Building
on a tradition of professional-grade trucks, this year GMC
welcomes an all-new mid-size pickup to its fast-growing
lineup: the 2004 Canyon. The Canyon offers an array of powertrain,
comfort and utility enhancements.
"The
all-new Canyon was designed from the 'ground up' to give
consumers more in a mid-size pickup: more power, more space,
greater functionality and a comprehensive range of choices,"
said Craig Bierley, Canyon marketing director.
The
Canyon's distinctive front end shows a strong family resemblance
with a red GMC logo prominently displayed on the grille
with chrome surround and dark smoke-gray crossbars. Overall,
Canyon's exterior - larger than the current Sonoma - is
both aerodynamic and contemporary.
More
power
Under the hood, Canyon offers two new inline engines based
on the award winning Vortec 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder
engine introduced in the 2002 GMC Envoy sport utility vehicle.
Canyon's standard engine, the 2.8-liter
Vortec inline four-cylinder, delivers 175- hp and 185 lbs.-ft.
of torque. The optional 3.5-liter Vortec inline five-cylinder,
the first application of a five-cylinder in a consumer pickup,
kicks out 220 hp and 225 lbs.-ft. of torque. Both engines
boast state-of-the-art features such as electronic throttle
control, variable valve timing and coil-on-plug ignition.
Other powertrain features on the Canyon
include an available all-new five-speed manual transmission;
a new transfer case for four-wheel-drive models; and the
proven, ultra-smooth four-speed Hydra-Matic 4L60-E automatic
transmission, which was originally engineered to handle
the stresses of the much larger GMC Sierra full-size pickup.
"These
two new inline engines in the Canyon, with their powerful
yet efficient performance, fit perfectly into GMC's promise
of highly capable, professional-grade performance,"
said Jerome Thiebaud, Canyon product manager. "Inline
technology produces an engine with exceptional power, smoothness
and world class fuel efficiency."
Comprehensive
range of choices
Canyon offers a wide range of configurations including the
popular two-wheel drive high rider and two-wheel drive crew
cab models. The full range of choices includes two- or four-wheel
drive, three different cab styles (crew, extended and regular)
and two suspension packages (standard heavy-duty and high
rider off-road).
Highly
accommodating
Canyon's larger size provides outstanding room, passenger
comfort and cargo-carrying capability. The regular cab model
features 60/40 bench seats, in cloth or vinyl, with reclining
bucket seats available. The four-door extended cab comes
with two forward facing rear seats with under-seat storage
and a flat-load floor. Crew cab models feature front bucket
seats, available in cloth or leather. The 60/40-split flat-folding
rear seat is capable of accommodating three adults.
Canyon delivers a level of amenities you
would expect in a professional-grade truck including a driver
information center with system readouts, available electrochromic
inside rearview mirror with compass and outside temperature
gauge, optional heated leather front bucket seats, and an
AM/FM stereo with an optional in-dash six-CD changer. OnStar
and XM Satellite Radio also are available.
Canyon provides flexible hauling capabilities
with a 6-foot cargo box (5-foot cargo box on crew cabs),
along with two-tier loading and a locking tailgate.
Exceptional
ride and handling
Canyon's all-new chassis was designed to deliver exceptional
ride and handling characteristics. A proven ladder-type
frame underpins Canyon's rugged, rigid chassis. Rear-drive
models have an independent front suspension and a live rear
axle as standard, while four-wheel-drive and high rider
off-road models feature torsion-bar suspension. Front tubular
stabilizer bars are standard on rear and four-wheel-drive
models.
All Canyon models feature standard rack-and-pinion
steering, to deliver precise steering response. Canyon's
standard four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) was designed
for heavy-duty service, with tandem power brake boosters,
dual-piston disc front brakes with audible wear sensors
and 295-mm diameter rear drums. Fifteen-inch aluminum wheels
and tires are standard.
Canyon's four-wheel-drive system is the
perfect complement to inclement weather or difficult driving
situations. Offering electronic "shift-on-the-fly"
capability, the system is accessed via a dash-mounted switch.
Full-function traction control also is available, as is
a locking differential. Additionally, two rear-end ratios
are available: the standard 3:42, and an optional 3:73.
Advanced safety features
Designed with occupant protection in mind, the Canyon offers
an impressive list of safety features. Head-curtain side
air bags are optional. Driver and front passenger dual-stage
front air bags are standard on all models. In addition,
on the regular-cab model, the passenger-side air bag can
be disabled.
Canyon is constructed with a reinforced
safety cage and side guard door beams to help enhance the
safety of the driver and passengers. Canyon also features
high-intensity halogen headlamps and available fog lamps
for forward visibility. Other safety features include: a
highly deformable all-steel body, standard four-wheel ABS
brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, a new driver information
center, three-point lap shoulder belts in all three rear
seating positions and the LATCH system. The OnStar safety
and security system also is available.
Canyon production will begin at the General
Motors Shreveport truck plant in Shreveport, La., in the
fourth quarter of 2003.