Difference between revisions of "Chevrolet Lumina APV"

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{{Infobox Automobile
{{Infobox Automobile
|image         = [[Image:2003-06 Chevrolet Avalanche WBH.jpg|250px|GMT800 Chevrolet Avalanche WBH]]
|image=[[Image:1994-1996 Chevrolet Lumina APV.jpg|250px|1994-1996 Chevrolet Lumina APV]]
|name           = Chevrolet Avalanche
|name=Chevrolet Lumina APV
|manufacturer   = [[Chevrolet]]
|manufacturer=[[General Motors]]
|parent_company = [[General Motors]]
|production=1989–1996
| production    = 2001–present
|class=[[Minivan]]  
|class          = [[Full-size]] [[pickup truck]]
|transmission=3-speed [[automatic transmission|automatic]]<br>4-speed automatic
|body_style     = 4-door [[pickup truck|truck]]
|layout=[[FF layout]]
|assembly      = [[Silao]], [[Mexico]]
|platform=[[GM A platform]]
|layout        = [[Front-engine design|Front engine]], [[rear-wheel drive]] / [[Four-wheel drive]]
|body_style=3-door [[van]]
|fuel_capacity  = 31 US gal (117 L, 25.8 Imp. gal)
|engine=3.1&nbsp;L ''[[GM 60-Degree V6 engine#LG6|LG6]]'' [[V6]]<br>3.4&nbsp;L ''[[GM 60-Degree V6 engine#LA1|LA1]]'' [[V6]]<br>3.8&nbsp;L ''[[Buick V6 engine#Series I|3800 Series I]]'' [[V6]]
|wheelbase     = {{Auto in|130.0|0}}
|length=1990-93: {{auto in|194.2|0}}<Br>1994-96: {{auto in|191.5|0}}
|transmission  = 4-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]
|wheelbase={{auto in|109.8|0}}
|width={{auto in|73.9|0}}
|height=1990-91: {{auto in|65.2|0}}<bR>1992-96: {{auto in|65.7|0}}
|weight=3599–3899&nbsp;lb (1632–1769&nbsp;kg)
|successor=[[Chevrolet Venture]]
|assembly=[[Tarrytown, New York]], [[United States]]
|related=[[Oldsmobile Silhouette]]<br>[[Pontiac Trans Sport]]
}}
}}
[[Image:Chevrolet-Lumina-APV.jpg|250px|thumb|right|1989-1993 Chevrolet Lumina APV]]
The '''[[Chevrolet]] Lumina APV''' was a [[minivan]] produced by [[General Motors]] for the 1990 to 1996 model years. The Lumina APV was similar to the [[Pontiac Trans Sport]] and [[Oldsmobile Silhouette]].
==Background==
General Motors' first attempt at producing a [[minivan]] to compete with the [[Dodge Caravan]] and [[Plymouth Voyager]], the [[Chevrolet Astro]] and its twin, the [[GMC Safari]], failed to make a noticeable dent in [[Chrysler]]'s almost total dominance of the minivan market in the late eighties, so this second attempt was made. The Lumina APV was introduced as part of a proposed full line of [[Chevrolet Lumina]] vehicles that in the end, included just a minivan and sedan. The "APV" designation stood for "All Purpose Vehicle" and while the vehicle itself was certainly versatile and featured many innovative features, the unusual space age design failed to resonate with many potential minivan buyers.
The vehicle shared the unibody frame, and componentry with the [[GM A platform]]
==Technology and innovative features==
Assembled in the now defunct General Motors [[Tarrytown, New York]] assembly facility, these [[GM U platform|U-body]] vans consisted of a galvanized steel spaceframe wrapped in composite plastic body panels that were impervious to rust and minor dents and dings, a manufacturing technique developed on the [[Pontiac Fiero]] and used extensively on General Motors' [[Saturn Corporation|Saturn]] line of vehicles.
The Lumina APV was available with seating for seven, with the five lightweight (34 lb) rear seats being individually reconfigurable and removable. In 1994, built-in child seats were added to the option list, which provided the ability to switch two of the rear seats between adult and child seating with the pull of a seat-mounted tab.
The Lumina APV was the only version of the trio to offer a [[commercial vehicle]] model that featured a rubber-matted floor in lieu of carpeting, deletion of rear seating and painted plastic panels in place of the side rear glass.


