GMC Envoy XUV converts waterproof wagon to an open-top truck
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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MILFORD, Mich. -- At Milford Proving Ground, the automotive test facility for General Motors near Detroit, one visitor spies a new sport-utility vehicle that promises unprecedented versatility.
It's a variation off GMC's Envoy XL, as in Extra Large, a four-door wagon for the mid-size class with wheelbase stretched 13 inches longer than the regular version and 16 inches added to the overall length plus the roof hiking several inches higher.
At first glance, this one seems quite conventional.
But a closer look reveals something unusual happening at the wagon's boxy tail.
In the version rolling at Milford, a tree seems to sprout through the roof.
The tree -- placed aboard the vehicle to demonstrate a capacity for hauling tall goods such as a garden sapling or perhaps even a refrigerator -- actually extends above the rear section of the roof, as the roof panel is missing to create an open and airy cargo compartment.
The cargo bay, measuring 32 inches square, functions like a miniature truck bed for toting too-tall gear and it can be completely isolated from the water-tight cabin.
Where's the missing roof section?
It folds away like a sunroof panel via power controls.
Thus the new wagon -- dubbed the Envoy XUV -- becomes the first sport-utility equipped with a power sliding roof.
Tap a button on the console and the trailing edge of the roof slides back to reveal the open-air cargo bay. Or keep the roof closed and the cargo bay remains a part of the passenger compartment like any other SUV.
Actually, you can work the bay several different ways -- partly open, completely closed or all exposed.
Versatility comes from the power sliding roof in conjunction with two partitions -- a middle gate set behind the passenger area and a tailgate at the rear of the wagon.
This mid-ship gate -- dubbed by GM as a Midgate -- has a window in the upper section and a composite lower panel.
The window glass can be raised or lowered with push-button power and the entire panel can be folded flat after the back seat folds and tumbles forward.
With the Midgate down, there's a flat cargo bay extending for 76 inches to the tailgate for an expanded cargo volume of 95 cubic feet.
With Midgate raised and window up, the cabin is sealed off from the rear cargo compartment. You get a conventional cabin with two bucket seats up front and a three-person bench in back, followed by the Midgate sealer and a rear bay that's either open or enclosed.
At the rear of the vehicle a second gate with power window folds down to floor level or swings to the right side for bumper access to the cargo area.
And don't worry about making a mess in the back bay -- the wash-and-wear tail section comes with weather-resistant materials plus a drain system so it can be hosed out for cleaning.
Inside, there are four tie-down rings that can be moved around plus four more fixed rings on the roof so you can lock down any load of gear. There's even the option for a custom-made tent that wraps around the rear with tailgate dropped and an air mattress inflated across the cargo floor.
So you end up with a conventional wagon's bay or a wagon with a miniature truck bed in back, or a vehicle that's part wagon and part truck -- all through push-button conversion of the roof panel and two gate windows.
Powertrains for Envoy the XUV compare to Envoy XL.
Standard is the Vortec 4200 in-line-six developed by GM to generate the high horsepower of a V8 engine but the fuel efficiency of a V6.
The 4.2-liter six, with dual overhead cams and four valves for every cylinder, delivers 275 hp at 6000 rpm and a flat band of torque up to 275 lb-ft at 3600 rpm.
A heavy-duty GM Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission mates with the Vortec 4200 straight-six to handle all of the torque.
Optional power comes from GM's 5.3-liter V8 crafted with an aluminum block. It produces 290 hp at 5200 rpm plus 325 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm.
And optional four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction utilizes GM's smart Autotrac system with push-button selections and automatic switching from standard rear-wheel-drive (RWD) traction to a mode that distributes torque between the front and rear wheels.
As with Envoy and Envoy XL, the Envoy XUV has a ladder-frame chassis with one-piece steel rails running the length of the wagon.
A welded steel superstructure rises from the rigid chassis bed with body mounts tuned in all directions to enhance the frame's stiffness, absorb impacts from vertical movement and isolate any residual noise.
Then the suspension system fitted on the super-stiff chassis produces superior handling control along with a smooth ride quality.
Independent components in front with coil-over-shock modules include a double A-arm for stability and excellent damping. In back, there's a multi-link solid axle in place of leaf springs typical to rough-riding trucks and wagons.
An electronically-controlled air suspension system is also available.
Another uncommon component for a truck-based wagon is the quick rack and pinion steering mechanism coupled to hydraulic power assistance. It has a good on-center feel for steering with precise movements, but also sets up a tight turning circle.
For stopping, there are four disc brakes linked to an intelligent four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS).
Two trims work for Envoy XUV.
The SLE stocks a long list of standard equipment including air conditioning, power windows and door locks, cruise control and remote keyless entry.
The SLT brings more gear: Leather and wood trim, heated seats, automatic climate system, headlamp washers, memory for seats and mirrors, steering wheel controls plus optional Bose sound with a six-CD changer.
XUV prices vary from $31,240 for the RWD SLE to $38,065 for a 4WD SLT, with the V8 engine option pulling $1,500 more to the bottom line.
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| 2004 GMC ENVOY XUV VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS |
| Description: |
Mid-size 4-door SUV wagon with convertible cargo bay |
| Model Options: |
Mid-size 4-door SUV wagon with convertible cargo bay |
| Wheelbase: |
129.0 inches
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| Overall Length: |
208.4 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 4.2-L I6
OHV 5.3-L V8
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| Transmission: |
Auto/4 4L60-E
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| Drive: |
Rear 2WD
4WD Autotrac
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| Braking: |
Power 4-disc
ABS
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| Airbags: |
2 (front)
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| Gross Weight: |
2WD I6: 6200 pounds
4WD I6: 6400 pounds
2WD V8: 6200 pounds
4WD V8: 6375 pounds |
| Towing Capacity: |
2WD I6: 5800 pounds, 4WD I6: 5700 pounds, 2WD V8: 6500 pounds, 4WD V8: 6400 pounds |
| Gas Mileage: |
4.2-L 2WD: 15/20 mpg
4.2-L 4WD: 15/19 mpg
5.3-L 2WD: 15/19 mpg
5.3-L 4WD: 14/19 mpg |
| MSRP Price: |
XUV SLE 2WD: $ 31,240, XUV SLE 4WD: $ 33,465, XUV SLT 2WD: $ 35,840, XUV SLT 4WD: $ 38,065 |
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