2005 CHEVROLET EXPRESS DELIVERS A HIGHER DOSE OF SAFETY WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF STABILITRAK ON 12- AND 15-PASSENGER MODELS

Because it transports both cargo and passengers, Chevy Express has always included a host of safety and security features. For interim 2005, it takes safety up a couple of notches, with the introduction of StabiliTrak on regular-wheelbase 12-passenger models. This follows the introduction of StabiliTrak on extended-wheelbase 12- and 15-passenger models during the 2004 model year.

StabiliTrak helps drivers maintain vehicle control during certain difficult driving conditions, such as ice, snow, gravel, wet pavement and uneven road surfaces, as well as in emergency lane changes or avoidance maneuvers.

"By adding this system, we will take what we believe is already a very safe van and make it safer," said Ray Chess, GM vehicle line executive, commercial trucks and vans. "This enhancement underscores GM's leadership in bringing this important safety technology to more customers."

StabiliTrak at work

StabiliTrak assists the vehicle in maintaining the driver’s intended path by applying a brake force at any corner of the vehicle independent of the driver’s use of the brake pedal.

StabiliTrak uses an accelerator pedal position sensor, a brake master cylinder pressure sensor and a steering wheel angle sensor as inputs to interpret the driver’s desired path and whether to accelerate or decelerate the vehicle. StabiliTrak also uses these sensors plus a lateral accelerometer and yaw rate sensor to determine the vehicle’s actual path.

If the difference between the driver’s desired path and the vehicle’s actual path becomes great enough, StabiliTrak takes appropriate action to assist the driver with maintaining the desired path. If the vehicle begins to “snowplow,” or understeer, StabiliTrak applies the inside rear brake to help turn the vehicle. If the vehicle begins to fishtail, or oversteer, StabiliTrak applies the outside front brake to straighten the vehicle. StabiliTrak is integrated with the traction control and ABS systems.

GM began installing stability enhancement systems in passenger cars in 1997 and now has more than two million equipped vehicles on the road. In addition to being the first automaker to equip 15-passenger vans with the system, GM was the first to install stability enhancement systems in full-size sport utility vehicles.

"It's important to understand that no system is foolproof," said Robert C. Lange, GM executive director, structure and safety integration. "That is why we will continue to educate our customers on the unique operating characteristics of full-size, extended passenger vans, and that they should be operated only by experienced drivers. We also support the advice of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that drivers and passengers in vans - and all other vehicles - always use safety belts. And we remind all vehicle occupants to obey state seat-belt use and child-passenger safety laws."

Strong Vortec power

Chevy Express is powered by GM’s Vortec Generation I engine – ranging from the economical Vortec 4300 V-6 to the powerful Vortec 6000 V-8.

The 195-horsepower (145-kw) Vortec 4300 4.3L V-6 with multi-port fuel injection is the base engine for light-duty G-vans in all 50 states. A central fuel injector delivers a separate flow of fuel to six individual hybrid injectors for better performance and improved emissions.

The Vortec 4800 4.8L V-8 cranks out 285 horsepower (213 kw) and is used for heavy-duty applications in the 2500 Series cargo vans.

The Vortec 5300 5.3L V-8 has the ability to provide segment-leading acceleration. Used for light-duty applications, it churns out 295 horsepower (220 kw) and 330 lb.-ft. of torque (447 Nm), and is the standard engine in all-wheel-drive models.

Those seeking more power can opt for the Vortec 6000 – the segment's most powerful V-8. It delivers 300 horsepower (224 kw) and 360 lb.-ft. of torque (488 Nm) when gasoline is used. The Vortec 6000 is also available as a bi-fuel or dedicated CNG engine. In that version, the Vortec 6000 delivers 285 horsepower (213 kw) and 325 lb.-ft. of torque (441 Nm).

For greater ease during heavy-duty towing and hauling applications, Express features GM's unique tow/haul mode. It reduces the frequency and improves the predictability of transmission shifts when pulling a trailer or carrying a heavy load.

Driving under control

Express offers a four-wheel power disc brake system with ABS as standard equipment. The system features the responsive Hydroboost hydraulic assist power brake booster. Light- and heavy-duty models include Dynamic Rear Proportioning (DRP), which recognizes changes in wheel speed and load variation and adjusts the amount of pressure applied to the rear brakes appropriately.

A three-piece, fully boxed frame increases torsional stiffness on the Express, contributing to improved ride and handling and better isolation from the road. Large stabilizer bars – 33 mm on light-duty models and 35 mm on vehicles with 8,600-pound (3,901kg) GVW and above – add stability. Standard 16-inch wheels provide for a more comfortable ride, and power rack-and-pinion steering on all light-duty models provides more precise control.

Safety is a priority

Chevy Express delivers a host of safety features, including standard dual-stage frontal air bags for supplemental protection for front-seat passengers in all light-duty models up to 7,300 pounds (3,311 kg) GVW.Dual-stage frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of air bag-induced injury. When the air bag system’s control unit detects an impact, it determines whether the crash is severe enough to trigger a deployment, and whether the primary amount of inflation is sufficient. The primary stage alone will deploy in most frontal impacts requiring the supplemental protection of an air bag, while a secondary stage is designed to deploy in more severe frontal collisions.

Express also features driver- and front-passenger safety belts, three-point lap-and-shoulder belts in all first- and second-row seating positions and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for child seats in passenger vans.

Express offers the security and convenience of GM’s OnStar system on passenger and conversion models. OnStar-equipped Express models feature new sixth-generation hardware with digital and analog coverage. OnStar’s Gen 6 hardware also includes upgraded hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada. Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Personal Calling that allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls using a powerful three-watt digital/analog system and external antenna for greater reception.

Attention to the details

It isn’t always just about power or performance. Express also attends to the details that sometimes can be overlooked. Express has supportive front seats, excellent lighting, quality fit and finish on panels, and safer trim. Express has integrated armrests, door pull handles, window and lock control switches and mirrors. Front doors include storage pockets.

An added storage tray, twin trip odometers, a second power outlet, a third console cupholder, loop-style coat hooks and durable carpeting also are provided. Power exterior rearview mirrors, available on some models, offer integrated turn-signal indicators along with remote control and are electrically heated. Express continues to offer superb features such as the wide rear cargo-door openings and the low step-in heights.

Express vans also continue to offer a wide selection of high-quality audio system choices, including AM/FM stereo, seek/scan, clock, cassette, single-CD player or six-disc CD changer.

Model lineup

Express comes in both regular (135-inch / 3,429 mm) and extended (155-inch / 3,937 mm) wheelbase lengths, and can provide 8-, 12- or 15-person capacity. Cargo vans, available in the same wheelbase lengths, offer seating for two. The cutaways, which can be converted to various commercial, school bus and RV requirements, are available in 139-inch (3,531 mm), 159-inch (4,039 mm) and 177-inch (4,496 mm) wheelbase lengths. The 1500 Series vans include light-duty models rated at 6,200- and 7,200-pounds (2,812- and 3,266-kg) GVW. The 2500 Series includes light-duties rated at 7,300- and 8,500-pounds (3,311- and 3,856-kg) GVW (in CNG), and heavy-duty models rated at 8,600-pounds (3,901-kg) GVW. The heavy-duty 3500 Series includes full-bodied cargo/passenger vans rated at 9,600-pounds (4,354-kg) GVW, and commercial and RV cutaway chassis, with GVW ratings of 8,600-12,300 pounds (3,901 kg - 5,579 kg).