October 29, 2003

GM to debut new Hummer at SEMA

General Motors provided details yesterday of its plans for the upcoming Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) show, which opens in Las Vegas, November 4.

General Motors is using the backdrop of the SEMA show to unveil a new Hummer, announce future Performance Division offerings, feature several new powertrain applications, present an array of new accessories and show a trio of vehicles that led an assault on the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Hummer will unveil the new H2 SUT and a new interior for the H1. The H2 SUT features a reconfigurable mid-gate. For the H1, a host of interior updates - the first significant redesign in H1's history - will add comfort, convenience and refinement.

GM will show the production versions of the Pontiac Bonneville GXP, Cadillac CTS-V and the Saturn ION Red Line which debuted as concepts at last year's show.

The Pontiac Bonneville GXP features a 4.6-liter DOHC V-8 that delivers 275 horsepower and a performance-tuned handling package that includes four-wheel independent suspension, StabiliTrak and an electrically controlled transaxle with a 3.71 final drive ratio.

The CTS-V brings Cadillac will have a 400-horsepower, 5.7-liter V-8, six-speed manual transmission, large Brembo performance brakes, 18-inch wheels and tires, retuned shock absorbers and a host of interior and exterior styling refinements.

Inspired by the tuner car movement, the ION Red Line quad coupe features an integrated performance package including a 2.0-liter supercharged, intercooled version of the Ecotec four-cylinder engine, racetrack-bred suspension and unique styling. A specially prepared ION Red Line driven by Jim Minneker, a GM Performance Division engineer, set the land-speed mark for its class on the Bonneville Salt Flats in northern Utah. At SEMA, the ION Red Line is joined by the VUE Red Line, a limited-production sport utility featuring a lowered body, sport-tuned suspension and steering, ground effects and VUE's new 3.5-liter, 250 horsepower V-6.

GM Performance Division will also debut a Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS, a 2006-model-year entry that will feature a Corvette-inspired V-8 engine, 20-inch wheels and a lower suspension than the current production model. The production TrailBlazer SS will be based on the TrailBlazer SS concept originally shown at the 2002 SEMA show.

Chevrolet Equinox Xtreme Saturn VUE Red Line Saturn ION Red Line Pontiac Sunfire Autocross Pontiac Vibe Autocross GMC Envoy XUV AT4 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Z71 Cadillac SRX Black Diamond Chevrolet Aveo Xtreme Click image to enlarge

These production-intent vehicles are the first in a line of next-generation performance cars and trucks that will be identified by brand-specific designations - SS for Chevrolet, GXP for Pontiac, V-series for Cadillac and Red Line for Saturn.

GM will also show a variety of modified and accessorized vehicles in keeping with the specialty equipment theme of the show, inlcuding:

• A portfolio of Z71 trucks with off-road suspension and high stance, such as the Silverado Crew Cab 4x4 and Extended Cab 4x2, as well as a TrailBlazer 4x4 and a two-wheel-drive version of Colorado. A series of XTREME vehicles (Equinox, Colorado, Malibu and Aveo) will feature a wide range of performance enhancements, body kits and other accessories to allow enthusiasts to customize their vehicles. Chevy is displaying the SSR with GM Accessories that help personalize the vehicle. Also being shown is a special Cavalier that competes in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) modified class with its 1,000-horsepower version of the Ecotec 2.2-liter engine.

• Five Pontiacs - Grand Prix, Grand Am, Vibe, GTO and Sunfire - with an Autocross total performance theme. The cars are outfitted with performance parts relevant to autocross events. Pontiac will also showcase the American Tuner Sunfire Coupe with an aftermarket body appearance kit debuting at dealers in late January 2004.

• An "adventure" series of professional off-road GMC trucks with capabilities for outdoor enthusiasts, each carrying the AT4 designation. The show vehicles are all-terrain variants of trucks: Yukon, outfitted for snow skiing trips; Envoy XUV, accessorized for the water sports enthusiast; Sierra Crew Cab Short Box, designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind; and Canyon Crew Cab, outfitted for a kayaking expedition.

• A Cadillac Escalade ESV Executive Limousine. The SRX Black Diamond and CTS Sport explore production capable add-on accessories, the SRX Black Diamond aimed at skiing and other active lifestyle pursuits and the CTS Sport targeting sport appearance and performance. Cadillac also is showing the CTS-V with 18-inch flangeless wheels and carbon fiber accessories.

• Premium luxury concepts of the Rendezvous and Rainier, entitled TW versions, with luxury appointments such as new leathers, fabrics, colors and finishes.

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