The '''Chevrolet Avalanche''' is a four-door, five or six passenger [[sport utility truck]] sharing [[General Motors|GM's]] long-wheelbase chassis used on the [[Chevrolet Suburban]] and [[Cadillac Escalade EXT]].  Unlike the typical pickup truck, the open bed of the Avalanche opens to the back seat area via a folding panel (marketed as a 'midgate') and removable rear window. A series of three removable panels form a watertight top for the cargo bed. Additional storage is provided behind each wheelwell, accessed by locking flip-top panels and usable as self-draining ice chests.
Included with the optional level ride package, which utilized a compressor and air-pressurized rear shock absorbers to maintain vehicle height regardless of load, was a control panel and air hose kit that allowed the vehicle to be used to inflate tires, air mattresses, sporting equipment and the like.


The name Avalanche derives from the dangerous and sudden collapse of mountain snowpacks known as the [[avalanche]].
In 1994, a remote-controlled power sliding door feature was added, a General Motors innovation, which is now found in almost every other minivan available.


{{TOCleft}}
For the 1994 and 1995 model years, traction control was available with the 3.8 L [[V6]].


==2001 - 2006==
==Modest sales success==
{{Infobox Automobile generation
The design of these minivans was controversial. At the time that the Chevrolet Lumina APV and its siblings were conceived, no one had tried to market a stylish or sporty minivan, and GM felt that that represented a potentially large market segment. They styled these minivans to be lower and sleeker than any of the competing brands on the market. The extremely large, long and sloped windshield and the resultant long distance to the base of the windshield when sitting in the drivers seat made for a disconcerting driving experience until a person could adjust to the "different" proportions. Automotive magazines christened the new minivans "dustbusters" after a household vacuum cleaning appliance that shared a similar side profile.
|name          = First generation / GMT800
|image          = [[Image:1st-Chevrolet-Avalanche.jpg|250px|GMT800 Chevrolet Avalanche]]
|production    = 2001&ndash;2006
|engine        = 5.3 L [[V8]]<br>8.1 L V8
|related        = [[Cadillac Escalade]]<br>[[Chevrolet Tahoe]]/[[GMC Yukon]]<br>[[Chevrolet Suburban]]/[[GMC Yukon XL]]<br>[[Chevrolet Silverado]]/[[GMC Sierra]]<Br>[[Hummer H2]]
|length        = 2002-03: {{Auto in|221.7|0}}<br>2004-06: {{Auto in|221.6|0}}
|width          = {{Auto in|79.8|0}}
|height        = 2002-03: {{Auto in|73.3|0}}<Br>2004-06: {{Auto in|73.6|0}}
|platform      = [[GM GMT platform#GMT800|GM GMT800 platform]]
}}
Avalanche was launched in 2001 as a 2002 model on the [[GM GMT platform#GMT800|GMT800]] platform. First year Avalanches featured light gray plastic body cladding, intended to provide visual distinction from the [[Chevrolet Suburban|Suburban/Yukon XL]]. Avalanche also gave the public an advance look at the next generation of front fascia designs for the entire GM line. A full-length chrome strip splits each lamp assembly and the grille, with a gold Chevrolet "bow tie" in the center. The hood and fenders featured aggressive folds, in contrast to the soft box of the other GMT800 models.  


2003 models featured darker cladding, but GM's new president, [[Rick Wagoner]], demanded deletion of this "unpopular" trim (as did certain elements of the public). From mid-year, Avalanche could be ordered without the cladding. The uncladded model, known as the Without Body Hardware (or better by its acronym "WBH"), and alternatively called "slicksides" by GM marketers, resembles the '03-'05 [[Chevrolet Silverado|Silverado]] in the front.
The first engine in these vans was a meager 3.1&nbsp;L V6, that produced only {{convert|120|hp|abbr=on}}, which was not up to the task of hauling these fairly heavy vehicles around with any authority.


