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At the heart of the 2002 line-up from GMC is the all-conquering Vortec range of engines that are consistently acclaimed for their technological leadership.

Fuel-efficient and ultra-reliable, Vortec engines deliver unparalleled strength and performance - all the way up to the mighty 8.1 litre V8.

After more than 20 years of continuous development, Vortec has earned a reputation for power and endurability. Conceived in the energy crisis of the Seventies, Vortec is now distinguished by a host of technical advances, including a gear-driven balance shaft, a steel hydraulic roller lifter camshaft, high-swirl/fast-burn cylinder heads and a tuned, two-piece intake manifold. Vortec engines have sequential fuel injection (SFI) for quick starts, and the latest versions have longer recommended intervals between tune-ups than their immediate predecessors - reducing dramatically the time lost to routine servicing.

One of the newest - and most outstanding

performers in terms of sheer output and power delivery - is the spectacular Vortec 4.2 litre in-line six-cylinder.

It has been designated one of "Ward’s 10 Best Engines" by Ward’s AutoWorld, the specialist US motor engineering journal, and powers the GMC Envoy - the first time in nearly two decades that an inline six has been standard on a midsize SUV from General Motors.

This powerplant is far and away the best in its class in terms of power, refinement and efficiency and is a vital contributor to the success of the award-winning Envoy, designated "SUV of the Year" by Motor Trend, the USA’s authoritative motoring magazine.

It produces 294 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 292 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm and is described by Ward’s AutoWorld as "a delight... on paper and on the road... whips any V8 truck engine you’d care to name."

Vortec engines are also a major factor in the ongoing popularity of the Suburban, the legendary people-carrier which has notched up sales in the Middle East of more than 400,000 since it first appeared here in the early 1950s.

For 2002, the Suburban 1500 Series is fitted with the 5.3 litre V8 engine, producing 327 hp at 5,200 rpm and 353 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

The 2500 Series is equipped with the 6.0 litre V8, generating 355 hp at 4,800 rpm and 394 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine delivers 90 per cent of peak torque over a wide 1,600 to 5,200 rpm band, ensuring maximum towing or carrying performance.

Suburban owners can call on even more power by specifying the massive 8.1 litre Vortec V8. Producing 356 horsepower and 472 ft-lb of torque, it is the most powerful engine ever bolted into a Suburban.

This "Big Block" engine packs more displacement, power, and torque than any engine offered by competitors - including V10s. Ninety percent of peak torque is available from below 2,000 rpm to above 4,000 rpm.

Vortec V8 engines also power the GMC Yukon, noted for strength, roominess, and "go anywhere" off-road capability, and the only two-times winner of the coveted "Middle East 4x4 of the Year" award.

For a full-size SUV, providing the ultimate muscle for heavy work or recreational duties, the Yukon is still surprisingly agile - a tribute to the brute strength and wide torque band of its 5.3 litre Vortec (327 hp at 5,200 rpm and 353 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm) combining potent pulling power with off-line acceleration.

The exceptionally powerful 5.7 litre Vortec V8 powers GMC’s Savana range in the full-size passenger and cargo van sector, providing incomparable transporting capability from its output of 255 hp at 4,600 rpm and 330 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm.

Even in the smaller passenger van, Vortec is the specified engine. The GMC Safari - seating eight and combining passenger roominess with true-truck capabilities - is powered by the 4.3 litre V6, the largest displacement engine in its class, generating 222 hp at 4,800 rpm and 373 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm.

Strength and reliability are critical to the workhorse of GMC’s 2002 line-up, the Sierra full-size pickup where the 4.8 litre and 5.3 litre versions power the 1500 Series and the 6.0 litre is standard on the 2500, 2500HD, and 3500 Series.

GMC celebrates its 100th anniversary this year with the most comprehensive SUV and trucks line-up of any manufacturer, maintaining a reputation for setting the standards of design and powerful efficiency.

"In the Middle East, GMC is synonymous with quality, power and sophisticated style," said Bob Kiple, GM regional marketing manager, trucks. "The Suburban has become a legend, part of the fabric of modern life. It is the ultimate vehicle for many large families and this year we’ll be extending its popularity with two new models."

These are the competitively-priced Surburban ‘Z’ and the top-of-the-range Suburban Denali, a totally re-engineered version aimed at the high end of the market with the emphasis firmly on luxury and style.

