Minivan Morph

Automotive Industries,  March, 2000  by Gail Kachadourian

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GM is betting its front-drive U-van platform can spawn SUVs for Pontiac and -- get this -- Buick and Saab.

As automakers introduce wave after wave of new "crossover" vehicles, including pickup-utes, car-based SUVs and even roadster-pickup mutations, General Motors is carving out an entirely new route by putting sport-utility styling on its fwd minivan platform. The result is a trio of vehicles slated for introduction between 2000 and 2003: the Pontiac Aztek (GMT250, due in showrooms this summer), the Buick Rendezvous (GMT257, available in 2001) and yet-unnamed Saab version (GMT256), coming in late 2003 -- the Swedish brand's first-ever move beyond passenger cars.

All three vehicles have been spawned from GM's U-van platform, which last year accounted for a sales total of 201,656 Chevrolet Ventures, Pontiac Transports and Montanas, and Oldsmobile Silhouettes. Industry analysts familiar with GMs program plans say the three new "minivan morphs" will add a total of 125,000 units to the production picture. Our sources reveal that the Aztek, unveiled at this year's Detroit auto show, will be the trio's volume leader, at about 75,000 units. The Rendezvous follows at roughly 30,000 copies, and the Saab version will have lowest volume, at 20,000 units.

All are aimed at the ubiquitous "active lifestyle" consumer who has been the prime target of SUV marketers since the late '80s. Pricing on the Pontiac and Buick models is expected to be between $22,000 and $28,000.

While the U-vans are built at GM's Doraville, Georgia, plant, their crossover cousins will be produced at the Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, complex. All will be officially labeled as tracks by the federal government -- with city/highway fuel economy projected to be 17 mpg to 24 mpg, depending on driveline, they're essential in helping GM rebalance its corporate fuel economy situation that's top-heavy with gas-guzzling large pickups and full-flamed sport-utes.

The Pontiac and Buick will share a common drivetrain. Power comes from GM's old standby 3.4L ohv, iron-block V-6 that delivers 185 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 210 lb.-ft, of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a Hydra-matic 4T65-E 4-speed automatic driving the front wheels only on standard Azteks and Rendezvous. The Saab variant is expected to offer either the company's turbocharged four, or GM's narrow-angle V-6 built at Ellesmere, U.K., with both manual and automatic transmissions for world markets.

In standard form, all three vehicles are front-wheel drivers. GM has revised the extensively re-engineered U-van floorpan to accept a driveshaft tunnel and all-wheel drive option. Dubbed Versatrak, it provides front-wheel drive until extra traction is needed. The torque-on-demand system employs an independent rear axle module with short/long arm suspension. Versatrak features twin Gerotor pumps on each side of the aluminum rear gearcase, which sense speed differences between the vehicle's front and rear axles. When slippage begins, the pumps engage multi-plate clutches that direct torque to the axle that needs it most.

The rear module is compact and fits underneath the vehicle's flat rear load floor. Having an independent rear suspension makes these vehicles somewhat hefty: In front-drive guise, the Aztek weighs 3,714 pounds. The awd version gains 225 pounds over that. Rendezvous is even porkier, with an awd curb weight of 4,250 pounds.

The Package Is The Key

While commonizing the Aztek and Rendezvous' platform and driveline, GM has also created two new vehicles with distinctive styling and interior packages. The Saab will have a different personality because of its powerplant, and is expected to follow suit in its styling, cabin and features. Bet on it having Saab's traditional floor-mounted ignition switch -- a key differentiator for the Swedish brand.

With the debuts of the Aztek and Rendezvous still fresh, here's how the new trio stacks up.

Serf-branded as a "sport-recreation vehicle," Pontiac is marketing the Aztek with the usual "active lifestyle" features. Aztek will offer specific accessory packages for either camping, biking, or hiking activities, including tents, air mattresses and bike carriers, all custom-fit for the vehicle.

To create the overall package, Pontiac product planners married cues from the Grand Prix sports sedan and Montana minivan, with traditional SUV traits, and clothed the whole thing in aggressive, angular, bird-of-prey styling. The cues include a wide-track stance (see panel at right), a low step-in height, high seating, a flat load floor and modular seating. Aztek's cargo area can be reconfigured to be a drywaller's dream vehicle, able to lug four full 4-foot by 8-foot sheets of 3/4-inch building materials. Additional options include a pull-out rear cargo tray system that can hold up to 400 pounds, and a reconfigurable net system that can hold up to 35 pounds adjacent to each rear side panel. A GT version will feature a standard food and beverage cooler, and all models will offer an optional air-leveling suspension.