http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...01/1063/BLOG02

 

Is that picture a photochop of an 07 Tahoe? Looks like it to me...

 

 

Looks like it has the SUV front end (which makes sense to me, actually, since the Avalanche is basically a Suburban with the rear cut open). I wonder if it will also have the SUV dash?

 

I like the front end, since i like the Tahoe front end... but, I don't like the idea of the Avalanche pretty much totally losing it's own "identity"...

They might as well call it a Tahoe EXT or somthing similar, like the Escalade EXT... since it is basically a verison of the Tahoe now.

Of course, the Suburban still has it's own name too.. so... I guess Chevy can have a lot of names for variants on the same product where GMC (Yukon and Yukon XL) and Cadillac (Escalade, Escalade EXT, and Escalade ESV) make more sense...

As for the interior, I would all but guarantee it is the same as the Tahoe... especially since the current version is that way...

 

I probably just thought that becaue 90% of the marketing shots I've seen of the new Tahoe have it with the mountains in the skyline. That, and the wheels appear to be almost 100% identical as does the front end. and most of the side profile.

I guess I just expected them to try and differentiate them a bit more visually, if for nothing else, at least with different wheels?

 

Losing its own identity?

Ah, you mean the original Avalanche that had completely distinctive bodywork. I never cared for that version, with the overdone fender treatments and HUGE expanses of Aztek style cladding. To me, the Avalanche that was cool was the one that had the Silverado front end and bodywork. Even though they call that a "naked" version, it in fact has completely different bodywork from the armored Av; i.e. it isn't just a regular Avalanche with the plastic removed. Which means they spent a bunch of unnecessary $$ (IMO) on the unique sheetmetal for the original Av.

Once the naked version came out, sharing the Silverado front end, it became basically a version of the Silverado anyway (but on a Suburban frame/suspension). Now it looks like it will share its looks with the SUVs instead of the trucks (unless the pickups get this front end too).

To me, the original Av has always been like a step-child, so I kinda forgot about it.

 

Ya, see, I am the opposite... I liked the original Avalanche in all it's cladded glory.

Maybe making the cladding body colored (Like the Escalade EXT) would have made it more appealing to some.... I dunno.

The Without Body Hardware (WBH) or "Naked" Av just looked "cheap" to me... this new one pulls off a nicer look without the cladding than the current WBH version does, though.

I just liked the unqiue bodywork, especially the front end of the original.

Now, it's really just a version of the full size SUV.... that's all it ever was, really, but at least the unique bodywork made it worthy of it's own name, IMO.


Don't get me wrong... I like this look alot... and if I get an Avalanche, I may now hold out for the new one... but I wish some things were done to allow it to keep it's "identity" more...

 

Very nice but I agree with some of the other posts here saying that it's lost some of it's identity. The original 'lanche had that great body cladding that made it unique and this kinda looks like a suv with a truck body. I'm sure it will grow on me though

 

Since I once called it too gaudy, I'm almost embaressed to say this, but I prefer the outregeousness on the old Avalanche as well.

 

I always loved the concept of the Avalanche-but hated the cladding and angry cat look of the front on the original. I really approve of this update except that the 2500 has been cancelled. I would have wanted one of those if it were ever offered WBH like the 1500.

 

It looks pretty nice but I'd rather see it be a bit more wild looking...What it really needs though, is a lift and some more appropriately sized rims/tires. Oh, and also to go along with those things some black plastic fender flares or something

 

We have an '04 Avalanche with all of the body cladding. Best vehicle we've ever owned.

I was not a fan of the cladding and wanted the WBH version based on the looks, but the better-half liked it (and it is her vehicle). We went shopping about 3 days after taking delivery and the cart got away from the bagger in the parking lot. Just bounced off, not even a scratch! Was sold on it that second!

After owning one for a couple of years now, I'd buy the same thing if ours was totaled without hesitation or even considering anything else out there. It's been that good.

I hope they offer the body cladding on the revised version, even if it is an option. It gives it some character! The next one will have it if offered, along with 4WD and leather this time. The current one rides great, is beyond versitile, rides great and is comfortable so I'll be interested in what they are planning to improve on. An improvement on gas mileage is just icing on the cake.

Allen

 

RMC SS LDO my dad bought his in feb. 02 and wants the next version too. He also likes the plastic molding/cladding. I have been trying to convince him to wait for it to come out and it looks like it will work, but they need to have the cladding its unique to the avalanche.

 

What are the advantages of an Avalanche over a regular truck? Just wondering if the money spent to design and produce a truck with a gimmick feature could have been better used elsewhere in the company.