GM Previews 2005 Crossover Sport Vans

General Motors today gave a preview of the 2005 model year Buick Terraza and Saturn Relay, the first of it's new generation Crossover Sport Vans which debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in late December. Due to go on sale in fourth quarter of 2004, the GMT 201 minivans (which also include the Pontiac Montana SV6 and Chevrolet Uplander) have been heavily revised to bring the long-wheelbase vans more in-line with the crossover vehicles many van buyers would prefer.

A new front section gives the CSVs a more trucklike appearance, and also incorporates key structural changes, including strengthened A-pillars, to improve the vans' performance in collisions. While the rear of the vans appears similar to the current GMT 200s, structural stiffness has been improved, reducing noise and vibration, a key challenge for vehicles with such large side openings and long wheelbases. Although dimensions of the new vans have not been officially released, information that has leaked out reveals a slight increase in the wheelbase (+1.1") and an increase in length of around 4", largely due to the revised front section ahead of the A-pillar. Ride height, already high for the mid-size van segment and comparable to many SUVs, has been further increased with the use of larger 17" wheels on the Terraza and Relay.

Much work has been done to improve interior refinement, with a new instrument panel and front console, and a three-spoke steering wheel similar to that in the new Pontiac Grand Prix. The RELAY uses a unique light maple color wood grain for its radio and HVAC trim plate and on the door switch plates and ebony trim on the steering wheel, while the Terraza's dark burled wood grain and chrome accents extend to the steering wheel, instrument cluster and the dashboard's horizontal "spear". Center consoles for both front and second-row seats are complemented by a new overhead modular rail system that allows storage accessories to be added or removed at will. Both the Saturn Relay and Buick Terraza feature 7-passenger seating as standard with a 3-seat split fold rear bench.

GM Powertrain's new 3500 V6, producing up to 200 hp and and 220 lb-ft of torque, is standard on all the GMT 201 CSVs. Despite a percieved disadvantage compared to more powerful engines in other midsize vans, GM believes the low end torque of the 3500 provides adequate performance for this market segment. A multi link independent rear suspension, standard on all GMT 201 models with Versatrak awd, is also standard on fwd versions of the Buick Terraza, while other models retain a rear twist-beam setup.