2006 CHEVROLET UPLANDER: SUV STYLE WITH MID-VAN CONVENIENCE
Source: GM Media

Chevrolet Uplander added new dimensions of style and versatility to the mid-van segment with its introduction for 2005. A crossover sport van for those who want it all, the Uplander delivers the bold styling of an SUV, the passenger room and interior versatility of a van, and the smooth ride of a sedan.

Uplander can seat up to seven, along with offering numerous cargo configurations. The Uplander lineup continues in 2006 with front-wheel drive passenger models available in LS and LT trim, as well as an all-wheel drive passenger van and front-wheel drive commercial-use cargo van. New designations for equipment groups for LS and LT models include 1LS, 1LT, 2LT and 3LT. Uplander 3LT models come standard with the segment-exclusive PhatNoise entertainment system; it includes a 40-gigabyte removable hard drive that can store music, movies, video games and more for playback in the vehicle. The system comes pre-loaded with TV shows from Nickelodeon, music from eMusic, audiobooks from Audible and video games from Capcom.

For 2006, safety features including dual-stage frontal air bags with GM’s Passenger Sensing System are enhanced with available side-impact air bags for the first- and second-row outboard seating positions.

Uplander is powered by the 3500 3.5L V-6, rated at 201 horsepower (150 kw) and 216 lb.-ft. (293 Nm) of torque. An all-new 3900 3.9L V-6 becomes available later in the model year for the FWD model only, delivering an estimated 235 horsepower (175 kw) and 239 lb.-ft. (324 Nm) of torque.* The new 3.9L V-6 is a sophisticated power plant that uses premium-engine features, such as variable valve timing and active intake technology, to ensure optimal performance and economy. This larger-displacement engine also provides more usable power across the rpm range, with 90 percent of torque available from 1,800 rpm to 5,800 rpm. Both engines are coupled to GM’s proven Hydra-Matic 4T65-E electronically controlled automatic overdrive transaxle.

The Versatrak all-wheel drive system is available on LT models. GM’s exclusive Versatrak all-wheel drive system is lightweight, quiet and efficient. If one or both front wheels lose grip, the Versatrak system goes into action automatically, with no buttons to push or levers to throw. The system can help drivers make use of the traction available by not only transferring torque from front to rear, but also from side to side between the rear wheels – a capability not found with many competitive systems.

Uplander also is offered with StabiliTrak, GM’s advanced electronic stability control system. 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 is integrated with the traction control and standard ABS brake systems, and is not available on models equipped with Versatrak.

Standard convenience and available entertainment choices
Uplander has as a long list of standard comfort and convenience features, including air conditioning, power windows and power door locks, tilt-adjustable steering column, and an AM/FM stereo with CD and MP3 player. There also is a standard DVD player with flip-down screen and integrated controls.

Uplander’s range of available in-vehicle entertainment choices includes available XM Satellite Radio and the ultimate in-vehicle entertainment system, PhatNoise. Standard on Uplander 3LT front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models, the segment-exclusive Mobile Digital Media Powered by PhatNoise system is a wallet-sized, 40-gigabyte hard drive cartridge that installs in the Uplander’s overhead rail system and provides an unprecedented level of capabilities and media storage. Some of its capabilities include:

• Storing and playing back up to 10,000 songs in MP3, WMA or WAV formats
• Storing and playing up to 40 movies in MPEG format (standard format for movies)
• Storing and playing a combination of songs and movies
• The ability to provide the software for playing classic video games
• A voice-browsing interface – if the driver wants to listen to music, the system tells him or her over the radio speakers the song’s name, allowing the driver to navigate through a list of stored music using steering wheel buttons
• Listening to books, magazine or newspaper articles recorded on a PC
• Allowing simultaneous listening to two entertainment sources
• Transferring digital camera pictures through a USB port in the PhatNoise cartridge and playing them back on the DVD screen

The PhatNoise system’s hard drive cartridge is easily removable, so it can be connected to a home PC or laptop to download computer files for playback in the Uplander, giving passengers an unprecedented level of entertainment customization.

Uplander 3LT models equipped with PhatNoise come preloaded with entertainment, including television programs from Nickelodeon, new music from eMusic, audiobooks from Audible and videogames from Capcom.

Storage options
Innovative and clever storage options abound in the Uplander, starting with an overhead rail system, which integrates into a single unit lighting and rear HVAC/audio controls along with features such as a standard rear-seat entertainment/DVD system. Snap-in storage and accessory modules are available to store smaller personal items, such as sunglasses, CDs or cellular phones. Second-row captain’s chairs are standard on LT models and available on the LS. On models with second-row captain’s chairs, available convenience trays with pop-up beverage holders between the first- and second-row seats fold easily out of the way for pass-through between seats. A second-row console is available with models equipped with second-row bucket seats.