Avalanche was nominated for the ''[[North American Car of the Year|North American Truck of the Year]]'' award and was ''[[Motor Trend]]'' magazine's [[Car of the Year|
In 1992, the Lumina APV and its siblings received the 170&nbsp;hp 3.8&nbsp;L [[Buick V6 engine#Series I|3800 Series I]] V6 as an option. The 3.8L provided much better torque and acceleration for the vans, making them the most powerful minivans in production at the time, until Ford's 1996 [[Ford Windstar|Windstar]] 3.8L debuted with {{convert|200|hp|abbr=on}}.
SUV of the Year]] for 2002[http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/truck/truck_of_the_year_winners/index.html].


There are two [[Internal combustion engine|engine]] choices:
[[Image:ChevroletLuminaAPV.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Facelifted Chevrolet Lumina APV]]
* A [[GM Vortec engine|Vortec]] 5.3&nbsp;L [[V8]] producing 290&nbsp;hp (216&nbsp;[[Watt#Kilowatt|kW]]), for the half-ton 1500 series;
In response to criticism (and relatively modest sales) attributable to the vehicles' avantgarde styling, feedback from potential customers, automotive publications, and even chiding in Chrysler Corporation's advertising, in 1994, the Trans Sport and Lumina APV received a facelift, shortening the nose by {{convert|3|in|mm}} and elimination of the black painted roof and [[a-pillar]] "canopy effect" to impart a more conventional look. Additionally a ridge was added to the interior dashboard to lessen the perceived distance to the base of the windshield.  
* A [[GM Vortec engine #8100| Vortec]] 8.1&nbsp;L V8 with 340&nbsp;hp (253&nbsp;kW), for the three-quarter-ton 2500 series. The drive train is  [[rear-wheel drive]] or available with selectable high/low  [[four-wheel drive]].


===Cladding trouble===
Production of this generation of minivans ceased in 1996, at which time the Tarrytown plant which produced them and which had been in operation since 1900, was shuttered and scheduled for demolition.
Soon after the release of the Chevy Avalanche customers began to notice cosmetic problems with the cladding on their vehicles. Over time exposure to heat and sunlight would cause a chalky faded appearance. It was especially noticeable on the cargo bed panels, and sailpanel windows where "Zebra Striping" would appear. Customer reaction to this problem resulted in General Motors agreeing to a one time treatment of a product called ArmorDillo. This product would temporarily restore the cladding for a period of about 6 months. After that it would wear off then need to be re-applied. Realizing this was not a permanent solution, GM, together with Gatorback Coatings, developed a coating that could be applied to the cladding to restore it to a like-new shine. This product was designed to etch into the plastic and bond a new layer of tinted acrylic over the faded plastic. Customers within the 3yr/36,000 original factory warranty could go to their dealership to have it restored under their original warranty under GM TSB:04-08-111-001C. With the exclusion of side body cladding on the 2007+ model years this has reduced the amount of cladding fade. General Motors has also identified the original source of the faded cladding. With that information they were able to reduce the cladding fade problem on the [[GM GMT platform#GMT900|GM GMT900 platform]].


==2007 - present==
The Lumina APV was replaced by the [[Chevrolet Venture]] which was a completely new vehicle, with conventional steel [[unibody]] construction and extremely conventional styling which purposely aped the class-leading [[Dodge Caravan]] and [[Plymouth Voyager]].
{{Infobox Automobile generation
|name          = Second generation / GMT900
|image          = [[Image:2nd-Chevrolet-Avalanche.jpg|250px|GMT900 Chevrolet Avalanche LT]]
|production    = 2007&ndash;present
|engine        = 5.3 L V8<br>6.0 L [[V8]]
|related        = [[Cadillac Escalade]]<br>[[Chevrolet Tahoe]]/[[GMC Yukon]]<br>[[Chevrolet Suburban]]/[[GMC Yukon XL]]<br>[[Chevrolet Silverado]]/[[GMC Sierra]]
|platform      = [[GM GMT platform#GMT900|GM GMT900 platform]]
|length        = {{Auto in|221.3|0}}
|width          = {{Auto in|79.1|0}}
|height        = {{Auto in|76.6|0}}
}}
The [[GM GMT platform#GMT900|GMT900]] Avalanche was introduced at the [[Chicago Auto Show]] in February 2006. Production of the redesigned Avalanche began at the [[Silao Assembly]] in March 2006. The Avalanche maintains the styled front end much like its sister vehicles, the [[Chevrolet Tahoe|Tahoe/Yukon]] and Suburban, yet it still has the distinct midgate and integrated bed as found on the previous incarnation. It has all the same standard and available features as the Suburban and the Tahoe.
A 2007 Avalanche was given away to the Most Valuable Player of the [[2006 in baseball|2006]] [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game]], [[Michael Young (baseball player)|Michael Young]].


