2007 CHEVROLET EXPRESS CONVERSION VAN DELIVERS A MORE POWERFUL STANDARD ENGINE AND ENHANCED ENVIRONMENTAL EFFORTS
Source: GM Media
Whether it’s a cross-country trip, a weekend getaway with the family or the daily commute, the Chevrolet Express Conversion Van is the ideal vehicle. It can accommodate up to nine adults in luxurious comfort and delivers plenty of convenience, space, versatility and safety. For 2007, Express Conversion Van also delivers more power from its standard engine and more environmental benefits.
“Conversion vans represent the pinnacle of luxury, comfort and entertainment in family transportation. To the list of accolades, the 2007 Express Conversion Van adds ‘environmentally conscious’ – along with improved performance – thanks to the Vortec 5300 GM FlexFuel 5.3L V-8 engine,” said Ross Hendrix, marketing director for GM commercial vans and trucks.
Vortec 5300
The standard engine on the Express Conversion Van 1500 model is the Vortec 5300 5.3L V-8. This GM Vortec Generation III engine delivers 295 horsepower (220 kW) and 335 lb.-ft. of torque (454 Nm), resulting in class-leading acceleration.
For 2007, environmentally conscious customers may order a GM FlexFuel E85 version of the Vortec 5.3L (L59). It delivers the same horsepower and torque as its gasoline counterpart, while running on E85 ethanol fuel or a mixture of E85 and gasoline. E85 is comprised of 85 percent ethanol, a fuel made of renewable resources and produced domestically.
The Vortec 6000 – the segment’s most powerful V-8 – meanwhile, powers Express Conversion Van G2500 extended wheelbase models. It delivers 300 horsepower (224 kW) and 360 lb.-ft. of torque (488 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.
Luxurious and comfortable
Available in high-top and low-top versions, the Express Conversion Van features a variety of on-board entertainment options to keep the whole family entertained for an entire cross-country trip. In fact, the entertainment choices rival those found in upscale home-entertainment systems and include a DVD player, theater sound audio system and an integrated gaming console. Images are displayed on wide-screen high-definition TVs that range up to 26 inches diagonally.
Express Conversion Van customers may also enjoy such available luxurious amenities as heated leather seats; third-row power-slideout sleeper seating; halogen reading lights; central air conditioning and heat, as well as room for up to nine passengers (seven-passenger seating is standard).
Custom upgrades are not limited to the vehicle’s interior. Express Conversion Van customers may personalize their vehicles with custom paint, wheels and tires – up to 20 inches – as well as ground effects and grilles.
Safety
Safety is a priority when transporting families and Express Conversion Van delivers a host of active and passive safety features, including dual-stage frontal air bags, four-wheel antilock brakes, available all-wheel drive (an industry exclusive in the conversion van segment), and the availability of a 155-inch (3937 mm) wheelbase for enhanced stability. In addition, Express received the federal government’s highest frontal crash test safety rating – five stars – for the driver and front-seat passenger.
Thoughtful details
Express features such thoughtful details as: excellent interior lighting; glove-friendly door handles; convenient storage pockets; dual-zone climate control; available backup camera and sensors; onboard navigation system; secondary power outlets and durable carpeting. Also, an industry-first 60/40-split left-hand side-hinged door (135-inch / 3429 mm wheelbase models) provides the segment’s most flexible loading capability. It offers complete driver’s side access to the second-row seats, making loading and unloading cargo easy. The 60/40-split door also makes it easy for passengers to enter and exit the vehicle.
Express advantages
Chevrolet Express Conversion Van offers uncompromising versatility in the full-size van segment. It’s available with two wheelbase lengths: regular length (135 inches / 3429 mm) and extended length (155 inches / 3937 mm). Stable handling, precise steering, superior ride motion control and balance, as well as a quiet, isolated driving experience are hallmarks of this vehicle.
Express also benefits from continual refinements to an already solid structure. The three-piece frame features fully boxed sections for superior strength and rigidity, while extended and tapered front frame rails are used for improved crashworthiness. Also, additional tubular frame cross members are used to increase torsional stiffness.
Confidence behind the wheel is enhanced with the category’s only standard four-wheel antilock disc brake system with Hydroboost. This system works with a high-volume brake master cylinder to provide increased stopping power with an easy, linear feel on the brake pedal. Dynamic rear proportioning also is used and helps apply the correct amount of pressure to the rear wheels, depending on whether the van is loaded.
“When you take a look at the comfort, convenience, luxury and safety that our vans offer – all at a reasonable price – it’s easy to understand why we say, ‘Today’s Conversion Van: Life’s Better in Here,’” Hendrix said.
Model lineup
Express Conversion Van is available in both regular (135-inch / 3,429 mm) and extended (155-inch / 3,937 mm) wheelbase lengths, and can provide 7- or 9-person capacity. The 1500 Series vans include light-duty models rated at 6,200- and 7,200-pounds (2,812- and 3,266-kg) GVW.
