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| Chevrolet Avalanche | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Production | 2001–2013[1][2] |
| Assembly | Silao,Guanajuato,Mexico (GM Silao Plant) |
| Designer | Marc R. Asposito |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-sizepickup truck |
| Body style | 4-doorpickup truck |
| Layout | Front engine,rear-wheel drive /four-wheel drive |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 130.0 in (3,302 mm) |
TheChevrolet Avalanche is a four-door, five- or six-passengerpickup truck that was manufactured byGeneral Motors and marketed by its Chevrolet division. The Avalanche was a hybrid between theChevrolet Suburban SUV and theChevrolet Silverado pickup truck, sharing the chassis with the Suburban. Unlike a typical pickup truck where the bed is mounted separately from the cab on the frame, the bed of the Avalanche was integrated with the cab body.
It prominently featured a "midgate" behind the second row of seats that could be folded inward and down, with the seats, to create a longer bed area. The Avalanche was manufactured across two generations starting in 2001 and ending in 2013.[1][2]
Breaking with a long-standing tradition, the Avalanche was available solely as a Chevrolet model without a GMC variant. Instead, Cadillac marketed a re-badged Avalanche. The midgate design would be adapted for use on theGMC Envoy XUV andHummer H2 SUT.
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2001–2006[2] |
| Model years | 2002–2006 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | GMT805 |
| Related | Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL Cadillac Escalade ESV Cadillac Escalade EXT |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 2002–03: 221.7 in (5,631 mm) 2004–06: 221.6 in (5,629 mm) |
| Width | 79.8 in (2,027 mm) |
| Height | 2002–03: 73.3 in (1,862 mm) 2004–06: 73.6 in (1,869 mm) |
| Curb weight | 1500 2WD: 5,500 lb (2,495 kg) 1500 4WD: 5,700 lb (2,585 kg) |
The Avalanche was launched in September 2001 as a 2002 model on theGMT800 platform. First year Avalanches featured light gray plastic body cladding, intended to provide visual distinction from theSuburban/Yukon XL. The Avalanche also gave the public an advance look at the next generation of front fascia designs for the entire GM line. A full-length chrome strip splits each lamp assembly and the grille, with a gold Chevrolet "bow tie" in the center. The hood and fenders featured aggressive folds, in contrast to the softer designs seen on other models built on the GMT800 platform.
Avalanche was nominated for theNorth American SUV of the Year award and wasMotor Trend magazine'sTruck of the Year for 2002.[3]
The Avalanche was originally marketed as being able to "change from an SUV to a super SUV." This was made possible by a plastic cover and an exclusive "midgate," marketed by GM as theConvert-a-Cab system, which could open and close. The midgate was a divider behind the second row of seats that could be folded inward and down, with the seats, to create a longer bed area, or folded up to make a larger cab area. A similar midgate was found on theSubaru Baja (2003–2006), Cadillac Escalade EXT (a rebadged Avalanche), Hummer H2 SUT, and GMC Envoy XUV.[4]
The truck was offered as a half-ton 1500 series with aVortec 5.3LV8 producing 285 hp (216 kW) or as a three-quarter-ton 2500 series with aVortec 8.1L V8 with 340 hp (253 kW) and the4L85-E four-speed transmission. The base layout isrear-wheel drive, but there is an available with selectable high/lowfour-wheel drive. Avalanche 2500 models from 2004 to 2006 were exclusively available with four-wheel drive.
A Z71 Off-Road package was available with off-road suspension, GM's AutoTrac full-time push-button four-wheel-drive system, all-terrain P265/70R17 white-letteredGoodyear tires, seventeen-inch alloy wheels, leather seating surfaces with waterproof accents, front dual power bucket seats, cloth door panel inserts, GM's OnStar telematics system, all-weather rubber floor mats, Chevrolet bowtie emblems embedded into the backrests of the seats (for 2002 models), dual-zone automatic climate controls with rear HVAC vents and remote controls, remote radio controls with headphone jacks for two pairs of headphones, a security system, gray-finished side running boards, power-adjustable, heated side-view mirrors, SRS side impact airbags. Aside from these details, a Z71 Off-Road decal on the rear side panels identified an Avalanche equipped with this package. Full leather seating surfaces were an available option, also removing the cloth door panel inserts, and also added heated front seats.
A Z66 Premium On-Road package was also available with the Z71 Off-Road package equipment, replacing the off-road suspension with sport on-road suspension and without four-wheel drive. Aside from these details, a Z66 On-Road sticker on the rear side panels identified an Avalanche equipped with this package. As with the Z71 Off-Road package, full leather seating surfaces without the cloth accents were an available option, also removing the cloth door panel inserts, and also added heated front seats.
