The CSVs are Coming

[Ming]

The GM Crossover Sport Van lineup

GM's redesigned Minivans (previously known as Venture, Montana, & Silhouette) dubbed "crossover sport vans" are coming - I've compiled the specs so you can spot the differences between the 4, with notable in red :

All CSVs:
3500 3.5L 60-degree V-6 (LX9)
Hydra-Matic 4T65-E 4-speed automatic (M33)
Horsepower:
200 @ 5200
Torque:
220 @ 4400
Recommended fuel: 87 octane
Final drive ratio:
3.29 (FWD); 3.69 (AWD)
Fuel Economy: TBA (Venture FWD was city / hwy / combined 19 / 26 / 22 )

Excellent launch feel and highway-speed acceleration were key parameters during the new "3500" engine’s development, as were reduced noise and vibration, improved fuel economy, reliability, low emissions and superior highway range from a tank of gas.

Construction: unibody design with ladder-frame underbody construction; stamped steel
EPA vehicle class: mid-van
Manufacturing location: Doraville, Georgia - Recognized for building the best initial quality mid-vans in America.
Wheel size: 17 x 6.5-inch

New, large four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are standard, while GM’s sophisticated StabiliTrak vehicle stability enhancing system is optional.

Tires:
FWD: P225/60R17 Goodyear all-season touring
AWD: P225/60R17 Continental all-season touring with white outline lettering

All models except Terraza:

Rear suspension:
FWD: open-section twist axle with integral stabilizer bar, trailing arms with hydraulic bushings

AWD: fully independent (“double wishbone”) with cast aluminum short- and long-arm control arms, cast aluminum cradle. Rear-drive module integrates suspension and propulsion functions into one unit

-----------------

2005 Chevrolet Uplander



Chevrolet adds a new dimension to the mid-van segment with the 2005 Uplander, a crossover sport van for those who want it all: the bold styling of an SUV, the passenger room and interior versatility of a van, and the smooth ride and fuel efficiency of a sedan.
With the ability to carry seven people in comfort plus plenty of cargo, the Uplander lineup includes front-wheel-drive passenger models available in base, LS and LT trim, as well as an all-wheel-drive passenger van and front-wheel-drive commercial-use cargo van.

Front- or all-wheel-drive crossover sport van
Bold SUV appearance combined with mid-van flexibility
Standard 3500 3.5L V-6 with 200 horsepower (149 kw)
Seven-passenger seating with ample cargo room and innovative rear storage system
Foldable, removable second- and third-row seats
50/50 split-stowable third row, fold-flat bench seat
Overhead rail system with snap-in storage compartments
Dual-stage frontal air bags and available side-impact air bags for driver and front-seat passenger
Optional Versatrak on-demand all-wheel-drive system
Remote vehicle starter system available
Wide range of entertainment choices including standard DVD rear-passenger entertainment system and optional Mobile Digital Media powered by PhatNoise system, which allows storage of hundreds of hours of music, movies and other entertainment onto hard drive cartridge*
Mobility accessories available
OnStar Gen 6 hardware with digital/analog coverage and upgraded hands-free capability

Ignition system: electronic direct
Fuel delivery:sequential-port fuel injection

--------------

2005 Pontiac Montana SV6



"The Montana SV6 has the best attributes of SUVs - aggressive styling and a powerful stance - and the convenience of a van, including a low step-in height, interior versatility and dual power-sliding rear doors," said Jim Bunnell, Pontiac-GMC general manager. "It also has the sporty character and attributes that have made Pontiac's other crossover vehicle, the Vibe, resonate so strongly with customers."

Expressive design – one of the keys to Pontiac’s product renaissance – is seen in the Pontiac-signature dual-port grille front-end styling. Similar attention to detail is found throughout the interior, such as in the performance appearance of the instruments and superior materials, including chrome appointments on the door handles and instrument cluster, and brushed chrome accents on the center stack and steering wheel.

