2003 Chevrolet Express

2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS: REDESIGN PLUS EVEN MORE FULL-SIZE VAN CAPABILITY, SAFETY AND COMFORT

For 2003, Chevrolet Express features major changes: a left-side passenger door, the industry's first all-wheel-drive full-size van models, unique access panels, an all-new look and upgraded powertrains - among many others.
'The redesigned Chevy Express simply delivers more for customers, whether they're looking for a passenger van, cargo van or a solid foundation for an RV conversion,' said Express Marketing Director David Kanous. 'Enhanced safety and reliability features also enhance these hard-working vans for work or play.'




Express further distinguishes itself by offering three all-wheel-drive H-models, which join the full-size van family for 2003. Superior traction provided by a viscous-coupled transfer case gives the best on-road, wet- or dry-pavement handling performance ever available on a full-size van. The system automatically transfers torque from slipping wheels to those with a firmer grip.

The Express Access provides innovative side access panels allowing easy access to cargo areas. These panels operate via remote key fob or internal mechanical release, a definite time-saver for the vocational user.



Úpgraded Vortec V8 engines
A new lineup of Vortec V8 engines gives the 2003 Express more power and better performance than its previous small-block V8s. The engines top comparable rivals in horsepower or acceleration - or both. The Vortec 4800 4.8L V8 cranks out 270 horsepower, 50 more than the Vortec 5000 it replaces. The engine is primarily used for heavy-duty applications such as the 2500 Series cargo vans.

The Vortec 5300 5.3L V8 has the ability to provide segment-leading acceleration. It churns out 285 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, and is used mostly for light-duty applications.

Those seeking more power can opt for the Vortec 6000 - the segment's most powerful V8. It's more fuel-efficient than the Vortec 8100 it replaces, and more than capable of handling heavy-duty trailering/hauling requirements.

An expanded array of models equipped with a Vortec 6000 V8 offers fully converted, dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG) systems or bi-fuel systems using either CNG or gasoline. For the 2003 model year, cutaway CNG versions will be available. All models are available with mounted spare tire and/or towing hitch.

The 200 horsepower Vortec 4300 4.3L V6 with multi-port fuel injection (previously available only in California ) is now the base engine for light-duty G-vans in all 50 states. A central fuel injector delivers a separate flow of fuel to six individual hybrid injectors for better performance and improved emissions.

For the first time, Express features GM's unique tow/haul mode - a proven technology on Chevy full-size pickups and sport utilities. It reduces the frequency and improves the predictability of transmission shifts when pulling a trailer or carrying a heavy load.

World-class brakes and more…
For 2003, the Express offers a four-wheel power disc ABS system as standard equipment. The system features the responsive HydroBoost hydraulic assist power brake booster. Light- and heavy-duty models include Dynamic Rear Proportioning (DRP), which recognizes changes in wheel speed and load variation, then adjusts the amount of pressure applied to the rear brakes. The new system not only provides shorter stopping distance, it also has better 'pedal feel,' reduced pedal effort and travel, and quieter operation over the system it replaces.

A newly redesigned three-piece, fully boxed frame increases torsional stiffness by 28 percent to 43 percent, depending on the model. That contributes to improved ride and handling and better isolation from the road. Larger stabilizer bars - 33mm on light-duty models and 35mm on vehicles with 8,600-pound GVW and above - add stability. Standard power rack-and-pinion steering on all light-duty models provides more precise control.

Smarter electrical system
An advanced multiplexed electrical architecture makes the 2003 Express even 'smarter.' A communication network transfers data throughout the vehicle to allow a new instrument cluster to monitor and report on more than 20 system functions - it even tells a customer when to change oil. The system also supports new features such as dual-level air bags (on light-duty models), lockout prevention, retained accessory power and battery-rundown protection. The rundown protection guards against battery drain if interior lights and/or headlamps and parking lamps are left on accidentally.

New front-seat, dual-stage air bags - standard in all light-duty models up to 8,600-pounds GVW - tailor inflation speed to crash severity, minimizing the risk of injury to smaller occupants during low-speed crashes.

The dual-stage or dual-level air-bag system is a supplemental restraint system designed to detect vehicle deceleration and, based on the deceleration data, provide an appropriate amount of air-bag inflation. The dual-level air-bag system senses the severity of a crash and determines whether to deploy the air bag with a primary amount of inflation or with primary and a higher secondary amount of inflation. Sensors located in the front of the vehicle work with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM) to measure the severity of the impact. The SDM uses the data to make a determination on the type of air-bag deployment (first stage or second stage) or non-deploy. Dual-stage air bags are designed to help reduce the occurrence of inflation-induced injuries by deploying the air bag less forcefully in lower-speed crashes.

Other safety enhancements include driver and front-passenger belts, with pre-tensioners and energy-absorbing retractors; three-point lap and shoulder belts in all first- and second-row seating positions, and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for child seats in passenger vans.

The 2003 Express offers the security and convenience of GM's next-generation OnStar system on passenger and conversion models for the first time. OnStar is the nation's leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services using the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network and wireless technology. OnStar services include automatic notification of air-bag deployment, stolen-vehicle location, remote door unlock, emergency services dispatch, roadside assistance, remote diagnostics, route support, convenience services and OnStar Concierge. OnStar Personal Calling allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls through a nationwide network in cooperation with Verizon Wireless. Virtual Advisor gives subscribers access to personalized information in a hands-free, voice-activated manner with no screens or displays.

More interior comfort and convenience
The 2003 Express offers more supportive front seats, better lighting, higher-quality fit and finish on panels, safer trim and improved headliner. The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system has been upgraded. Express has integrated armrests, door pull handles, window and lock control switches and mirrors. Front doors include storage pockets.

An added storage tray, twin trip odometers, a second power outlet, a third console cupholder, loop-style coat hooks and more durable 12-ounce carpeting are also provided. (concept carz) New rear-view mirrors, available on some models, offer integrated turn-signal indicators, along with their remote control, electrically heated, manually folding features.

Express continues to offer best-in-class features such as the widest rear cargo-door openings and the lowest step-in heights.

Radio Data System (RDS) capability is available on all except the base-model and upfitter-package radios. RDS allows the radio to display a variety of text descriptions, including traffic information, construction updates, music type (e.g., 'classical,' 'rock,' 'country' etc.), station call letters - even song and artist information. The new vans continue to offer a wide selection of high-quality audio system choices, including AM/FM stereo, seek/scan, clock, cassette, single-CD player or six-disc CD changer.

Model lineup
The 2003 Express is available in both regular (135-inch) and extended (155-inch) wheelbase lengths, and can provide eight-, 12- or 15-person capacity. Cargo vans, available in the same wheelbase lengths, offer seating for two. The cutaways, which can be converted to various commercial, school bus and RV requirements, are available in 139-inch, 159-inch and 177-inch wheelbase lengths. The 1500 Series vans include light-duty models rated at 6,200- and 7,200-pounds GVW. The 2500 Series includes light-duties rated at 7,300- and 8,500-pounds GVW (in CNG and bi-fuel only), and heavy-duty models rated at 8,600-pounds GVW. The heavy-duty 3500 Series includes full-bodied cargo/passenger vans rated at 9,600-pounds GVW, and commercial and RV cutaway chassis, with GVW ratings of 8,600-12,300 pounds.

Source - Chevrolet