PRLog (Press Release) - Aug 22, 2011 - This week, we're in Chevrolet's 2011 Ava 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 lanche LTZ, a sporty workhorse capable of 21-mpg highway thanks to a 5.3 liter Flex Fuel V8 with Active Fuel Management (AFM). Flex Fuel allows owners the option of burning either gasoline or an 85-percent ethanol/15-percent gas mix. I'm a little down on Ethanol these days, and hope that the car industry takes a serious look at Compressed Natural Gas for our future fuel needs.
Our tester came ready for some serious off-roading fun, complete with the heavy duty 4WD Autotrac 2-speed transfer case with locking rear. However, this heavy duty setup still doesn't hinder Chevy engineers from delivering 20-plus MPG highway from a powerful 325-inch "LS" series V8 that delivers 320-horses and 335-torque.
Notable is the AFM, defined as an ability to deactivate four of the eight cylinders to conserve fuel while seamlessly bringing back the "extra four" when necessary. Also new since we last tested an Avalanche (2007) is an aluminum 6-speed transmission, another fuel mileage plus as our prior Avalanche with just 2WD underpinnings returned just 15 city and 20 highway with a heavier 4-speed automatic. If you bought a 4WD in 2007, EPA numbers were just 14 and 19, respectively and the use of Ethanol lowers MPG numbers even more although it ups power ratings - your Chevy dealer will explain.
Avalanche has been a popular vehicle for Chevy since its 2002 introduction. Built on the same 130-inch wheelbase platform as sibling Suburban, Avalanche differs by combining the best of a full-size Silverado pickup with the passenger attributes of a Chevy Tahoe; and it's all done with a flip or a few release locks and a pull on the novel midgate system.
The current generation styling, which debuted in 2007, is much improved versus the first generation as there are no longer any protruding fender claddings. Overall, Avalanche offers a more elegant theme throughout and a front end that shares resemblance to the bigger Chevy SUVs. As for previous owners, they can take solace that Chevy doesn't trash an otherwise very impressive design with new generations that date the older ones.
With room for five full size adults, Avalanche boasts a 5-foot 3-inch cargo bed that can handle most needs. However, when a trip to the home improvement center demands hauling 4x8-sheets, Avalanche fills the bill with the midgate. Specifically, the rear seats fold down and the midgate folds forward resulting in an 8-foot bed that can carry cargo either covered or exposed. To expose the bed, owners can remove the bed cover, take out the rear window and allow for taller items like an ATV or dirt bike. Back window removal is also easy, making the novel Avalanche fun to own with numerous options available for hauling.
Inside, you'll enjoy all the advantages of passenger comfort ala Tahoe and Suburban's first two rows of seating, in this case full leather. Since LTZ is the premier Avalanche, you'll enjoy extended bmw M5 specification amenities heretofore only offered in the finest of luxury cars. From 12-way driver and passenger seats to dual zone air conditioning, there is little left to the imagination in the LTZ class Avalanche. And, unlike our 2007 tester, which added $10,510 in options, just about everything available from Chevy comes standard on the LTZ, including heated leather seats, power adjustable pedals, navigation system, 20-inch polished wheels, all expected safety equipment, traction cont 2011 Dodge Durango R / T rol, and over 30 other standard features. The only option was a $2,390 rear entertainment package that includes a power sliding sunroof.
As for the driving experience, Avalanche is ready for anything in its way thanks to Chevy's aforementioned 4WD system. The highway ride mimics that of a fine road worthy cruiser, while a turn onto the desert or an off-road adventure finds Avalanche at home with the elements. Included in the price are a three piece cargo cover, power lo mustang car cking gate, underbody full size spare, ultrasonic rear park assist, solar ray tinted glass and much more.
Important numbers include a wheelbase of 130-inches, 9.1-inch ground clearance, 5,678-lb. curb weight, 7,200-lb. GVW, expandable 45.5 sq. ft. cargo area and a 31-gallon fuel tank.
Check with your Chevy dealer for year end 2011 discounts on Avalanche. It's a worthy truck/family transporter with few if any competitors. Prices start at $36,300 for the 2WD and $39,350 for the 4WD.
Likes: Looks, multi-tasking, safe, good highway MPG, interior luxury.
Greg Zyla
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