What's New for 2006?

The (unofficial) General Motors Truck Blog has just finished reading the (official) 2006 GM Fleet Product Guide, and has the lowdown on the minute changes made to existing models.

GMT 265 (Cadillac SRX)

• Restyled Wheels


• Luxury Level One Package; includes premium Bose sound system, driver's level one package, seating package, utility package


• Power rear liftgate and XM Satellite Radio Standard

GMT 315 (Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent, Saturn VUE)

• Torrent model launched


• New front sheetmetal and interior (VUE only)


• 'Upgraded exterior appearance (Equinox)


• Heated cloth seats optional (Equinox)

GMT 355 (Hummer H3, Isuzu I-Series, GMC Canyon & Chevrolet Silverado)

• H3 model launched


• I-series launched (late availability)


• Optional bed side steps are no longer available


• Passenger Sensing Airbag System


• Comfort Convenience Package and Heavy Duty Suspension made standard (GMC Only)

GMT 360 & 370 (Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Saab 9-7X)

• Saab 9-7x Variant Launched


• GMC Envoy Denalis Launched (both GMT 360 and 370 models)


• GMC Envoy XUV removed from lineup<.li>
  
• Stabilitrak, OnStar, Tire Pressure Monitor Standard


• Chromed door handles and roof rail accents (Rainier)


• Trailblazer SS Launched (late availability, Chevrolet 360 only)

GMT 368 (Chevrolet SSR)

• New 'Chrome' Package


• New regular production accessories; including cargo organizer, saddle storage, under hood blanket

GMT 560 Family 2 (Chevrolet Kodiak, GMC TopKick, C4500-C5500 models)

• 325 hp 8.1 (LRW) is now standard; 225 hp version (LQR) eliminated


• 8.1 liter gas engine meets LEV 2 standards


• 605 lb/ft torque with Duramax 6.6L Diesel available (n/a with manual transmissions or Allison PTS transmissions)


• 210 hp Duramax (LRY) deleted.


• Smoother shifting Allison Gen IV Transmission controls


• 8,000 lb front axle rating on 4x4 models; 7,000 lb rating deleted


• Exhaust brake available on all models, including 4x4 and cutaway. Air compressor no longer required with exhaust brake.

GMT 560 Family 3 (Chevrolet Kodiak, GMC TopKick, Isuzu H-Series, C6500-C8500T models)

• H-Series launched (late availability)


• Additional cab powerpoint added


• Gas engine meets LEV 2 Standards


• Revised Allison vocational transmission specifications


• Limited-Slip rear axle for C6500 models


• New wider 2-passenger front seat (RPO APB; regular cabs only. Eliminates center console, flip-down workstation. Has width of two full bucket seats)

GMT 560 T (Chevrolet T-Series, GMC T-Series, Isuzu F-Series)

• New Allison vocational transmissions


• Allison 2200 Transmission (MTX) is available on T6500 and T7500 models; Allison 2400 (MTW) deleted from T6500 and T7500 models.


• Limited-slip rear differential on T6500 models


• Revised driver and passenger seating

GM W-Series; Isuzu N-Series

• All-new exterior design (as adopted by Japanese-market N-Series last year)


• Flush-composite headlamps and turn signals


• Composite front bumper


• Tachometer now available (Diesel models only)


• Power windows and locks standard (Diesel models only; already standard on gas models)


• Cruise Control standard


• Donaldson composite 12.6" air cleaner housing (Diesel 2-doors only)


• Jacquard woven-cloth seating surfaces


• Fold-down center seat workstation


• All diesel engines are California certified

GMT 610 (Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana)

• Little to no changes made to passenger models


• Duramax 6.6L Diesel V8 available on 2500 and 3500 Cargo models


• Fuel-operated heater option


• Passenger-side airbag deactivation switch


• New ambulance and hotel shuttle prep packages


• 7,300 lb GVWR (C6A) is not available

GMT 800 C/K 1500 (Chevrolet Silverado & GMC Sierra)

• New 5.7' Beds available on Extended Cab Pickups (previously only on crew cab)


• Nationwide availability of Hybrid 1500 Models


• Dale Earnhardt Intimidator package available for SS (Chevrolet only)


• New vertically-arranged extending camping mirror available


• Quadrasteer no longer available


• Flareside box no longer available

GMT 800 C/K 1500 HD (Chevrolet Silverado & GMC Sierra)

