, standard fog lamps and standard cornering lamps — a feature rarely found on competing SÚVs — extend the bold, precise look.

Beveled tail lamps create an angular, precise appearance; their geometric shape extends to the body side moldings and wheel openings. The uplevel SLT trim adds body-colored exterior door handles and brushed nickel body side moldings.

The highly refined interior includes appointments such as the brushed nickel trim appearance on the instrument panel and front console; the SLT adds premium wood trim accents.