GMC Envoy XUV At Detroit Auto Show (Av-like?)

[MagicMtnDan]

GMC Envoy XUV
Imagine a cross between a Chevy Avalanche and Buick?s Cielo concept built on an Envoy XL chassis. Thanks to its power sliding rear roof, dual-function tailgate with power window, and second-generation midgate, the XUV is the new definition of functionality. The industry-first power-sliding rear roof creates a space 32 inches by 32 inches when fully retracted, so tall pieces of furniture, appliances or even trees now are easily transportable. The new midgate?s glass window is power operated. Once the glass is lowered and the second- and third-row seats are folded and tumbled, you?re ready for those four-by-eight-foot sheets of whatever. Plus, you can hose out the cargo area thanks to two exit drains leading to hidden gutters.

GM?s lauded 4.2-liter in-line six is the XUV?s powerplant; but if 275 hp/275 lb-ft of torque isn?t enough, you can opt for the 5.3-liter V-8 with only 10 more horses but 50 more lb-ft.

Source: The Car Connection

 

[EarthQuake]

Looks more like a station wagon than a truck/suv to me. Maybe it's the angle of the photo and the funky height of the cargo area roof.

Don't care for it.

 

[dkmendes]

Agreed. The first thing I thought of when I saw it was a station wagon. I'll stick to my AV...

 

[pdxkevin]

Agreed. ?The first thing I thought of when I saw it was a station wagon. ?I'll stick to my AV...

Definately a crossbreed between a stationwagon and a Land Rover Discovery or Nissan Exterra.

You know.... if you shave off the back top of this.... it really changes the whole look of the thing... what do you think? (please see attached)



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[Avrunner]

Comment: compared to an Av.

 

[zimmthumps]

I don't think the regular Envoys look bad, but I don't like the raised roof in the rear of this XUV one.

I do think it will be pretty popular though. I've seen the commercials and they market it very well, showing a lot of average lifestyle uses.

 

[NJAV]

No complaints...but 1...don't like the swollen look toward the rear of the vehicle...which most of you seem to agree with ....makes it seem heavy in the rear....just not appealing as eye candy...but yes I do agree that it is going to sell well....most folks will look past it...

 

[Bradburry]

I do like the "second generation" midgate, with the retractable glass. Ours should've been that way, and probably will be in '04 if they're doing this on the Envoy. Hell, even the crappy SportTrac has power rear glass.


Chris

 

[Bradburry]

Just took a look at the GMC site.

I think this is a great idea! You can really see the crossover between our Avs and this new Envoy. I also like the way the tailgate can drop open, or be swung like a door. Nice feature.

As far as the looks of the thing, it's kind of funny to hear the owner of an Av, which is arguably one of the most "different" looking cars on the road today, criticize the looks of this new vehicle. I think this thing will sell like hotcakes to all the soccer moms out there, most of whom have probably passed on the Av.

As someone who has owned only foreign cars before I bought by Av, I must say I'm very impressed with both the technology and design of these new American vehicles. It's truly something I never thought I would see, and the major reason why I "went domestic" and bought one!

Kudos to GM, and bring on the power midgate!

Chris

 

[Durwin]

My wife bought an Envoy last year. We call it the "ShopQueen" If you're considering an Envoy. Reconsider.
Durwin

 

[powersurg]

Sorry but I must give it two thumbs down.

 

[TXAVy]

I do like the "second generation" midgate, with the retractable glass. Ours should've been that way, and probably will be in '04 if they're doing this on the Envoy. Hell, even the crappy SportTrac has power rear glass.
Chris

I don't think that you can have both power rear glass as well as the ability to drop the midgate while leaving the glass in. That would make for one interesting cross-bar if it's even possible. I'll stick with the ability to haul 8' cargo in an enclosed bed over power glass thanks.

 

[endeavorc]

Anyone know when the Detroit auto show is this year? Thanks in advance

 

[pdxkevin]

I don't think that you can have both power rear glass as well as the ability to drop the midgate while leaving the glass in. That would make for one interesting cross-bar if it's even possible. I'll stick with the ability to haul 8' cargo in an enclosed bed over power glass thanks.

Here, here. I couldn't agree more. I have used my fullsize bed with the glass in place 100% of the time so far. Either it is raining or I am going down a dusty road. So I prefer keeping the glass in place up here on the Pacific Northwest.

 

[kbavalanche]

Nice ride, but $40k?

KB