• New vertically-arranged extending camping mirror available


• Quadrasteer no longer available (previously only available on GMC 1500 HD

GMT 800 C/K 2500 HD & 3500 (Chevrolet Silverado & GMC Sierra)

• New vertically-arranged extending camping mirror available


• New Allison 6-speed Automatic transmission


• YF2 Package on 3500 Chassis Cab Models

GMT 805 (Chevrolet Avalanche, Cadillac Escalade EXT)

• Stabilitrak, steering-wheel mounted controls, compass, and Onstar standard (Chevrolet)


• New vertically-arranged extending trailering mirror (Chevrolet)


• Improved vanity mirror lighting (Cadillac)

GMT 820 (GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe, Cadillac Escalade)

• OnStar, Stabilitrak, and steering-wheel mounted controls standard (Yukon & Tahoe)


• 5.3L V8 Flex-Fuel now available (Yukon & Tahoe)


• Improved Vanity Mirror lighting (Escalade only)

GMT 830 (GMC Yukon XL, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade ESV)

• OnStar, Stabilitrak, and steering-wheel mounted controls standard (Yukon XL & Suburban)


• LTZ package available on 1/2 ton 4x4 models (Suburban)


• Improved Vanity Mirror lighting (Escalade only)

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Torrential Downpours in Midwest....

Given that Southeastern Michigan was privy to the same massive thunderstorms sweeping the midwest, it ironically fit that this would be the next GMTBlog Topic......

The 2006 Pontiac Torrent was unveiled at the 2005 Detroit NAIAS Auto Show. While nothing out of the usual, the Torrent is the 3rd variant of GM’s Theta platform – shared with the Saturn VUE and Chevrolet Equinox.

The Torrents pictured are some of the most recent pre-production builds, and will soon be used mainly for promotion and press review. As the window sticker shows, these are non-saleable units - so no mention of equipment levels, or pricing, are stated. MPG ratings are identical to the Equinox.

The interior, for the most part, is carry-over Equinox. The Torrent's innards differ only in terms of steering wheel (3-spoke), trim appliques (brushed silver finish), gauge cluster, and the HVAC controls (thick knobs as on Solstice).

The rear end treatment, however, is rather attractive. Gone are the Equinox’ tuner-style white-out taillights and oversized chrome bar. Conservatively-styled red-lenses, coupled with a simplistic rear tailgate give the Equinox a look that is simplistic, but easy on the eye. If any Equinox owners detest their taillights, hop over to a Pontiac dealer near you, and order these lenses from SPO. They’ll fit with little to no modification required.

Overall, it's a rather attractive Theta - despite the fact that it's not much more than a facelift. Look to find the Torrent arriving at dealers this fall.

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Are Two Doors Better Than None? The 2-Door GMT 800 That Never Was

GM's switch to the GMT 800 platform, starting in 1999, was a welcome change. Gone would be the 11-year old GMT 400, and it's many variants - including 2-door and 4-door utilities, crew cabs, pickups, etc.

GMT 400 GMC Yukon GT

While 800 did even add a few variants of its own (namely the GMT 805), one body style was eliminated: the 2-door utility. Due to declining sales, and the increase of popularity in 4-door SUV's, the Tahoe and Yukon 2-doors didn't make a re-appearance on the new platform.

Mexican Market 2000 Dodge Ramcharger

At least not publically. But there were 2-3 vehicles built. While sales of full-size two door SUVs plummeted domestically, they still sold somewhat steadily in Mexico - hence Dodge resurrecting the "Ramcharger" name on a new 2-door export.

GMT 800 Tahoe 2-Door

So, GM built a handful of 2-door Tahoe prototypes in 1999. The one you see here was one of the only models to remain in the Midwest, hanging around the Milford Proving Grounds and ultimately the Warren Tech Center.

GMT 800 2-Door Tahoe - 30 Minutes before Destruction

This prototype was finally scrapped in late 2004, and the photo above shows it's last moments before being sent to the scrapper.

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Heritage Finds

It's quite easy to find the history of GM Light Trucks, particuarly that of Chevrolet Pickups. But for those intrigued by the heavy duties - particuarly the concept trucks that fascinated us at auto shows or never saw the light of day - the task becomes particuarly harder.

