2005 GMC Envoy XL has loads of power and plenty of space

Salalah, Oman - 4 October 2004: Inspired by the innovative and successful GMC Envoy, and boasting all the refinements that have characterized the Envoy line-up since its introduction, the Envoy XL is one of GMC's most stylish, powerful and exciting trucks ever.

The Envoy XL is a dependable, stylish all-purpose vehicle with one of the most comfortable 3rd row seats of any SUV.

"The Envoy XL is an eye-catching on-road performer, equipped for its multi-purpose role with a choice of two tough and powerful aluminium engines," said Tim Allen, Regional Marketing Manager Trucks, General Motors Middle East & Africa. "As well as the existing Vortec 4.2 liter inline 6 cylinder engine, customers can now opt for a new Vortec Gen IV 5.3 liter V8 engine equipped with GM's innovative Displacement on Demand (DOD) technology."

GM's Displacement on Demand technology enables fuel economy gains of up to eight percent under certain driving conditions by reducing the number of cylinders engaged in the combustion process.

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.

When the cylinders are deactivated, the engine effectively operates as a V4, with every other cylinder in the firing order operating.  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 Gen IV Vortec 5.3 liter all-aluminium V8 generates 344 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. GM's advanced Vortec 4.2 liter inline six-cylinder engine is rated at 294 horsepower and 292 lb-ft of torque and provides the smooth performance and capability of many V8 engines, with the fuel economy of a six cylinder.

These powertrains deliver excellent acceleration and a broad torque range that gives the Envoy XL segment-leading performance.

Transmission for both the 6-cylinder and V8 engines is the successful Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic featuring electronically controlled overdrive with a torque converter clutch.

Superior handling

Near 50/50 weight distribution, electronic traction control, versatile suspension and power assisted rack-and-pinion steering combine to provide perfect handling and solid roadholding.

The Envoy XL's front suspension comprises an independent, double-A Arm system with 46mm shocks and a stabilizer bar, while at the rear is a 5-link solid axle, 36mm shocks and a hefty stabilizer bar that ensures stability and an even ride even when towing a heavy trailer or carrying a big load. Those preferring a softer approach can opt for electronically controlled air suspension at the rear.

On the road are standard 17x7 inch, 6-lug cast aluminium wheel rims with no-nonsense P245/65R17 steel-belt radial tyres.

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 is raised for better viewing and features a sunken foot-well for passenger's long distance riding comfort.

For extra loading flexibility, the Envoy XL's rear seats fold flat, extending its already expansive cargo space.

The Envoy XL also features a highly versatile rear cargo panel, with adjustable height levels. It can be used to extend the flat load floor in the rear when the seats are folded; raised for privacy in concealing items stored beneath it; or simply stowed or removed to maximize cargo space.

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. Retractors for front outboard seating positions have built-in load limiters that reduce the peak loads in the event of a crash.

The Envoy XL also has dual-stage frontal air bags for supplemental protection for front seat passengers. 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.

Super Styling

For 2005, the Envoy XL offers a range of new interior colors, enhanced by a newly-designed seat pattern, as well as three additional, new exterior colors: Superior Blue Metallic, Emerald Jewel Metallic and Steel Grey Metallic.

-Ends-

For more information:
Saada Hammad                                                                    Paul Venn               
Communications and Public Relations Manager                           Account Director
General Motors Middle East                                                    Hill & Knowlton
Tel: +971 4 3143350                                                            Tel: +971 4 3344930
e-mail: saada.hammad@gm.com                                             e-mail: paul.venn@hillandknowlton.com

© Press Release 2004