Chevrolet Trucks Blog

At the core of the Avalanche is the exclusive Convert-a-Cab System.  This system features a midgate design, which makes it able to reconfigure from six-passenger seating to a vehicle with a protected eight-foot cargo box. There are eight tie downs in the bed, and hand holds for climbing aboard.  These are additional features of the Avalanche to secure the safety of those who would climb aboard.

The midgate is made up of three parts: the top window, mid-level brace and lower panel. By dropping the panel and leaving the glass and brace in their respected places, a horizontal portal can be created. Another option is to remove the window itself and fold the panel to open the rear space. What’s so wonderful about the midgate is that it can be unchanged even if the rear seats are folded to allow for more space.

One will be pleased to find that the Avalanche has great front bucket seats. The bucket seats are very comfortable over long drives. An average of five or six adults might be able to fit on it. To top it off, the bucket seats are quite spacious that allows the passengers to actually relax as the ride goes along.  The Midgate’s in-cabin storage is provided mainly by the huge centre console, which includes a large tray and cupholders, and a deep bin under the centre armrest. It more than makes up for the small glovebox and shallow map pockets.

The cargo versatility of the Midgate is enhanced by a three-piece, weatherproof tonneau cover that can go everywhere.  It can be quickly removed and carried without consuming too much space. There are also small, upright lockboxes built into the sides of the bed, but these aren’t terribly useful.

With the new Avalanche, General Motors allows its users to choose their engines.  There are three engines to choose from: an iron-block 5.3L V8 with 320-hp and 340 lb-ft of torque, an aluminum version generating 310-hp and 335 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.0L V8 with 366-hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. All these engines one can choose from have the ability to run on four cylinders.  Consequently, this improves on fuel efficiency.

To better suit the needs of Avalanche users, the 5.3L engines can be configured for gasoline use only, as flexfuel engines capable of running on both regular gasoline and E85 fuel, or on a blend of 85% ethanol (a renewable fuel source) and 15% gasoline. The E85 is able to turn the Avalanche from a “gas-guzzler” into a “gas-sipper” without compromising power. Now that is what we can call true competence.

The Avalanche is surprisingly easy to maneuver.  For a pickup truck it is unbelievably can have crisp and accurate turns. Aside from this, the Avalanche has optional features like the ultrasonic backup sensors or rearview camera.  This feature helps the Avalanche to an extent that it can almost be considered as a necessity.  Having ultrasonic backup sensors and rearview camera helps a lot in parking.

It also features GM’s AutoRide suspension, which includes road-sensing, electronically controlled shock absorbers with air-assisted automatic rear level control. Having these at hand, a luxury-level ride quality is guaranteed. For that, riding on an Avalanche surely brings on the joys of having a truly Chevrolet experience.

General Motor was able to develop a number of interesting features over the past years in its quest to find ways to increase the versatility of its vehicles. The most notable and successful innovation is, without a doubt, the Chevrolet Avalanche’s Midgate. The Avalanche is a sharp-looking truck and is notable for trading the boxy dimensions common to trucks of the past.  It has “plasticky” decorations of the first-generation model for cleaner and sportier lines. It is characterized as sleek and stylish but still carries some air of the traditional General Motors’ style.

Like the Avalanche, the Midgate Avalance also has a bed.  This bed is capped by plastic trim.  It has a lip spoiler on the tailgate and a pillar rising to the top of the cab. These features soften the transition from cab to bed.  Aside from this, it also gives the truck sedan-like proportions that are easy on the eyes. In other words, these features hide the vastness of the Midgate.  It creates something similar to an illusion that it is smaller than it actually is. 

It has a distinctive headlamp treatment that features two round lamps set above rectangular running lights. The lamps bookend an updated Chevy grille and creates a beautifully integrated front end.  This is considered to be one of the finest designs that can be seen from Chevy truck in a long time.

Its interior is a big step forward from the plastic nightmares of past Chevy trucks. It has attractive gauges and controls, fake wood trim, and high-quality materials.

The Avalanche is considered to be one of a kind in the market for it was able to strike the balance that many people look for in a truck.  It has a seating capacity good for five or six and a small pickup bed measuring 5′3″ long and 4′2″ wide. Truly, that doesn’t sound much different from every other four-door truck nowadays.  The new Chevrolet Avalanche Midgate however improves on the traits of the well-loved Avalanche.  One can fold the rear seats down, drop the Midgate, and suddenly the bed extends a full 8′2″ from the tailgate all the way to the front seats. To top it off, the rear window can be removed, turning the truck into an open-air cargo van.

The 2007 Avalanche is considered to be the first pickup truck that is based on the new GMT 900 truck platform. In the past years, General Motors has allotted considerable resources into the GMT 900 trucks.  In fact, some even say the GM has put too much resource into the GMT 900.  This opinion of some did not bother the GM too much for success of the new trucks will impact heavily on their fortunes. As for the early indications of improvement, they are quite positive.  The Avalanche along with its siblings benefit from the observations and comments made upon their predecessors.  For this reason, the avalanche is able to surpass those that came before it in terms of performance, styling, and refinement. This gives all the more reason for Avalanche enthusiasts to rejoice for the coming of its second-generation.

The new Malibus is said to shares its underpinnings with the Aura, G6 and 9-3; the Epsilon platform has already proven itself a favorite amongst the media and the public.

On the outside, the new Malibu looks great, much more so than the outgoing mode. For starters, the 2008 Malibu is three inches (76 mm) longer than the current model which coincides with the extra length the Malibu has over the Camry. Onboard, the Malibu’s interior presents a huge improvement in materials, fit and finish and layout over the current one. All 2008 Malibu models will come with the 7th Gen OnStar system which features automatic crash notification service and Turn-by-Turn Navigation.

Engines choices will be between the 164 hp 2.4L 4-pot and the persuasive 252 hp 24- valve 3.6L V6. Both will be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Higher-end models will have paddle shifters offered as an option. Safety features include standard ABS, traction control and 6 air bags. Stability control will be available on LT and LTZ models. On an interesting note, the 2008 Malibu has a longer wheelbase than the current Impala.