That's why I wasn't expecting much in this subject when I visited the GM Heritage Center recently. Opened earlier this year, the Heritage Center is intended to be a culimnation of GM's historical archives, along with their historical vehicle collection.

While most of the floorspace inside the garage was dedicated to cars, or light trucks, there were some interesting finds, for the GMT enthusiast with a sharp eye.

Located inside the Center's office is this; a GM Design scale model of the Turbo Titan 1. This levathian of a model is made from fiberglass, and was displayed at the 1962 New York Auto Show. The Titan 1 not only incorporated the idea of Gas-Turbine Power (conveniently supplied by GM's Allison division), but also modular storage handling - similar to that used in recent Hino concepts. Regardless, it's unclear if the Turbo Titan 1 ever made it to full scale - albeit the later Turbo Titan III did.

In the rear storage area of the Center, two large-scale models are set upon a bookshelf; one being a replica of the solar-powered Sunraycer. But it's company couldn't be any more different: meet Captain Hook. This giant size big-rig presents itself as a tandem-drive wrecker, with a front end that closely resembles that of the HME Bullet. Interestingly enough, this model uses an extended-cab from the then-new GMT 400 series pickup, indicating that perhaps GM did want to continue heavy-duty production after 1987.

Indeed, additional evidence is given with the truck's nomenclature: Aero Brigadier. Not only is this font identical to that on Aero Astros, but it clearly indicates that GM wished to remain in the heavy truck market, if only with smaller conventionals.

It should be noted here that the Heritage Center is open only to private tour groups, and you may need some coaxing to get yourself access to the site. However, perhaps the rarest beast lies out in it's parking lot - which is relatively free to access. Parked among stacks of shipping crates lies this, a GMC Aero Astro. While rare within itself (less than 300 are estimated to have been built over 2 years), this unit is additionally special.

In lieu of it's original black-and-white monotone scheme, this Aero is in a striking but worn combination of silver, black, and red - and also sports 'Oldsmobile Motorsports' livery on it's sides. While this truck was used by Olds for such purposes, this Aero Astro is not only the former GM Design transporter, but the first 'prototype' of this package altogether.

All we can do at this stage is hope that GM not only increases access to such an amazing site - but also that they reckognize the value of the truck behind it. Having watched the Bruin concept and the 2-Door 800 Tahoe mule being scrapped, it's a sad fact that could loom all-too-near for this truck.

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Laying the Platforms Straight

I'm usually not one for semantics, but the work of the late senator S.I. Hayakawa does interest me.

Perhaps his most-cited theory is that of the Rhetoric Triangle. Effectively, it attempts to impart how humans communicate their ideas, passions, and experiences to one another. It can be analyzed to no end, but perhaps the biggest factor in communication failures lies within a lack of contextual simularities. If the audience doesn't understand the relationship of a speakers ideas - or worse yet, understand his vocabulary, the information imparted is fractured, inaccurate, or miniscule, at best.

Now, before I lose you completely, his principles hold true to the GMTBlog. While the general public may refer to a pickup as a 'Sierra', its nomenclature varies. Effectively, GM gives each vehicle platform/project a code number, and strips it of its name. While this helps employees quickly identify product, it can possibly confuse the uninitiated.

The following is a brief run-down of GM Truck related platform codes, in an attempt to clarify any potential confusion.

In the past, most platforms were given a letter designation. These not only referenced their relative size, but their drivetrain as well.

• C: 2wd Fullsize pickups/SUV’s
• K: 4wd full-size pickups/SUV’s
• S: 2wd compact pickups/SUV’s
• T: 4wd compact pickups/SUV’s
• E: 2wd Electric S10 (Chevrolet Only)
• G: 2wd full-size van
• H: AWD full-size van (610 only)
• M: 2wd mid-size van
• L: AWD mid-size van
• U: FWD minivan/SUV’s
• V: AWD minivan/SUV’s
• B: Medium Duty Bus Chassis/Cowl Conventional
• C: Medium Duty Conventional
• T: Medium Duty Tilt-Cab
• W: Light/Medium Duty Tilt Cab (Partially/Completely built by Isuzu)
• P: Forward Control Chassis (Sold to Workhorse/UCBC in 1999)
• R: 2WD Fullsize Truck *
• V: 4WD Fullsize Truck *

* In 1988, GM launched it's all new line of GMT 400 C/K pickups, but certain variants - namely the 2-and-4 door utilities, and crew cab pickups - were not yet available. Thus, the prior C/K series' lifespan was continued as a stop-gap measure, and their chassis designations changed to R and V, respectively. This ended in 1991 when their 400-based replacements were launched.

