2002 Chevrolet Avalanche And Cadillac Escalade EXT Receive Magazine Awards
FOR RELEASE: December 7, 20012002 Chevrolet Avalanche And Cadillac Escalade EXT Receive Popular Mechanics Awards
Pontiac, Mich.The 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade EXT have been chosen by the editors of Popular Mechanics magazine to receive the publication's 2002 Design and Engineering Award.
Gary Cowger, president of General Motors North America, accepted the award at a ceremony today at GM's Centerpoint Engineering Center in Pontiac, Mich.
"Popular Mechanics established relatively simple criteria for this award," Cowger said. "Innovation, invention and exceptionally good ideas. They didn't have to look very hard in the automotive area - the Avalanche and Escalade EXT truly epitomize innovation and the application of inventive ideas. We are truly honored.
"The team that brought these trucks to market has put quality at the forefront to ensure we deliver ultimate utility vehicles to the customer," he added.
In addition to looking like nothing else on the road, the heart of both the Avalanche and Escalade EXT is the industry-first "Midgate" system, which allows the trucks to be reconfigured in less than one minute - without tools -- from 5- or 6-seat full-size sport utilities with a 5'3" lockable cargo box to a 2-or 3-seat pickup with an 8'1" box.
"Popular Mechanics Design and Engineering Award recipients stand out among their peers in conceptualizing and putting into practice ideas that may be bold, revolutionary, or just downright clever," said Popular Mechanics Publisher Jay McGill. "The Chevy Avalanche and Escalade EXT were hands-down winners."
The Avalanche and Escalade EXT feature rigid, three-piece cargo covers which are strong enough to hold 250 pounds and lockable top box storage compartments located on each side of the cargo box.
The Avalanche is available as a 1500 Series model with a 285 hp Vortec 5300 V8 or as a 2500 Series model with a 340 hp Vortec 8100 V8. It also benefits from the Autotrac active transfer case on 4-wheel-drive models and dynamic rear brake proportioning. The available Avalanche "North Face" model features specific paint, interior trim and features. The 2500 Series Avalanche can tow up to 12,000 lbs.
The Escalade EXT shares the innovative Midgate system and body structure with Avalanche, but adds specific Cadillac styling, all-wheel drive, a 345 hp Vortec 6000 V8, Stabilitrak vehicle stability enhancement system, road-sensing suspension, ultrasonic rear parking assist and premium amenities.
The Chevrolet Avalanche has been on sale since earlier this year. Base prices range from $30,245 to $35,145. Cadillac Escalade EXT is just now hitting showrooms, priced at $49,990.