GMC raises the Envoy roof

The GMC Envoy XUV shares its platform with the Envoy XL, adding a power-sliding rear roof, a drop-or-swing tailgate, and a next-generation Midgate.

For the 2004 model year, GMC will add a new model to its line of Envoy SUVs that allows it to transport larger and taller cargo items. Called the XUV, the new model shares its platform with the long-wheelbase Envoy XL and combines new features including a power-sliding rear roof, a drop-or-swing tailgate with power window, and a next-generation Midgate with power glass—giving the SUV greater adaptability and numerous reconfiguration options.

The XUV has the industry's first power-sliding rear roof (supplied by Inalfa) that converts the cargo area from fully enclosed to open air to haul tall cargo upright. The raised rear roof panel slides forward on tracks in line with the roof rack. In its final position, the panel rests above the existing roof, just over the second row of passenger seats, allowing full functioning of the XUV's available power-operated sunroof. When the rear roof is fully retracted, a 32 x 32-in (810 x 810-mm) opening is created; when open, it is designed to stow behind the roof air dam/wind deflector to reduce panel flutter when the XUV is moving. The roof panel includes an obstacle-detection feature that reverses its movement when confronted with resistance.

After the Envoy XUV's power window is fully lowered, the tailgate can be either dropped or swung to the right.

Also part of the XUV package is what GMC says is the "industry's only" drop-or-swing tailgate with a power window. After its power window is fully lowered, the tailgate can be either dropped or swung to the right. The tailgate latches are electrically assisted, using pressure-sensitive switches and computer logic to control gate operation so it can be easily opened with one hand. The use of electric latches means lock rods, and the associated rattles, could be eliminated. The tailgate swings right by grabbing the handle located under the tailgate trim on the left. Another handle under the trim in the center drops the tailgate down. The switches located on each handle send messages to an electronic controller to determine which hinges to engage and release. The tailgate can also be lowered partly to support 4 x 8-ft building materials such as drywall or plywood. With the Midgate folded, these building materials can lay flat on rails located above the wheel wells.

Much of the XUV's development effort was focused on the meeting and sealing of the roof panel to the tailgate (end-gate) glass. Hall-effect sensors built into the electric motors count pulses (thus distance) to determine the location of both components during movement so that they precisely meet in the closed position. The GM midsize SUV's Class 2 vehicle data bus electrical system (which is shared with GM's 2003 full-size trucks, and includes 11 to 18 individual modules on the midsize SUVs, depending on equipment levels) enables the roof module to talk to its end-gate counterpart for position information. For proper and safe system operation, the end-gate glass must be lowered before the roof can be opened. The XUV's electrical system suppliers include Motorola (processors), Continental Temic (end-gate module), and Invotronics (power-roof module).

Inside, the next-generation Midgate also features power glass. When the window is raised, the passenger compartment is sealed from the rear cargo area. When the glass is lowered, seats folded and tumbled, the Midgate can be manually lowered to become part of the extended, weather-resistant cargo area floor. This transformation provides 77 ft³ (2180 L) of cargo volume.

The Envoy XUV's QuickDrain system can channel as much as 22 in3 (0.36 L) of water per second out of the cargo area.

A QuickDrain system has been engineered to channel as much as 22 in³ (0.36 L) of water per second out of the cargo area. It is enough to prevent flooding in a downpour and allows the rear area to be easily cleaned after hauling items such as mulch or topsoil. Water is channeled forward and into a trough beneath the floor, drains to the sides, and empties below the rocker panels behind the rear wheels. The cargo area also has four tie-down rings to secure objects and fit a selection of available accessories to expand the XUV's cargo-carrying versatility.

Compared with the Envoy XL with three-row seating, vehicle mass is about the same for the XUV, which has two-row seating and extra rear reinforcements and glass. According to Ted Robertson, Chief Engineer of the XUV, the large cross-section upper structural members extending from the roof into the rear pillars and a large vertical Midgate body ring enabled the program's development engineers to maintain body stiffness.

Standard power comes from the aluminum Vortec 4200 inline six-cylinder engine delivering 275 SAE hp (205 kW) and 275 lb•ft (373 N•m), though an available aluminum Vortec 5300 V8 generating 285 SAE hp (213 kW) and 325 lb•ft (441 N•m) can be specified for added towing capability. Both engines are mated to a Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission. The XUV makes its public debut in September at the Texas State Fair, with production beginning in mid-2003 at GM's Oklahoma City plant.

- Kevin Jost

More powerful Mondeo and Vectra

Opel's answer to the high-performance Mondeo ST220 (above) is the Vectra GTS.

Ford has introduced a high-performance version of the Mondeo. Called the ST220, it is powered by a Duratec quad-cam 3.0-L V6 engine producing 162 kW (217 hp) at 6000 rpm and 275 N•m (203 lb•ft) at 4750 rpm, giving the car 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration of about 7 s, a top speed of around 243 km/h (151 mph), and CO₂ emissions of 244 g/km.

Ford has placed emphasis on giving the car a distinct aural signature. The engine has a stainless steel, free-flow dual exhaust system specifically designed to minimize back-pressure, and the intake system has been optimized to provide a sporty sound. The engine drives through Ford's MTX75 five-speed manual gearbox and uses a dual-mass flywheel to help counteract vibration and harshness. The ST220's suspension is lowered by 15 mm (0.6 in) and the steering rack is faster than that of lower-powered Mondeo models. Six airbags are standard. An audible "Beltminder" is fitted, which gives a sound alert if the vehicle is driven at more than 8 km/h (5 mph) without the driver's seatbelt fastened. ABS and ESP (Electronic Stability Program) are standard.

The Mondeo's arch-rival in Europe is the Opel Vectra. That, too, is now available in high-performance GTS form with a 3.2-L V6 engine producing 155 kW (208 hp) and 300 N•m (221 lb•ft), the latter at 4000 rpm. It has a top speed of 248 km/h (154 mph) while meeting Euro 4 emissions standards. The GTS's suspension (MacPherson strut at the front with hydroformed subframe, multilink at the rear) is lowered 20 mm (0.79 in), with firmer spring and damper rates compared to other Vectra variants. Electronic chassis systems include the latest generation of ESP. The car's electrohydraulic power steering has been re-rated for added feel.

- Stuart Birch