Within the last decade, GM has made the switch from letter-based codes, to those with numbers - and even more recently, Greek letters. While GMX ### signifies a car-based platform, here are the relevant GMT truck platforms.

• GMT 009: 2006 Chevrolet HHR
• GMT 200: Previous Gen U-Van (Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Tran Sport/Montana, Oldsmobile Silhouette, Opel/Vauxhall Sintra)
• GMT 265: Cadillac SRX
• GMT 315: Theta SUVs (Chevy Equinox, Pontiac Torrent, Saturn VUE)
• GMT 325: Chevrolet S10, GMC Sonoma, Isuzu Hombre
• GMT 330: Chevrolet Blazer/ Trailblazer (1st gen), GMC Jimmy/Envoy (1st gen), Oldsmobile Bravada, Opel Blazer
• GMT 355: Chevrolet Colorado (North American Version), GMC Canyon, Isuzu I-Series
• GMT 360: Chevrolet Trailblazer (2nd gen), GMC Envoy (2nd gen), Oldsmobile Bravada (2nd gen), Buick Rainier, Isuzu Ascender (5-passenger), Saab 9-7x
• GMT 365: GMC Envoy XUV
• GMT 368: Chevrolet SSR
• GMT 370: Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, Isuzu Ascender (7-passenger)
• GMT 400: Chevrolet C/K Pickup, GMC Sierra (1988-1999)
• GMT 410: Chevrolet Blazer/Tahoe (2-door), GMC Yukon (2-door) (through 1999)
• GMT 420: Chevrolet Tahoe (4-door), GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon Denali, Cadillac Escalade (through 1999)
• GMT 430: Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Suburban
• GMT 530: Chevrolet Kodiak/C-Series; GMC TopKick/C-Series
• GMT 540: Chevrolet T-Series, GMC T-Series, Isuzu F-Series (North American version)
• GMT 560: Chevrolet Kodiak/C-Series, GMC TopKick/C-Series, Isuzu H-Series
• GMT 560T: Chevrolet T-Series, GMC T-Series, Isuzu F-Series (North American version) (2004 onwards)
• GMT 600: Chevrolet Express, GMC Savanna
• GMT 610: Chevrolet Express, GMC Savanna
• GMT 800: Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra
• GMT 805: Chevrolet Avalanche, Cadillac Escalade EXT
• GMT 820: Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Cadillac Escalade
• GMT 830: Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade ESV
• GMT 880: Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab, GMC Sierra Crew Cab
• GMT 900: All-New C/K platform to debut 2006/2007.
  

I won't be the least bit offended if this only confused everyone more - but for the most part, I hope this serves to be reference for future conversations.

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Introductory Blog

Welcome to the (unofficial) General Motors Truck Blog!

As automotive marques and models continue to have virtual publications dedicated to them, it is fitting to do so for GM Trucks.

Admittedly, trucks have been a vital portion of the company. GMC is the longest-running division within General Motors as of date. The Truck Product Center in Pontiac, MI is one of GM's factories designated as a 'historical landmark'.

And their importance is ever-so crucial in today's cutthroat automotive market. It's no secret that GM's sales have been boosted with product like the Suburban, Tahoe, Trailblazer, Hummer, etc. And looking forward, the upcoming GMT 900 platform is looked at as a savior - not just for GM, but the suppliers working upon it, as well.

Many websites have attempted to focus on one particular GM Truck brand, era, or model. While that does help, considering the stoic and massive history of these products, GMTBlog is attempting to cover all products: of all brands, all eras, all classifications. Don't be surprised to read a blog about the first Rapid chain drive trucks, followed by one on the upcoming TrailBlazer SS, which is adjacent to a post regarding the ubiquitous front-wheel-drive GMC Motorhomes of the '70s.

This is intended to be an intellectual, friendly resource of information on these trucks. And as such, I welcome you here, and wish you a pleasant visit - and many more to come.

Regards,

Evan
GMTBlog Founder

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