To further distinguish it from its Silverado siblings, the Avalanche was practically fully equipped and only came with bodyside cladding. The Avalanche included features such as 16-inchalloy wheels and tires (chromed steel on the 2500 model), an AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player and six speakers, cloth seating surfaces, front bench seat with power front driver's seat, power windows, power door locks,keyless entry, full instrumentation, dual frontairbags, andair conditioning. Options includedOnStartelematics system,cassette player,leather seating surfaces, front dual power bucket seats that could be heated, and sideairbags for the front seats. ANorth Face Edition, in partnership with the North Face brand included limited exterior color options, a unique Ebony/Greenleather interior, special exterior ornamentation and decals, white-faced gauges,OnStartelematics system, specially colored door panel inserts and speaker grilles, and more.
For 2003, the Avalanche was slightly changed. 2003 models featured a darker cladding, but GM's new president,Rick Wagoner, demanded the removal of this "unpopular" trim (as did certain elements of the public). From mid-year, Avalanche could be ordered without cladding. The uncladded model, known as "Without Body Hardware" (or its initialism "WBH," which is also anRPO code), and alternatively called "slicksides" by GM marketers, resembled the 2003–2005Silverado 1500 in the front. A new interior—shared with theTahoe andSuburban—added a new, larger steering wheel with subsequent audio, cruise, and speed controls; an optional six-speaker premiumBose sound system with externalamplifier; a new gauge cluster with information center and memory for the front driver's seat, brake and accelerator pedals, and side-view mirror position (on some models); new radiohead units, which included an AM/FM stereo with either a single-disc or six-disc CD/MP3 changer,Radio Data System, and optionalXM Satellite Radio; standardOnStartelematics system with steering wheel controls; new warning chimes that played through the vehicle's audio system instead of through a separate speaker behind the dashboard; and newly available 17-inchalloy wheels and tires. Optional features included rear audio controls withheadphone jacks and a rearDVD entertainment system byPanasonic with wireless headphones. The WBH option was only available in the 1500 series.
A pre-production version of the Avalanche was shown as the Avalanche Base Camp Concept. The truck, which carried theVehicle Identification Number (VIN) of1GCFK13U32X4618EX, was painted inBright Yellow Clear Coat, and featured aNeutral cloth interior with contrasting yellow trim on the seats andChevrolet Bowtie emblems on the seatbacks, speaker grilles, and door panels, as well asCadillac Escalade–style wood trim on the instrument panel. The truck was powered by the 6.0L Vortec V8 gasoline engine, which was not offered on the production Avalanche. In addition, the Avalanche Base Camp Concept featured unique accessories that were not available on the production truck, such as aBose premium audio system, which included a bass module (subwoofer) and bedside-mounted speakers; a unique roof rack; a rearDVD entertainment system with threeLCD monitors; dualNokia5125cellular phones with color-coordinated yellow faceplates; a "keyless" ignition system that included a push-button to start; a battery cutoff switch (for show purposes); a trailer hitch-mountedcooler; a unique front brush guard and side running boards; a bed painted to match the interior of the vehicle; a Diamond-Plate tailgate liner; a bed-mountedLCD screen; "Avalanche Base Camp" embossing on the body side cladding; and a mobile cooking stove and sink, among other accessories. The vehicle was sold at the 2006Barrett-Jackson collector carauction inPalm Beach, Florida, for $20,900 (equivalent to $32,599 in 2024).[5] It was later listed with 2,000 miles on the Cars & Bids onlineauction website in July 2023.[6]
Soon after the release of the Chevrolet Avalanche, customers began to notice cosmetic issues with thecladding on their vehicles. Over time, exposure to heat and sunlight would cause a chalky faded appearance. It was especially noticeable on the cargo bed panels, and sail-panel windows where "zebra striping" would appear. Customer reaction to this problem resulted in General Motors agreeing to a one-time treatment of a product called ArmorDillo. This product would temporarily restore the cladding for a period of about six months; thereafter, it would wear off and need to be re-applied. Realizing this was not a permanent solution, GM, together with Gatorback Coatings, developed a coating that could be applied to the cladding to restore it to a like-new shine. This product was designed to etch into the plastic and bond a new layer of tinted acrylic over the faded plastic. Customers within the original factory warranty could go to their dealership to have it restored. General Motors did not use side body cladding on the second-generation model.
