General Motors turns to technology for 2001

By JAMES M. FLAMMANG of GlenMoor Enterprises Media Group Buick
Rendezvous: An all-new Rendezvous is due to arrive in 2001 as an ’02 model. One of the growing crop of “hybrid” vehicles that blend the virtues of a sedan, wagon, minivan and sport-utility vehicle, Rendezvous will be truck-based and equipped with three rows of seats in a reconfigurable interior. With a newly designed independent rear suspension, Rendezvous promises ride characteristics closer to a Buick Park Avenue Ultra than a conventional SUV. Production begins in spring of 2001.

Regal: A Special Olympic edition of the mid-size Regal marks Buick’s support for the U.S. Olympic Team, and also initiates a relationship with fashion designer Joseph Abboud. In addition to a distinctive Olympic logo, the special Regal will be equipped with a sunroof, Gran Touring suspension, and eight-speaker Monsoon audio system. Olympic-edition Regals come in three body colors, each sporting Sandrift lower body panels, and a Taupe leather interior. Mid-year should bring additional Regals inspired by Abboud.

LeSabre: Restyled for 2000, Buick’s full-size family sedan gets new 15-inch aluminum wheels, air bags that deploy in two levels and a longer oil-change interval. Catcher’s Mitt high-retention front seats have self-aligning head restraints, and a power driver’s seat is now included in custom models. A new Driver Confidence Package includes self-sealing tires, GM’s Stabilitrak vehicle stability enhancement system, and a head-up instrument display projected into the windshield.

Park Avenue: Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist is new this year for Buick’s top model, using an ultrasonic beam from four sensors to produce audible and visual warnings of obstacles in your path when backing up. Mid-year brings a special limited-production version of the posh Ultra, painted Laguna Green with a Shale/Natural interior and southern walnut wood instrument-panel trim.

Century: Buick’s lowest-priced, mid-size sedan — and its top seller — came in the special “Century 2000” edition this year. For 2001, a similar special edition goes on sale.

Cadillac
Cadillacs take to the Internet this season with a new Infotainment system available in selected models, which can provide e-mail access and Web-derived information services. All Cadillacs also benefit from the enhancements added to GM’s OnStar system. Otherwise, the existing Catera, DeVille, Eldorado and Seville carry on without major changes.

Escalade: Cadillac’s emergence into the sport-utility market with the Escalade has not yielded phenomenal sales totals. Like the similarly constructed GMC Yukon Denali, the posh Cadillac SUV is about to earn a total redesign on a new platform — on sale early in 2001, but as a 2002 model. There will be no 2001 Escalade.

DeVille: Redesigned for 2000, the basic Cadillac sedan gets several technical enhancements, including tire-pressure monitor and a next-generation “rainsense” wiper system. A new Infotainment system with Bose audio is available in the DeVille DTS and DHS, priced about $2,000. Integrated into a navigation system and the car’s stereo system, it lets the driver access e-mails and listen to selected information (news, sports, stocks, etc.) taken from the Internet. An infrared port permits data exchange between the Infotainment system and a Palm Pilot or other hand-held “personal assistant” unit.

Seville: A new STS Sport Package is available for Cadillac’s full-size sport sedan. Goodyear Eagle PT P235/55R17 tires are specially designed for the STS. The option group also includes high intensity discharge (HID) lighting, a tire-pressure monitor, integrated hands-free cell phone, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, a sunroof, CD changer, and wood steering wheel and gearshift knob. Buyers of the optional Sport Package also get the new Infotainment system with Bose audio. Or, Infotainment (described above, under DeVille) is available separately for the STS. Eldorado: Even the oldest, most distinguished nameplates can’t last forever. Expected to hang on for another couple of seasons, Cadillac’s long-lived luxury sport coupe now is produced at a different factory, but is essentially unchanged this year.

Catera: Not much is new for Cadillac’s imported sport sedan, which participates in the “entry-luxury” market. A Sport model debuted during 2000, and continues into 2001.