SUV styling brings “want to drive” appeal to mid-van segment
Performance-oriented appearance and details
Reinforced vehicle structure enhances crash protection
New 3500 3.5L V-6 produces 200 hp (149 kw) and 220 lb.-ft. (298 Nm) of torque
Front-wheel-drive and Versatrak all-wheel-drive models; available StabiliTrak
Standard rear-passenger DVD entertainment system
Optional remote start
Optional 110-volt household-style outlet
Optional first-in-segment PhatNoise entertainment system includes 40-gig removable hard drive cartridge (interim ’05 introduction)
Optional side-impact air bags (head and thorax)
OnStar Gen 6 hardware with upgraded hands-free capability and digital/analog coverage

Ignition system: Quick Sync 24X; platinum-tip spark plugs, low resistance spark plug wires

Fuel delivery: sequential electronic multi-port fuel injection
--------
Buick Terraza



As the latest entry in Buick’s growing truck portfolio, the all-new Terraza crossover sport van brings a rich blend of style, comfort and elegance to the premium mid-van segment. Like other Buick models, Terraza benefits from QuietTuning, a comprehensive noise reduction initiative covering every area of the vehicle. This includes a forged steel crankshaft, increased engine isolation and other acoustic treatments to ensure this all-new crossover sport van has one of the quietest interiors in the segment to match its rich appearance and attention to detail.

New front-drive or all-wheel-drive crossover sport van
Standard 3500 3.5L V-6 with 200 hp (149 kw)
Bold SUV appearance combined with mid-van flexibility
Terraza-exclusive standard independent long- and short-arm rear suspension with automatic load leveling
Seven-passenger seating with ample cargo room and innovative rear storage system
Exclusive QuietTuning materials
Foldable or removable second- and third-row seats
50/50 split-stowable third row, fold-flat bench seat
Overhead rail system with snap-in accessory options
Standard rear HVAC and DVD system
Dual-stage front air bags and available side air bags for driver and front-seat passenger
Optional Versatrak on-demand all-wheel-drive system
Standard overhead DVD rear-passenger entertainment system
Optional first-in-segment PhatNoise entertainment system includes 40-gig removable hard drive cartridge (interim ’05 introduction)
Standard OnStar driver safety and security system, featuring Gen 6 hardware with analog/digital coverage and upgraded hands-free capabilities

Rear Suspension setup:
FWD: fully independent (“double wishbone”) with cast aluminum short- and long-arm control arms, cast aluminum cradle.

AWD: fully independent (“double wishbone”) with cast aluminum short- and long-arm control arms, cast aluminum cradle. Rear-drive module integrates suspension and propulsion functions into one unit.

Ignition system: Quick Sync 24X; also coil near plug, composite distributor, platinum-tipped spark plugs, low resistance spark plug wires

Fuel delivery: Sequential electronic multi-port fuel injection

-----------

2005 SATURN RELAY



From its distinctive design to a myriad of thoughtful features, the 2005 Saturn Relay breaks new ground as a family utility vehicle. The first Saturn vehicle to seat seven people, the Relay also is the next step in Saturn’s commitment to offer a growing portfolio of vehicles that fill the needs of diverse customers.

New family utility vehicle with seven-passenger seating
Combines SUV-like exterior styling with functionality of a mid-van
Available front- and all-wheel-drive models
Standard 3500 3.5L V-6 engine rated at 200 horsepower (149 kw)
Standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes
Available StabiliTrak vehicle stability enhancement system (FWD models)
Third-row bench seat with 50-50 split folds to create level load floor when combined with available rear storage bins
Standard overhead DVD rear-passenger entertainment system with 7-inch (178 mm) flip-down screen
Standard CD/MP3 player, six speakers
Optional six-disc in-dash CD/MP3 player and XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only)
Optional Mobile Digital Media Powered by PhatNoise system allows storage of hundreds of hours of music, movies and other entertainment onto removable hard drive cartridge*
Optional remote start
OnStar Gen 6 hardware with upgraded hands-free capability
Optional Touring Package: sport-tuned suspension and coil springs with front stabilizer bar, specifically-tuned shock valving; P225/65R17 touring tires; inflator tools, Automatic Level Control and auxiliary 12-volt power outlet
Standard Remote keyless entry
Optional Power Package: dual power sliding doors and rear parking aid

AWD:Rear suspension with isolated cradle, independent double wishbones, coil springs, stabilizer bar, P225/65R17 touring tires, inflator tools and Automatic Level Control

Ignition system: Quick Sync 24X; also coil near plug, composite distributor, platinum-tipped spark plugs, low-resistance spark plug wires

Fuel delivery: sequential electronic multi-port fuel injection
--------------

Source - GM Media

[ByTheLake]

Okay, I could actually accept the new noses if they were grafted onto better bodies. That pic of the Pontiac is the best angle of it I've seen yet.

The Chevy and Pontiac look better than the vehicles they replace, but that wasn't much of a challenge.

[tgagneguam]

I'm really trying to get excited for GM here, but it's really difficult.