| Year | Engine | Power | Torque | RPO Code | VIN Code (8th Digit) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002–2003 | 5.3LVortec 5300V8 | 285 hp (213 kW) @ 5200 RPM | 325 lb⋅ft (441 N⋅m) @ 4000 RPM | LM7 L59 (flex-fuel) | T Z (flex-fuel) | Power and torque ratings are on regular gasoline. Flex-fuel capability available in 2005 and 2006. |
| 2004–2005 | 295 hp (220 kW) @ 5200 RPM | 330 lb⋅ft (450 N⋅m) @ 4000 RPM | ||||
| 2006 | 295 hp (220 kW) @ 5200 RPM | 335 lb⋅ft (454 N⋅m) @ 4000 RPM | ||||
| 2002–2003 | 8.1LVortec 8100V8 | 340 hp (254 kW) @ 4200 RPM | 455 lb⋅ft (617 N⋅m) @ 3200 RPM | L18 | G | 2500 only. |
| 2004 | 320 hp (239 kW) @ 4200 RPM | 445 lb⋅ft (603 N⋅m) @ 3200 RPM | ||||
| 2005 | 320 hp (239 kW) @ 4200 RPM | 440 lb⋅ft (600 N⋅m) @ 3200 RPM | ||||
| 2006 | 325 hp (242 kW) @ 4200 RPM | 447 lb⋅ft (606 N⋅m) @ 3200 RPM |
| Second generation (GMT900) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2006–2013[1] |
| Model years | 2007–2013 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | GM GMT900 platform (Series GMT940: GMT941) |
| Related | Cadillac Escalade EXT Cadillac Escalade ESV Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission |
|
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 221.3 in (5,621 mm) |
| Width | 79.1 in (2,009 mm) |
| Height | 76.6 in (1,946 mm) |
| Curb weight | 5,400–6,000 lb (2,449–2,722 kg) |
The second generation Avalanche was introduced at theChicago Auto Show in February 2006 with production using theGMT900 platform and commencing at the Silao Assembly plant in April 2006. The Avalanche again combined the front end styling of its rebadged variants, theTahoe/Yukon along with the midgate and integrated bed as found on the previous generation. The Avalanche mirrored the standard and available features of the Suburban and the Tahoe. The 2500 model of the previous generation was discontinued.
A special Z71 package was offered for the second-generation Avalanche, available on the LT trim with either the 2LT or 3LT option groups. This off-road package consisted of a suspension tuned for rough terrain, an exclusive automatic-locking rear differential, aluminum under-body skid plates (visible from the front of the truck), wheel flares, badges, wheels, and tires.
The steering system was revised from the traditional recirculating-ball to a rack-and-pinion also found in the Tahoe and Suburban 1500. Later models introduced another version of the Vortec 5.3-liter V8 as the engine is now capable of running on E85 ethanol. On normal gasoline, it produces 320 hp (239 kW) and 335 lb⋅ft (454 N⋅m) of torque, whereas on E85, its output rises to 326 hp (243 kW) and 348 lb⋅ft (472 N⋅m) of torque, up from 310 hp (231 kW) and 335 lb⋅ft (454 N⋅m) in 2009.
A 2007 Avalanche was given away to the Most Valuable Player of the2006Major League Baseball All-Star Game,Michael Young.
For the 2009model year, aBluetooth hands-free phone system was added to all Avalanche models, and was integrated with the vehicle'sOnStartelematics system, and the 4L60-E four-speedautomatic transmission was replaced with the 6L80-E unit for both engines.
Following the 2009model year, the 6.0L V8 engine option was dropped from the Avalanche lineup (in addition to being discontinued from the relatedChevrolet Suburban 1500 andChevrolet Tahoe), leaving the standard 5.3L V8 as the Avalanche's sole engine option.
The second-generation Avalanche came in three well-equipped trim levels:
For the 2013model year, all three trim levels of the Avalanche were sold as special-edition Black Diamond Edition models to commemorate the final year of production. While options and packages were virtually unchanged from the 2012model year, all 2013 Avalanches received special "Black Diamond Edition" badging on the rear pillars and rear tailgate, and buyers also received a personalizedcoffee table book shipped to them after purchase that included a copy of their Avalanche'swindow sticker, as well as a letter fromChevrolet congratulating them on their purchase. The book included information about the development of the original 2002Chevrolet Avalanche, as well as "behind-the-scenes" photos from Silao Assembly showing the Avalanche being assembled, and Avalanche owners' photos of their trucks.
Production of the Avalanche ended after the 2013 model year, after 2011 saw a sales decline of 2.6% to 20,088 units.[7] Production of the Cadillac Escalade EXT also ended after the 2013 model year.
| Calendar Year | U.S. | Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| 2001[13] | 52,955 | |
| 2002[13] | 89,372 | |
| 2003[14] | 93,482 | |
| 2004[14] | 80,566 | |
| 2005[15] | 63,186 | 389[16] |
| 2006[15] | 57,076 | 1,240[17] |
| 2007[18] | 55,550 | 1,915[19] |
| 2008[18] | 35,003 | 1,007[20] |
| 2009[21] | 16,432 | 697[22] |
| 2010[23] | 20,515 | 437[24] |
| 2011[25] | 20,088 | 184[26] |
| 2012 | 23,995 | 98[27] |
| 2013[28] | 16,986 | 39[29] |
Established in 1911, a division ofGeneral Motors since 1918 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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