|
GMC Envoy XL wagon stretches to make room for third-row seat
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
|
LA JOLLA, Calif. -- On Ardath Road at the on-ramp to the Soledad Freeway, Route 52, in San Diego's suburb of La Jolla, the pedal goes down and the power comes up quickly in a new stretched edition of the four-door Envoy sport-utility wagon from GMC Truck.
This version -- designated as the Envoy XL, as in Extra Large -- measures 16 inches longer and three inches taller than the regular version that emerged in 2001 as a 2002 product. Wheelbase on the XL runs some 13 inches longer than the regular Envoy, which adds enough extra room in the cabin to apply a third row of seats for two and boosts the capacity to seven passenger.
Cargo room also expands with the stretch. It rises to 100.2 cubic feet, which beats the two mid-size and seven-passenger wagon competitors of Envoy XL by as much as 18.9 cubic feet.
In addition, Envoy XL draws from the new in-line-six powerplant developed by General Motors to generate the high horsepower of a V8 engine but the fuel efficiency of a V6.
The 4.2-liter six, with dual overhead cams and four valves for every cylinder, delivers 270 hp at 6000 rpm and a flat band of torque up to 275 lb-ft at 3600 rpm.
A heavy-duty GM Hydramatic 4L60-E HD four-speed automatic transmission mates with the Vortec 4200 straight-six to handle all of the torque.
A few months following the spring 2002 introduction of Envoy XL, the wagon will also carry an optional new 5.3-liter V8 engine, the first Vortec V8 from General Motors constructed from an all-aluminum block.
It will produce as much as 280 hp and more than 320 lb-ft of torque.
Envoy's five- and seven-passenger versions also offer the first factory-installed DVD Entertainment System for viewing by riders in the two rear rows of seats. The system uses a seven-inch LCD wide screen to display videos in formats of either CD or DVD.
The name of Envoy appeared first in the 1998 line of GMC Truck. It applied to an ultimate luxury edition of the compact-class Jimmy sport-utility wagon rigged with leather-bound bucket seats, Zebrano wood trimming doors and console, and a deluxe Bose stereo system in the dash with CD deck and six speakers.
Then for the 2002 GMC line a new generational design for Envoy rolled out of an Ohio factory. The new wagon scrubbed virtually all aspects of the former Envoy and forged instead an entirely new vehicle positioned at the top of its class.
The revised Envoy amounted to a much larger vehicle than its predecessor. Chassis grew significantly in length and width, and the wheelbase extended six inches longer, with the distance between wheels spread eight inches further for front wheels and 7.5 inches wider for the rear ones.
With this larger platform, the structure of Envoy also grew in all directions. It expanded eight inches in length, four in width and seven in height, for a net gain of 12 cubic feet of space inside the passenger compartment.
Envoy's package growth elevated the wagon to the mid-size category among sport-utility vehicles and carved out a roomy cabin with four passenger doors and seats for five plus a rear cargo bay containing 40 cubic feet of space.
Now with Envoy XL pulling the wheelbase 13 inches longer, the cabin enlarges again to make room for that third tier of seats.
The third row consists of two independent seats set side-by-side.
Each seatback folds down and the entire seat tumbles forward to increase cargo capacity in the rear bay, or the seats may be removed, either separately or together.
Access to the third row comes through rear side doors by sliding one of the second-row seats forward, then folding the seatback down and tipping the seat on its front end.
On the Soledad Freeway in San Diego, our prototype issue of the Envoy XL equipped with the Vortec 4200 six-pack charged forward. It surged on command to overtake lesser traffic and moved easily into the quick lane.
It also exhibited dexterity in maneuvering through twisty curves on a two-lane route climbing through foothills in the eastern county as the suspension absorbed pavement bumps to float the chassis in cushy smoothness.
Envoy's stable stance and agile nature are a result of its ladder-frame chassis with one-piece steel rails running the length of the wagon. The unique rails -- each a single piece of seamless tubular steel -- produce a foundation that's strong and light in weight using fewer components.
A welded steel superstructure rises from the rigid chassis bed with all body mounts tuned in all directions to enhance the frame's stiffness, absorb impacts from vertical movement and isolate noise.
Then the suspension system fitted on the super-stiff chassis produces superior handling control along with that smooth ride quality.
Independent components in front with coil-over-shock modules include a double A-arm for stability and excellent damping. In back, there's a multi-link solid axle in place of leaf springs typical to rough-riding trucks and wagons.
Another uncommon component for a truck-based wagon is the quick rack and pinion steering mechanism coupled to hydraulic power assistance. It brings a good on-center feel for steering with precise movements, but also sets up a tight turning circle.
For stopping, the four disc brakes connect to an intelligent four-wheel anti-lock system.
Electronic traction control applies to the two-wheel-drive version of Envoy, along with a limited-slip and locking rear axle to prevent the rear drive wheels from skidding on a slick road.
Optional four-wheel-drive utilizes GM's smart Autotrac system with push-button selections and automatic switching from standard rear-wheel traction to a mode that distributes engine torque between front and rear wheels.
Two trims work for Envoy XL.
The SLE stocks a long list of standard equipment including chrome trim, power windows and door locks, cruise control, remote keyless entry and a theft deterrent system, a trailering package and OnStar communications.
The SLT brings more gear: Leather and wood trim, heated seats, dual zones for the climate system and rear audio/climate controls, headlamp washers, memory for seats and mirrors, steering wheel controls plus optional Bose sound with a six-CD changer.
price points run up from $31,595 for the two-wheel-drive SLE and $36,595 for a four-wheel-drive SLT.
|
| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 2002 GMC ENVOY XL Specs |
| Description: |
Mid-size 4-door SUV wagon with extended length (Seating capacity: 7 passengers)
|
| Model Options: |
Mid-size 4-door SUV wagon with extended length (Seating capacity: 7 passengers)
|
| Wheelbase: |
129.0 inches
|
| Overall Length: |
207.6 inches
|
| Engine Size: |
DOHC 4.2-L I6
OHV 5.3-L V8
|
| Transmission: |
Auto/4 4L60-E
|
| Drive: |
Rear 2WD
4WD Autotrac
|
| Braking: |
Power 4-disc/ABS
|
| Airbags: |
2 (front) + 2 (side)
|
| Gross Weight: |
2WD: 6200 pounds
4WD: 6200 pounds |
| Towing Capacity: |
2WD: 6000 pounds, 4WD: 5800 pounds
|
| Gas Mileage: |
4.2-L 2WD: 16/21 mpg
4.2-L 4WD: 15/20 mpg
5.3-L 2WD: 16/20 mpg
5.3-L 4WD: 15/18 mpg |
| Price: |
$ 31,595 |
|
|