Chevrolet
Chevrolet fans will have to wait a little while longer to obtain a new model behind the familiar “bow-tie” badge. Avalanche is the name of Chevrolet’s next new offering, due to arrive in showrooms during 2001 as an 2002 model. Avalanche can be reconfigured as either a pickup or a sport utility, or both at the same time, because of its innovative Convert-a-Cab System. One person can make the conversion in a matter of seconds without tools. Avalanche will have a MidgateTM and tailgate made of durable new PRO-TECTM composite material. Also expected early in 2001 is a new Trailblazer sport utility, bigger than the current Blazer and carrying GM’s new 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine. Until then, Chevrolet has a hot new rendition of the Corvette on tap, along with notable truck enhancements.

Corvette: As if Chevrolet’s sports car wasn’t already a performance king, this season brings even more power to the fiberglass-bodied two-seater. Topping the list is the new Z06, billed as a “production vehicle that’s ready for the racetrack.” Based on the prior fixed-hardtop model, the Z06 aims at “diehard performance enthusiasts.” Its 5.7-liter, LS6 V-8 engine produces 385 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque, driving a six-speed manual transmission with unique gearing. Other Z06 goodies include an FE4 suspension and Goodyear F1 SC Supercar tires (17-inch front and 18-inch rear).

Monte Carlo: Redesigned for the past year, the sporty mid-sized coupe sticks to its NASCAR-inspired design cues, including an athletic stance and “C” pillars. A new High Sport Appearance package for the Monte Carlo SS includes special ground-effects panels and 16-inch cast aluminum wheels, a race-inspired decklid spoiler and stainless-steel exhaust tips. A Sport Appearance option for the LS features five-spoke cast aluminum wheels and a pace car replica rear spoiler.

Cavalier: After losing its convertible body style during the 2000 model year, Chevrolet’s subcompact model — the division’s top seller — carries on without notable changes. Choices include the coupe, sedan, LS sedan and Z24 coupe.

Prizm: Still produced alongside the similar Toyota Corolla, this subcompact sedan adds lower anchorages and top tethers for child-restraint seats, as well as an emergency trunk release handle. Base and LSi sedans are on sale.

Malibu: Targeting mid-sized sedan buyers on a budget, Malibu — introduced in 1997 — gets a modest exterior freshening this season, as well as new interior fabrics and seatback pockets. A new “retained accessory power” feature lets you play the radio for up to 10 minutes after switching off the ignition. Several features, such as automatic door locking, can be tailored to suit each owner, using the keyless entry controller.

Impala: Launched for the 2000 model year, Chevrolet’s distinctively styled, amply sized family sedan, featuring six-passenger seating, enters its second season without much change. GM’s OnStar emergency/communications system now is standard in the LS sedan.

Camaro: For 2001, the coupe and convertible get a new color choice (Sunset Orange Metallic), though little else has changed. Regular and Z28 Camaros again are offered, the latter available with an SS option package that includes a 325-horsepower V-8 engine.

Astro: Except for two new colors, Chevrolet’s long-lived rear-drive compact van — dating back to 1985 — continues with minimal change.

Venture: A new front fascia and grille gives Chevrolet’s front-drive minivan a slightly different face, but most of this year’s changes are concealed within. An optional Rear Parking Aid issues an audible warning if you encounter an obstacle while backing up. Also optional are a power sliding door on the driver’s side and a stowable third-row seat. The Warner Bros. Edition gets a bigger video screen for back-seat entertainment, along with cordless headphones. GM’s OnStar communications system is available on all Ventures except the Value Van.

Express: A new LT version of the full-size van becomes available in mid-season, with a choice of five engines and two four-speed automatic transmission. Newly available is the Vortec 8100 V-8 engine, claimed to be the most powerful V-8 in its segment. Seating seven, LT vans will have special cladding and fascia with integral foglamps and polished aluminum wheels.

Tracker: A 2.5-liter V-6 engine is standard in the new LT four-door and ZR2 versions of Chevrolet’s mini-SUV. Available with two or four doors, the new ZR2 features a charcoal grille, wheel-opening moldings and five-spoke aluminum wheels. The LT wears a chrome grille and silver bodyside cladding, and is equipped with running boards. All models have standard air conditioning.

Tahoe: Both V-8 engines for Chevrolet’s full-size sport-utility vehicle get internal improvements to boost efficiency. Oil-change intervals have been lengthened to as much as 10,000 miles. Otherwise, little has changed for 2001, following a redesign one year ago.