GMC sales, which rose by nearly 30 per cent last year, will be further boosted in 2002 by full availability of the all-new Envoy mid-size SUV which has features normally associated with luxury cars and the award-winning Vortec in-line six-cylinder engine.

The Vortec 4200 produces 294 horsepower, more than all the V8s in its class, and is so technologically superior that it has been hailed as masterpiece of engineering. An established star of the GMC stable is the Yukon, twice winner of the "Middle East 4x4 of the Year" award and noted for power, roominess, and superb off-road capability.

This full-size SUV has seen sales in the Middle East nearly quadruple since it was first introduced in 1996. With numerous refinements for 2002, including an

upgraded 4L80-E electronic four-speed transmission, the Yukon has carved a substantial place for itself in a market traditionally dominated by Japanese competitors. In the pure passenger van sector, the Safari continues to stand out from competitors, combining eight-seat passenger comfort with true-truck capabilities. Rear-wheel drive and body-on-frame construction - favourite configurations in the Middle East - give the Safari an indisputable edge.

One of the great workhorses of the GMC line-up is the Sierra full-size pickup with its massive payload and enough cab and box configurations to meet any demand. For buyers with lesser needs, the one-ton GMC LUV pick-up is proving itself among fleet owners who demand reliability and efficiency.Among GMC’s highly regarded vans, the Savana is renowned for its versatility - whether the vehicle is fitted out for full-size cargo carrying or for passengers. Along with an exceptionally spacious interior, Savana features the segment’s lowest step-in height, widest rear-door openings, and most powerful V8 engine. "All in all," said Kiple,"GMC has

never been in a better position to satisfy the whole spectrum of customers requirements in the Middle East."

The 2002 GMC Yukon range builds on the characteristics that have made the name synonymous with power, roominess, and highly-proficient off-road capability.

Yet for all its well-earned reputation as the ultimate muscle, the Yukon still has a level of comfort and elegance that surpasses many top-of-the-range cars.

This potent combination of brawn and refinement is one of the reasons why the Yukon has the distinction of being the only two-times winner of the coveted "Middle East 4x4 of the Year" award.

One of its defining characteristics is agility. For a full-size SUV providing the ultimate in pulling power, the Yukon is still surprisingly agile - a tribute to the wide torque band of its 5.3 litre Vortec V8 engine.

The strength comes from the output of 327 hp at 5,200 rpm and 353 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm, giving towing capacity of up to 3,946kg.

The agility and responsiveness are enhanced by the 4L80-E four-speed automatic transmission, with electronic pushbutton 4 x 4 transfer case.

This transmission is so strong, smooth, and dependable that versions of it are even used in medium-duty trucks, motor homes, and some of the world’s most expensive luxury cars.

Externally and internally, the Yukon sets the standard for premium full-size SUVs, boasting best-in-class air-conditioning, best-in-class safety and security features, spacious and comfortable interior, vast cargo space, and quality audio systems.

Standard or available equipment includes power memory seats, electronic climate control, speed sensitive steering, remote keyless entry, and a CD player and nine-speaker audio system. On top of all this, the Yukon is top of its class for quality, reliability, and durability.

With such a wealth of attributes, it’s not surprising that the Yukon has been steadily increasing its share of the market for off-road vehicles. "More and more people are recognising the Yukon’s unique qualities," says Bob Kiple, General Motors’ regional divisional marketing manager - trucks. "This is clearly evident in sales figures which clearly show that the Yukon is winning increased market share - particularly against Japanese competitors."

For really serious off-road enthusiasts, an optional off-road package is available. This includes locking rear differential, high

ground-clearance, and five-link coil-spring rear suspension, giving outstanding performance in even the toughest conditions.

This specially-tuned off-road suspension uses upgraded springs, shocks, jounce bumpers, and standard stabilisers to help tackle rough and uneven terrain with ease.

The locking differential provides maximum traction in loose sand, wheel flares help guard exterior body parts from trail debris, and skid plates protect vital underbody components.

THE luxurious and acclaimed Envoy sport utility vehicle from GMC trails enough awards to make an Oscar-winner envious, and it’s not hard to see why.

Even a cursory visit behind the wheel reveals a classy vehicle that belies the popular SUV image. There’s nothing "utility" about the Envoy, which oozes cultured refinement. The Envoy excels at every level, from stylish outside appearance to interior luxury, from what’s visible under the hood to the equally critical parts that are not so readily seen.

