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.