Will GMC get an Avalanche?

jpendlum · July 18, 2001

I'm curious if GMC will produce a version of the Avalanche. I get a lot of car mags and I haven't seen or heard anything. They share all the other designs, I figure they would share the Avalanche too. Any ideas?

bowtiefan · July 18, 2001

I heard that gmc will be having a smaller built avalanche based of the tralblazer and envoys not sure if its true or not but it would be cool.

gmcjoe · July 18, 2001

Cadillac has the Escalade EXT.

Personally I can't see the people in that target market (Cadillac) using the functionality it provides.

(Edited by gmcjoe at 9:49 am on July 18, 2001)

LT · July 18, 2001

If it sells, GMC will build it.

The Beav · July 18, 2001

Quote: from gmcjoe on 9:28 am on July 18, 2001
Personally I can't see the people in that target market using the functionality it provides.

Does anyone who buys an Escalade or Navigator or Lexus or anything of the kind really use them as they are intended? They probably will never see a dirt road, let alone any kind of off-road that requires clearance and 4wd.

BIG BLUE · July 18, 2001

The Beav,

I understand your point in general, but I do have a couple of friends that have the Escalade and they do use them for more than traveling to and from the office.

Example; best friend drives a Cadillac STS to work and the wife and 3 kids use the Escalade as the grocery hauler during the week. When Friday rolls around they hook up the boat and go for a couple of days, or head to the cottage which is on a two track and often needs the help of 4wheel drive. Between hunting, fishing, two trackin', etc. the Escalade gets it's share of "intended use" for he and his family.

With that said, most likely 9 out of 10 people that are willing to pay ?k for an upscale SUV wouldn't even think of taking it "off road". Then there is my other buddy who is talking of buying an Escalade and putting a plow on the front just for kicks! (not sure if front end will allow it but he's checking on it).

Yeah, I know isn't there something better to spend that kind of cash on? Well maybe, but thankfully we live in a country where you have that choice if you see fit. Wouldn't do it myself, but then again we have 2 Subs and a truck and all 3 are used for "intended purposes".

Just my thoughts,

BIG BLUE

The Beav · July 18, 2001

Sorry, luxury SUV's bring out Dennis Miller-like rants from me. Not being in a position of having more money that I know what to do with just makes me wonder why one would spend the extra $$$ on something just for the badge. As far as I know, they (Escalades, Navigators, et al) don't offer anything unavailable to Yukons, Tahoes, Expeditions, etc, so it just makes me go 'huh?!?!'. I'm more than willing to pay extra for a 'name' if there is something functionally or qualitatively exceptional (features, warranty, etc), but I am not the type of person to name drop with my possessions. My $.02.

BIG BLUE · July 18, 2001

The Beav,

Yeah, I'd have to agree, I'm in your camp with the whole "upscale SUV thing". I've been driving/using trucks for 20 years for the "utility" of them. I could care less if I've got leather, On-star, climate control, etc, etc., just give me something that can tow 6,000lbs and I can throw dead deer in the back when I'm done wackin' em with the bow and arrow and I'm happy. (Both Suburbans have blood stains in the back, hehe). Can't understand why nowdays we're paying through the nose for these things.

Regards,

BIG BLUE

P.S. love the old Dennis Miller bits too!

ddnchevy · July 18, 2001

Don't think they will. GM is trying to separate GMC and chevy trucks more and more as is evident from GMC's stupid adverting motto of "professional grade" trucks. In addition I read that GMC will be the first to get 4-wheel steering on their trucks. Unsure if Chevy will get it?