Engines:
==Year-to-year changes==
* 5.3&nbsp;L [[GM Vortec engine#5300|Vortec 5300]] [[V8]] with [[Active Fuel Management]], 320&nbsp;hp (239&nbsp;kW)
===1991===
* 6.0&nbsp;L [[GM Vortec engine#HO 6000|VortecMAX]] [[V8]] with [[variable valve timing|VVT]] and [[Active Fuel Management]], 366&nbsp;hp (265&nbsp;kW) (late 2006)
*Customer complaints regarding glare reflected on the interior of the windshield from the massive expanse of dashboard led to the addition of black carpeting in lieu of the more reflective plastic used in the previous year.


==Cultural references==
===1992===
* [[Sufjan Stevens]]'s 2006 album ''[[The Avalanche]]'' features a Chevy Avalanche on the cover and is hinted at in the album's title track "The Avalanche" ("I was on the hatch/riding on the avalanche")
*Newly available for 1992 was GM's [[Buick V6 engine#Series I|3800 Series I]] {{convert|170|hp|abbr=on}} V6 engine coupled with a [[GM 4T60-E transmission|4T60-E]] 4-speed electronically-controlled [[automatic transmission]].
*The cowl-mounted fixed radio antenna mast was eliminated, and an integrated roof antenna was installed, sandwiched between the roof and the [[headliner]].
*Side view mirrors were changed to the folding type and were enlarged to provide better rear-ward visibility.
*Brakes were enlarged and [[anti-lock brakes]] (ABS) was added as standard equipment.


* In ''[[CSI: NY]]'', Detective Stella Bonasera drives a GMT800 Avalanche.
===1993===
*A remote controlled power sliding side door was announced for 1993, but failed to actually make it into production that year.
*A redesigned center console was added this year with revamped, larger climate controls, a large storage cubby and a large storage bin at its base.


==Yearly American sales==
===1994===
{| class="wikitable"
*The exterior styling was revamped, three inches (76 mm)  were trimmed off the nose, headlights taken from the [[Pontiac Bonneville]] were installed and the "canopy-effect" black painted forward section of the roof and [[a-pillar]]s was changed to body color, all in an effort to make the vehicle seem more like its conservatively-styled competitors.
|-
*In an effort to lessen the perceived distance to the base of the windshield, a ridge was added to the interior dash finishing panel.
! Calendar Year
*A remote-controlled power sliding door became available as an option.
! Total American sales
*Built-in child seats for the second row became available as an option.
|-
*A traction control system became available as an option.
| 2001<ref>http://media.gm.com/news/sales/030103_decsales.html</ref>
*Rear deep-tinted windows now featured a darker tint than previously used.
| 52,955
*A driver's side [[airbag]] became standard equipment.
|-
| 2002
| 89,372
|-
| 2003
|
|-
| 2004<ref>http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/01/05/205609.html</ref>
| 80,566
|-
| 2005
| 63,186
|-
| 2006<ref>http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target=http://image.emerald.gm.com/gmnews/viewmonthlyreleasedetail.do?domain=6&docid=31596</ref>
| 57,076
|-
| 2007
| 55,550
|-
| 2008<ref>http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target=http://image.emerald.gm.com/gmnews/viewpressreldetail.do?domain=2&docid=51161</ref>
| 35,003
|}


==External links==
===1995===
*[http://www.chevrolet.com/avalanche/ Chevrolet Avalanche official site]
*Automatic power door locks that engaged/disengaged with the transmission shifting into or out of "park" added as a standard feature of the power door lock option package.
*[http://www.chevyavalancheclub.com/ Chevy Avalanche Club -For Chevy Avalanche Truck Owners]


==References==
===1996===
<references/>
*Final year of production. The APV was replaced by the [[Chevrolet Venture]].
*Both the 3.1 and 3.8 L V6 engines were dropped, and the 3.4 L ''[[GM 60-Degree V6 engine#LA1|LA1]]'' V6 became the only engine available with {{convert|180|hp|abbr=on}} and 205 ft*lb of torque.
*Traction control dropped as an option.


