Third row seating and a new V8 powertrain featuring Displacement on Demand are highlights for the 2005 model
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - 24 November 2004 - GMC have added the Envoy XL to its innovative and successful Envoy model line-up for 2005, unveiling the new model to the public for the first time at this year's Beirut Motor Show.
The Envoy XL is a dependable, stylish all-purpose vehicle and one of GMC's most powerful and exciting 4x4s. It boasts all the refinements that have characterized the Envoy line-up since its introduction, with the addition of one of the most comfortable 3rd row seats of any SUV.
Also new for 2005 is the Vortec Gen IV 5.3 liter V8 engine equipped with GM's innovative Displacement on Demand (DOD) technology which enables fuel economy gains of up to 8% in certain driving conditions.
A sophisticated, next-generation engine controller determines when to deactivate cylinders, allowing the engine to maintain vehicle speed in lighter-load conditions such as highway cruising effectively operating as a V4. The engine returns to V8 mode the instant the controller determines the vehicle speed or load requires additional power. The process is seamless and virtually imperceptible.
"The Envoy XL is an eye-catching on-road performer, equipped for its multi-purpose role with a choice of two tough and powerful aluminum engines," said Samer El Khalil, Marketing Manager - Chevrolet 4x4 and GMC. "The 3rd row of seats increases the versatility of the Envoy range and we are sure this will contribute to further success in the Middle East."
The available 5.3 liter V8 generates 344 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque while the standard advanced Vortec 4.2 liter inline six-cylinder engine generates a class leading 294 horsepower and 292 lb-ft of torque.
These powertrains deliver excellent acceleration and a broad torque range that gives the Envoy XL segment-leading performance. Transmission for both the inline 6-cylinder and V8 engines is the successful Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic featuring electronically controlled overdrive with a torque converter clutch.
Comfortable and Capable
Spacious and comfortable, the Envoy XL provides exceptional first- and second-row head, leg, shoulder and hip room. The 3rd row seating features theater style seating meaning the seats are raised for better viewing and feature a sunken foot-well for passenger's long distance riding comfort.
Enhanced Safety
All seating positions in the 2005 Envoy XL have three-point safety belts, since they remain the primary and most effective form of occupant protection. Front and second-row inboard safety belts are mounted to the seats, so the buckle moves with the seat thereby providing better comfort.
The Envoy XL also has dual-stage frontal air bags; new side head curtain airbags for the first- and second-row outboard seating positions are also available on every Envoy XL model. Dual-stage frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of air bag-induced injury. When the air bag system's control unit detects an impact, it determines whether the crash is severe enough to trigger a deployment, and whether the primary amount of inflation is sufficient. The primary stage alone will deploy in most frontal impacts requiring the supplemental protection of an air bag, while a secondary stage is designed to deploy in more severe frontal collisions.
Passenger Sensing System
GM's Passenger Sensing System (PSS) uses the latest sensing technology to turn the front passenger air bag on or off. If the sensor system detects an unoccupied front passenger seat or the presence of a smaller occupant, the front passenger air bag would not deploy in the event of a frontal collision, thus further protecting smaller passengers and avoiding costly unnecessary airbag replacement. A status indicator on the instrument panel alerts occupants that the passenger air bag is on or off.
-Ends-
About GMC
GMC is a division of General Motors Corporation, the world's largest vehicle manufacturer. The division's vehicle portfolio offers customers a broad array of vehicles to fit the needs of every active lifestyle or occupation, from the mid-size trucks to luxury off-road vehicles to industrial power medium-duty trucks.
Vehicles marketed in the Middle East include the Envoy, Yukon and Suburban models, as well as medium duty trucks such as the Safari van and LUV pick-up, with a choice of chassis for various industries and commercial uses. GMC's line up of professional grade trucks delivers outstanding capabilities. GMC's luxury Denali brand is targeted at and appeals to buyers who want vehicle versatility and capabilities for carrying cargo and passengers, as well as maximum towing.
For more information:
Saada Hammad Paul Venn
Communications and PR Manager Account Director
General Motors Middle East Hill & Knowlton
Tel: (009714) 3143350 Tel: (009714) 3344930
saada.hammad@gm.com paul.venn@hillandknowlton.com
© Press Release 2004