The external appearance alone is unique in the SUV market, with bold and expressive styling epitomising refinement, precision, and innovation.

A dominant centre-port grille, offset by GMC’s

ruby-red logo, highlights the distinctive front-end appearance.This bold, precise look is extended by large and vertically orientated headlamps, standard fog lamps and standard cornering lamps - a feature rarely found on competing SUVs.

Inside, spacious and comfortable roominess is the five-seater’s dominant impression, with more headroom and legroom than any other vehicle in its class, as well as more cargo space than most competitors.

Two trim levels are available - the SLE and SLT. Features common to both are dual-zone air-conditioning, CD and cassette players, six- speaker sound system, four-wheel ABS braking system, remote keyless entry, and a Travel Note digital voice recorder.

Automatic climate control is standard on the SLT, as is premium two-tone leather upholstery and door trim, eight-way power front seats, and four-way lumbar settings for the driver.

An on-board computer and multi-language message centre provides feedback on various vehicle functions and is configurable to six languages, including Arabic. The driver can also use the centre to programme personalised settings for many functions such as seating and mirror positions, alarm settings, and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning.

Another refinement is the steering-wheel mounted controls that enable the driver to adjust various equipment settings without removing hands from the wheel.

Safety and security features include dual-stage frontal airbags and dual side-impact thorax bags, while vented anti-lock disc brakes on all wheels provide sure stopping performance.

This combination of style, elegance, and power gives the Envoy a market niche virtually all of its own - technically an SUV, but in practice a lot more besides.

For drivers - and families - who want the stamina of a prime off-road vehicle, but matched to the refinement and luxury of a high-end limousine, the Envoy is the no-compromise choice.

This is underlined by the acclaim showered on the Envoy since making its international debut. Already, it has amassed more honours that many of its would-be competitors put together.

Motor Trend, the USA’s authoritative motoring magazine declared the Envoy "SUV of the Year", a judgment borne out by the annual J. D. Power & Associates survey of customer satisfaction where the Envoy was runner-up in the "Most Appealing Mid-size SUV" category.

Even the engine is a winner in its own right. The all-new Vortec 4200 I6 has been named one of "Ward’s 10 Best Engines" by Ward’s AutoWorld, the specialist US motor engineering journal.

"The reasons for all these awards are very evident as soon as you get behind the wheel or ride as a passenger," says Bob Kiple, General Motors’ regional divisional marketing manager - trucks.

"The Envoy is really special. It is in a class of its own for power and performance, and spares nothing in distinctive styling and providing creature comforts for occupants."

The award-winning 4.2 litre Vortec in-line six-cylinder produces 294 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 292 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm and is coupled to the Hydra-matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

Yet it is still so quiet and smooth that "Intelli-start" - a starter-interrupt feature - has been added to stop drivers from trying to start the engine when it’s already running.

The Vortec I6 was described by Ward’s AutoWorld as "a delight... on paper and on the road... whips any V8 truck engine you’d care to name."

The select band of new Envoy owners in the Middle East are in full agreement - and with the Motor Trend and J. D. Power judges.

THE GMC Suburban has been one of the Middle East's most enduring motoring success stories. The fact that more than 400,000 have been sold since its introduction some 50 years ago is a tribute to the brand's continuing ability to respond to and satisfy market needs.

The winning formula that has made the full-size SUV so successful for so long - reliability and value - continues during 2002 with the nine-seater Suburban 1500 and 2500 series.

Generations of drivers have become committed Suburban devotees, drawn by the vehicle's unique blend of comfort, power, and roominess - yet still handling like a car in driveability and ease of parking.

These characteristics have remained Suburban constants over the years, refined and reinforced to reflect the evolutionary improvements in motoring technology.

The Suburban's popularity will be boosted later this year when GMC introduces new models bracketing both the entry level and the upper end of the full-size SUV segment.

"Since launching the current Suburban generation two years ago the market has shown strong demand across the range," says Bob Kiple, GM's regional marketing manager, trucks.

"We will soon introduce a Suburban with all the features that have made it such a best-seller over the years, like power, ride quality, safety, and striking appearance - but with an even more competitive price. This will increase our appeal even further."