[barcodedorganic]

it's still ugly as sin no matter how you look at it

i don't see where they're going with this...it looks like a to tall minivan or a to long SUV

[jaorobot]

actually i kinda like the relay and the buick, i guess because they are entirely new and not similar to their previous minivans by default..

the uplander and sv6 from chevy and pontiac look okay and I am sure they'd do the job..

but i actually think the relay looks attractive and matches the saturn theme well, and the buick looks pretty nice/luxurious!

[member12]

why would you buy these when there is a gm dealer willing to sell pre-owned suburbans that will probably out accelerate, out haul, and out last these things, not to mention get better crash test.
That said, the interiors look great, but I doubt they will compete with honda without a major redesign

[VivienM]

Originally posted by member12@Aug 10 2004, 02:11 AM
why would you buy these when there is a gm dealer willing to sell pre-owned suburbans that will probably out accelerate, out haul, and out last these things, not to mention get better crash test.

... and outguzzle the new CSVs, too. Suburbans can be thirsty at the gas pump...

[vanshmack]

Aside from the Buick, and the new interiors across the board, these "new CSVs" basically suck.

[usa1]

Cheer up GM fans. These "new" minivans are only missing a few features to make them competitive.

True fold flat third row seats
Independent rear suspension
30-40 horsepower
1 extra gear on the tranny
Roll down middle doors
Fold flat middle seats

Other than that, they are very competitive.

If you look past the terrible styling, which is a subjective decision, buying one of these minivans makes *COUGH* perfect sense.

Mark

[bonnie2000cars]

It was time to replace my wife's car with a minivan. We looked at the domestic offerings vs. what the Asians build. The GM line (Venture, Montana) is an embarrassment; the new Freestar is so bad that the Lincoln Mercury dealership (my wife had a Sable) could not recommend it to us; the new Chrysler vans are innovative (stow-and-go) but with poor reliability and terrible powertrains.

As a GM loyalist, I was hoping that its newest minivan design would bring "world-beater" innovation, acceptable styling and good powertrains. The CSV line doesn't even begin to cut it!!!

So we ended up buying a Honda Odyssey. I actually feel terrible having bought a Japanese car, but in the end it was my jar of pennies. I got a van with a solid reliability record and great resale value. Why did the Big Three just roll over and let Honda and Toyota dominate in another market segment? 10 years ago, no Japanese van was a serious competitor (remember the Previa or the hoary Mazda MPV??). Today, informed consumers will only pick a American minivan based on purchase price (+ inevitible rebates) rather than quality. outstanding engineering and design leadership.

[garyw]

Agree with everyone about why these will fall way short of the mark. But they look OK for GM. But still no delivery dates? How hard can it be to manufacture the same van with a new nose and dash?

[paul8488]

the interiors are actually very nice. if it (the interior) is as well-executed as it looks from the picture it'll be as good as any minivan out there. the V6 should be at least mid-pack with the other vans out there (decent torque). the vans are packaged and outfitted slightly different (still doesn't warrant 4 versions), and some have some interesting options. though they' are all missing some of the big hitters (like a few of you outlined).

AWD is a plus... chrysler doesn't have that anymore. does ford? side airbags are good too. i dunno... they have some options that make them rather appealing family haulers (stabilitrack, entertainment systems, most likely fuel economy)... they might not fare as poorly as we all think.

they're not outright gorgeous, but i think perhaps they'll grow on me. the SV6 has a bit of character. won't reinvent the class, but if priced right or, more likely, incentived right, they should at least maintain their previous sales levels. the terraza could do well if the price is kept in line... what with the quiet tuning and rear suspension. town and country is the only other lux-o-van. there really should be an optional engine though, at least in the SV6 and terazza.

trying to convince myself here i guess! good luck CSV's!

[Ming]

Tell Saturn what the Relay should have here: http://www.saturn.com/aboutus2/relay/terms.jsp

[garyw]

Paul - makes a good point on price. This will ultimately be the nail in the coffin. GM always over-prices their vehicles. A load Odyssey EXL is $30K. A loaded leather version of this van will be $33-$35K for the Chevy. Add $2K-3K for the Pontiac or Buick. Way, way, way out of the ball park competively speaking.

Then the wait for incentive games begins.

[stevecmh]

I will only buy GM products, but i have to say that those vans are pretty ugly. The interiors are nice but the outsides really arent. The Chevy's nose is way to big. They are not going to attract any other buys for forgein brands to GM vans. The only people that will buy them are diehard GM fans. I heard that they are supposed to be redone in a few years. Dear God i Hope so for GM's sake.