{{commonscat}}
{{Chevrolet Truck}}
{{Chevrolet Truck}}


[[Category:All wheel drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Chevrolet vehicles|Lumina APV]]
[[Category:Chevrolet vehicles|Avalanche]]
[[Category:Minivans]]
[[Category:Flexible-fuel vehicles]]<!-- selected 2005 models -->
[[Category:Front wheel drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Sport utility trucks]]
[[Category:1990s automobiles]]
[[Category:Rear wheel drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Goods manufactured in the United States]]
[[Category:2000s automobiles]]
[[Category:Vehicles introduced in 2001]]
 
[[de:Chevrolet Avalanche]]
[[lt:Chevrolet Avalanche]]
[[ja:シボレー・アバランチ]]
[[pt:Chevrolet Avalanche]]
[[tr:Chevrolet Avalanche]]

Latest revision as of 18:54, 3 February 2009

Chevrolet Lumina APV
1994-1996 Chevrolet Lumina APV
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
Production1989–1996
AssemblyTarrytown, New York, United States
SuccessorChevrolet Venture
ClassMinivan
Body style(s)3-door van
LayoutFF layout
PlatformGM A platform
Engine(s)3.1 L LG6 V6
3.4 L LA1 V6
3.8 L 3800 Series I V6
Transmission(s)3-speed automatic
4-speed automatic
Wheelbase109.8 in (2789 mm)
Length1990-93: 194.2 in (4933 mm)
1994-96: 191.5 in (4864 mm)
Width73.9 in (1877 mm)
Height1990-91: 65.2 in (1656 mm)
1992-96: 65.7 in (1669 mm)
Curb weight3599–3899 lb (1632–1769 kg)
RelatedOldsmobile Silhouette
Pontiac Trans Sport
ManualsService Manual
1989-1993 Chevrolet Lumina APV

The Chevrolet Lumina APV was a minivan produced by General Motors for the 1990 to 1996 model years. The Lumina APV was similar to the Pontiac Trans Sport and Oldsmobile Silhouette.

Background

General Motors' first attempt at producing a minivan to compete with the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager, the Chevrolet Astro and its twin, the GMC Safari, failed to make a noticeable dent in Chrysler's almost total dominance of the minivan market in the late eighties, so this second attempt was made. The Lumina APV was introduced as part of a proposed full line of Chevrolet Lumina vehicles that in the end, included just a minivan and sedan. The "APV" designation stood for "All Purpose Vehicle" and while the vehicle itself was certainly versatile and featured many innovative features, the unusual space age design failed to resonate with many potential minivan buyers. The vehicle shared the unibody frame, and componentry with the GM A platform

Technology and innovative features

Assembled in the now defunct General Motors Tarrytown, New York assembly facility, these U-body vans consisted of a galvanized steel spaceframe wrapped in composite plastic body panels that were impervious to rust and minor dents and dings, a manufacturing technique developed on the Pontiac Fiero and used extensively on General Motors' Saturn line of vehicles.

The Lumina APV was available with seating for seven, with the five lightweight (34 lb) rear seats being individually reconfigurable and removable. In 1994, built-in child seats were added to the option list, which provided the ability to switch two of the rear seats between adult and child seating with the pull of a seat-mounted tab.

The Lumina APV was the only version of the trio to offer a commercial vehicle model that featured a rubber-matted floor in lieu of carpeting, deletion of rear seating and painted plastic panels in place of the side rear glass.

Included with the optional level ride package, which utilized a compressor and air-pressurized rear shock absorbers to maintain vehicle height regardless of load, was a control panel and air hose kit that allowed the vehicle to be used to inflate tires, air mattresses, sporting equipment and the like.