With comfortable seating for up to seven, Uplander offers numerous passenger and cargo space configurations. Both the second- and third-row seats are foldable and removable. Second-row bucket seats can be folded and tumbled up against the front seats for increased cargo space, and the third-row fold-flat bench seat has a 50/50 split for added passenger/cargo flexibility.

Uplander also offers a flexible rear convenience center/cargo system. With its doors closed, the box-like cargo system’s height lines up with the folded third-row seat, providing a flat load floor, with more depth for carrying items behind the second row. Overall, there is up to 136.5 cubic feet (3,865 L) of cargo space.

Rugged looks, solid foundation
Uplander’s innovative styling combines the best attributes of vans with the bold look of a sport-utility vehicle. Its prominent, mid-grille band and large, chrome-ringed grille is characteristic of other Chevy SUVs. Also, Uplander’s wide, exposed C-pillars reinforce its SUV look, while standard 17-inch wheels and wider tires contribute to its sturdy stance. Gray moldings cover the rocker panels and extend to lower front and rear fascias, creating an SUV-like skid-plate. An optional roof rack reinforces the theme with tubular-shaped, satin finish side rails.

Two new exterior colors are available for 2006: Bordeaux Red and Amber Bronze Metallic. They replace Sport Red Metallic and Bronzemist Metallic.

Complementing its SUVs looks is a sedan-like ride, thanks to an independent front suspension and SLA rear suspension. The front features MacPherson struts and stabilizer bars, while the rear suspension uses aluminum short and long ( SLA ) control arms, along with automatic load-leveling shock absorbers, for stability – particularly when cornering over rough pavement.

A standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brake system, 17-inch wheels and tires, a rigid chassis structure and long 121.1-inch (3,077 mm) wheelbase all contribute to Uplander’s smooth and precise car-like characteristics.

Uplander is engineered to be among the safest vehicles in the mid-van segment, and is designed for outstanding performance in real-world crashes. Notable features include structural enhancements to the frame using high-strength steel. A long front-end compartment provides a large crush zone to preserve interior space, while longer and stronger engine compartment side frame rails increase energy absorption in the event of a frontal impact.

All seven seating positions have three-point safety belts. Retractors for front seating positions have built-in load limiters that allow a controlled amount of give in the belt, thereby reducing the peak load on the chest during the “ride down” in a crash.

The Uplander also has pretensioners in the front safety belt system that deploy at the same time as the frontal air bags to take up slack in the safety belt webbing. Pretensioners also help reduce the amount of occupant movement in the event of a crash to help reduce the risk of injury.

The Uplander is equipped with the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system in all second-row seating positions. This system provides two lower anchors and a top tether anchor to be used to secure a child seat to the vehicle seat structure. A top tether is also provided in the center position of the third row. These anchorages are designed to make it easier to properly install compatible child safety seats.

Standard, frontal dual-stage air bags for both driver and front passenger are complemented in the ’06 model year with available side-impact air bags for the first- and second-row outboard seating positions. The Uplander also has GM’s Passenger Sensing System, which uses the latest sensing technology to turn the front passenger air bag on or off. If the sensor system detects an unoccupied front passenger seat or the presence of a smaller occupant, the front passenger air bag is designed to automatically turn off so it would not deploy in the event of a frontal collision. A status indicator on the instrument panel alerts occupants that the passenger air bag is on or off. Even with this system, GM strongly recommends to restrain child passengers in an appropriate child seat placed in the second or third row of the vehicle.

The OnStar system is standard on Uplander. OnStar-equipped Uplanders feature OnStar dual-mode (analog-digital) equipment. OnStar’s digital equipment also includes enhanced 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 Hands-Free Calling that allows drivers to make and receive voice-activated phone calls using an externally mounted antenna for greater reception.

The OnStar service standard on the 2006 Uplander includes the General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, making crash data available to the participating 911 centers to help them dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster.

GM Mobility options
A range of Mobility packages is available for Uplander, for customers who transport passengers or themselves but need easier access to enter or exit a vehicle. One such feature is a dealer-installed Sit-N-Lift power seat. Operated by a hand-held remote control, this innovative seat rotates and extends out from the right side of the vehicle’s second-row seating area to provide easy transfer from a standing position or from a wheelchair.

The Sit-N-Lift seat is mounted in the original seat attachments and is installed in place of the second-row passenger seat. Available as a regular production accessory and as an accessory kit through GM Parts Operation, Sit-N-Lift requires no permanent vehicle modifications.

*Preliminary, pending certification. A new voluntary power and torque certification procedure developed by the SAE Engine Test Code committee was approved March 31, 2005 . This procedure (J2723) ensures fair, accurate ratings for horsepower and torque by allowing manufacturers to certify their engines through third-party witness testing. GM was the first auto manufacturer to begin using the procedure and expects to use it for all newly rated engines in the future.