Suburban: Engines have added power under the hoods of Chevrolet’s biggest sport-utility model, redesigned for 2000. A new Vortec 8100 V-8 replaced the former Vortec 7400 on 2500 models. The Vortec 6000 V-8 now develops 315 horsepower and 455 pounds-feet of torque. A new Z71 model has specific styling cues to add some sportiness to the Suburban experience.

Blazer: A new Blazer Xtreme joins the Chevrolet compact SUV lineup, featuring a Z87 Low-Riding sport suspension that’s supposed to deliver heightened “attitude” to attract young male buyers. Low-profile 16-inch tires on deep-dish aluminum wheels help round out the assertive look, which includes deep-tint windows, lower body-side cladding, wheel flares, and a body-colored grille and bumpers.

S-10: A four-door, four-wheel-drive Crew Cab joins the lineup of Chevrolet compact pickups. Said to be “fully loaded” inside, it comes with a short-box cargo bed.

Silverado: Full-sized pickups go heavy-duty for 2001, with the debut of new 2500 HD and 3500 HD models. Each is available with a choice of regular, extended or Crew Cab. A new, bigger Vortec 8100 Big Block V-8 produces 340 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. Chevrolet’s Duramax 6600 diesel V-8 makes 300 horsepower and 520 pound-feet. Silverados have the most powerful standard engine in their class: a new Vortec 6000 V-8, rated at 300 horsepower and 370 pounds-feet.

Lumina, Metro: Retail buyers won’t find any Luminas or Metros at Chevrolet dealerships in 2001. Those two models now are limited to fleet sales. If you must have a Metro, stop by a Suzuki dealership to consider a nearly-identical Swift, which remains on sale at least a while longer.

Oldsmobile
A few years back, Oldsmobile appeared to be a candidate for extinction. GM’s oldest division has hung on and revived its fortunes somewhat. Except for a restyled Aurora, introduced as an early 2001 model, not much is new for the coming season.

Aurora: Olds launched a redesigned edition of its flagship sedan last spring as an early 2001 model. Little is changed this fall, apart from the addition of rear shoulder belts and installation of a next-generation OnStar system.

Bravada: A restyled version of Oldsmobile’s sport-utility vehicle will not go on sale until sometime in 2001 as an ’02 model. This next Blazer will ride a new, bigger platform and be powered by a new inline six-cylinder engine.

Alero: A Getrag five-speed manual gearbox should make Oldsmobile’s compact more fun to drive for enthusiasts. It’s available on the GX and GL models. Enhanced radios, first introduced on the 2001 Aurora, now are available for this compact coupe and sedan as well. A CD player now is standard in the GX and GL; CD/cassette combination unit in the GLS, which adds a new 200-watt eight-speaker Premium Sound System. New 16-inch polished aluminum wheels are mounted on the GLS. A new Dim-to-Park headlamp control dims the headlamps when needed, such as when entering a gated community. Starting in January, a trunk entrapment pull-handle release will be installed in Aleros, to help prevent children from being locked inside.

Intrigue: GM’s OnStar communications system now is installed in the Intrigue GX as standard equipment. Formerly optional, an air-filtration system is standard in all versions of the mid-sized sedan.

Silhouette: Oldsmobile’s minivan looks just a little different this year, courtesy of new front and rear fascias. Otherwise, extra convenience is the key to the 2001 changes. Video viewers get a bigger (6.8-inch) screen in the back seat of the Premiere edition, complete with on-screen programming for easier operation. Cordless headphones now attach to the lower console, so minivans equipped with video won’t have those annoying cords hanging from the ceiling. A new Rear Parking Aid sounds a warning when an obstacle is in your path while backing up.

Pontiac
Aztek: Is it a wagon? A minivan? An SUV? A tall sedan? Pontiac’s newest model, introduced this past summer as an early 2001, aims to be all of the above — in a package that has been trounced by many in the media for its strange styling. Pontiac promotes the Aztek’s rugged look, versatile interior, and combination liftgate/tailgate access to the rear cargo area. All-wheel-drive soon will be available, to add traction capability on wet or slippery pavements. Sunfire: Convertibles faded away during the 2000 model year. For 2001, a rear spoiler becomes standard on all versions of Pontiac’s subcompact. An AM/FM stereo with cassette player now is standard on SE coupes and sedans.