In 1994, a remote-controlled power sliding door feature was added, a General Motors innovation, which is now found in almost every other minivan available.

For the 1994 and 1995 model years, traction control was available with the 3.8 L V6.

Modest sales success

The design of these minivans was controversial. At the time that the Chevrolet Lumina APV and its siblings were conceived, no one had tried to market a stylish or sporty minivan, and GM felt that that represented a potentially large market segment. They styled these minivans to be lower and sleeker than any of the competing brands on the market. The extremely large, long and sloped windshield and the resultant long distance to the base of the windshield when sitting in the drivers seat made for a disconcerting driving experience until a person could adjust to the "different" proportions. Automotive magazines christened the new minivans "dustbusters" after a household vacuum cleaning appliance that shared a similar side profile.

The first engine in these vans was a meager 3.1 L V6, that produced only 120 hp (89 kW), which was not up to the task of hauling these fairly heavy vehicles around with any authority.

In 1992, the Lumina APV and its siblings received the 170 hp 3.8 L 3800 Series I V6 as an option. The 3.8L provided much better torque and acceleration for the vans, making them the most powerful minivans in production at the time, until Ford's 1996 Windstar 3.8L debuted with 200 hp (150 kW).

Facelifted Chevrolet Lumina APV

In response to criticism (and relatively modest sales) attributable to the vehicles' avantgarde styling, feedback from potential customers, automotive publications, and even chiding in Chrysler Corporation's advertising, in 1994, the Trans Sport and Lumina APV received a facelift, shortening the nose by 3 inches (76 mm) and elimination of the black painted roof and a-pillar "canopy effect" to impart a more conventional look. Additionally a ridge was added to the interior dashboard to lessen the perceived distance to the base of the windshield.

Production of this generation of minivans ceased in 1996, at which time the Tarrytown plant which produced them and which had been in operation since 1900, was shuttered and scheduled for demolition.

The Lumina APV was replaced by the Chevrolet Venture which was a completely new vehicle, with conventional steel unibody construction and extremely conventional styling which purposely aped the class-leading Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager.

Year-to-year changes

1991

  • Customer complaints regarding glare reflected on the interior of the windshield from the massive expanse of dashboard led to the addition of black carpeting in lieu of the more reflective plastic used in the previous year.

1992

  • Newly available for 1992 was GM's 3800 Series I 170 hp (130 kW) V6 engine coupled with a 4T60-E 4-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission.
  • The cowl-mounted fixed radio antenna mast was eliminated, and an integrated roof antenna was installed, sandwiched between the roof and the headliner.
  • Side view mirrors were changed to the folding type and were enlarged to provide better rear-ward visibility.
  • Brakes were enlarged and anti-lock brakes (ABS) was added as standard equipment.

1993

  • A remote controlled power sliding side door was announced for 1993, but failed to actually make it into production that year.
  • A redesigned center console was added this year with revamped, larger climate controls, a large storage cubby and a large storage bin at its base.

1994

  • The exterior styling was revamped, three inches (76 mm) were trimmed off the nose, headlights taken from the Pontiac Bonneville were installed and the "canopy-effect" black painted forward section of the roof and a-pillars was changed to body color, all in an effort to make the vehicle seem more like its conservatively-styled competitors.
  • In an effort to lessen the perceived distance to the base of the windshield, a ridge was added to the interior dash finishing panel.
  • A remote-controlled power sliding door became available as an option.
  • Built-in child seats for the second row became available as an option.
  • A traction control system became available as an option.
  • Rear deep-tinted windows now featured a darker tint than previously used.
  • A driver's side airbag became standard equipment.

1995

  • Automatic power door locks that engaged/disengaged with the transmission shifting into or out of "park" added as a standard feature of the power door lock option package.

1996

  • Final year of production. The APV was replaced by the Chevrolet Venture.
  • Both the 3.1 and 3.8 L V6 engines were dropped, and the 3.4 L LA1 V6 became the only engine available with 180 hp (130 kW) and 205 ft*lb of torque.
  • Traction control dropped as an option.