Grand Am: Pontiac’s compact coupe and sedan can be more fun to drive if equipped with the new Getrag five-speed manual transmission. Closely-spaced gear ratios are said to improve acceleration. A new Monsoon premium audio system, tailored specifically to the Grand Am’s interior, is standard in the GT and GT1, and available in the SE1.

Grand Prix: Mid-sized Pontiacs get a slightly broader lineup for 2001, adding a Wide Track Smart Package for the SE sedan and Special Edition Packages for the GT and GTP coupe. Aggressive add-ons in the GT/GTP Special Editions are borrowed from the limited-edition Daytona Pace Car replica that was available in 2000. The front end of the SE sedan has been freshened with GT-like twin grille ports and foglamps. GM’s OnStar system is standard in the GTP, optional in GT.

Firebird: Pontiac’s bold paean to the “muscle car” era won’t be around too much longer, which is distressing news to the fans. For 2001, the Formula WSG version has been dropped, and the 5.7-liter LS1 engine gains a new camshaft and intake manifold. Shock absorbers have been modified to improve ride isolation. Three versions again are available: base Firebird, Formula and Trans Am.

Bonneville: Redesigned fully for 2000, Pontiac’s full-size sedan is now available in Ivory White, and heated seats are optional on all models. Otherwise, the only change is the addition of standard OnStar on all three models: SE, SLE and SSEi.

Montana: A newly available third-row stowable seat, complete with convenience center, makes either-passenger seating possible in Pontiac’s minivan — close kin to the Chevrolet Venture and Olds Silhouette. MontanaVision, Pontiac’s name for back-seat video entertainment, gets a bigger fold-down TV screen. An in-dash six-CD changer joins the option list, and a luggage rack is now standard. Montana minivans also can be fitted with a new rear parking aid, which provides a warning of obstacles at the rear of the vehicle.

GMC: Changes to the GMC truck fleet echo those of Chevrolet — no surprise, since the two divisions offer similar vehicles. New this year are the Yukon Denali and bigger XL Denali.

Yukon/Denali: Redesigned for 2001, the upscale Yukon Denali switches to a new full-size truck platform. A Denali has been part of GMC’s lineup before, but the new XL Denali, on a longer wheelbase, is being marketed for the first time. An all-new 8.1-liter Big Block V-8 engine can go under the hood of the Yukon XL, Denali’s less-posh cousin, while other engines get internal modifications.

Envoy: GMC plans on “redefining” the mid-size sport-utility vehicle market with its new Envoy, scheduled to debut as a 2002 model. More than 6 inches longer and 4 inches wider than its predecessor, the coming-soon version promises 10 more cubic feet of cargo space. Revised styling with a trapezoidal theme is “guaranteed to turn heads,” said chief designer Bill Davis.

Sonoma: A Crew Cab model that seats five joins GMC’s compact pickup fleet. Sonoma’s Vortec 4300 V-6 engine delivers 190 horsepower to a four-speed automatic transmission, and Insta-Trac four-wheel-drive is standard on the Crew Cab truck.

Sierra: Like its Chevrolet Silverado counterpart, the full-size Sierra adds HD (heavy-duty) three-quarter and one-ton models for 2001. A new Allison five-speed automatic transmission can be used with the Duramax 6600 turbo-diesel V-8 or the Vortec 8100 Big Block gasoline V-8, which delivers 340 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. Cabs are larger in size, and a new Crew Cab model goes on sale.

Savana: GMC’s full-size van family adds an SLT edition, based on the 1500 series. Seven-passenger seating features captain’s seats in the first two rows. An entertainment system includes two 6.8-inch video monitors, one of which can be used for games while the other shows a movie.

Jimmy: Unchanged in appearance and comforts/conveniences, GMC’s equivalent to the Chevrolet Blazer compact SUV gains internal engine improvements for 2001.

Saturn
S-Series, L-Series: The subcompact S-Series models and the mid-sized L-Series sedan and wagon continue with modest enhancements. S-Series coupes with a face-lift debuted in spring 2000 as 2001 models.

© 2000 GlenMoor Enterprises Media Group
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