The other new model, this time at the opposite end of the spectrum, is the Suburban Denali, a totally re-engineered version of the Suburban with the emphasis firmly on luxury and style.

The eight-passenger, all-wheel-drive Denali is powered by the 6.0 litre Vortec V8 engine producing 355hp at 4,800 rpm and 394 lb-ft of torque at 4,000, giving maximum towing or carrying performance. It couples to an improved heavy-duty electronic four-speed automatic transmission that contributes to quick responsiveness and quiet, efficient highway cruising.

Major structural upgrades in the new model include increased body stiffness, computer-controlled Autoride variable shock-absorber damping, wider track dimensions but tighter turning circle, and four-wheel disc brakes with 40 per cent larger pads.

The refined Suburban Denali interior features two-tone leather upholstery, bucket seats in the front with 10-way power adjustment, a multi-functional extended floor console with driver information centre, black cherrywood trim, and an 11-speaker Bose Acoustimass audio system.

The second row offers a choice of a 60/40 split-folding bench design with high-back reclining bucket seats that fold, flip, and detach - creating cargo capacity of more than 3,700 litres.

The popular 1500 Series Suburban is fitted with the 5.3 litre Vortec V8 engine, producing 327 hp at 5,200 rpm and 353 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, while the 2500 series has the same 6.0 litre Vortec V8 as the new Denali.

Even more power boost is available through the optional 8.1 litre, Vortec V8 engine which produces 356 net horsepower and 472 ft-lb of net torque - the most powerful ever bolted into a Suburban.

The 8.1 litre "Big Block" Vortec packs more displacement, power, and torque than any engine offered by competitors - including V10s. Ninety percent of peak torque is available from below 2,000 rpm to over 4,000 rpm.

A Teflon coating reduces friction, and engineering tests show that specific fuel consumption - fuel used per unit of power produced - is four percent lower than the previous Big Block V8, the legendary 7.4 litre 454.

Whatever the choice of engine, they all mate to the newly-improved four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

Independent torsion bar suspension ensures a smooth and comfortable Suburban ride irrespective of load or road conditions. Among a multitude of standard features are power seats, front and side-impact air bags, electronic climate control and nine-speaker audio systems.

The GMC Envoy sports utility has been named "SUV of the Year" by the leading US industry magazine Motor Trend, while GM vehicles scored highly in eight of the 16 categories in the annual J. D. Power & Associates survey of customer satisfaction.

The Motor Trend award is acknowledged as the most prestigious and important and was conferred on the Envoy by the magazine's editorial staff after conducting rigorous tests on 14 candidates for the title.

"No other new or substantially-upgraded sport utility vehicle addresses our criteria and testing as effectively as the new GMC Envoy," said editor-in-chief C. Van Tune.

The 2001 J. D. Power & Associates "APEAL" study of

more than 110,000 buyers of all makes and models showed that GM owners are among the happiest around.

Customers ranked GM first in the entry, midsize, and luxury SUV segments; joint top in premium sports car; runner-up and third in full-size pick-up; runner-up in entry-midsize and medium-luxury cars; runner-up in midsize SUV; and third in full-size SUV.

Winners were the Chevrolet TrailBlazer - midsize SUV, the Cadillac Escalade - luxury SUV, and the Chevrolet Corvette - premium sports car (joint winner) and the Pontiac Aztek - entry SUV.

Also in the frame were GMC Sierra Heavy-Duty and Chevrolet Silverado Heavy-Duty (2nd & 3rd - full-size pick-up), GMC Envoy (2nd - midsize SUV), Chevrolet Tahoe (3rd - full-size SUV), Cadillac Deville (2nd - mid-luxury cars) and the Pontiac Grand Am (2nd - entry-midsize cars).

APEAL (Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout) measures buyers' satisfaction within the first 90 days of ownership, and is internationally recognised as the most authoritative of its kind in the motor industry.

It covers eight specific areas of performance and design, including more than 110 attributes that identify what customers like or dislike about their new vehicles. These attributes include exterior styling; engine and transmission; comfort and convenience; ride, handling and braking; heating, ventilation, and cooling; cockpit and instrument panel; and sound system.

Bob Kiple, GM's trucks brand manager for the Middle East, described the company's successes with the Motor Trend award and the J. D. Power survey as "undisputed proof that we are fulfilling our promise to deliver customer satisfaction.

"This is authentic, credible, and independent endorsement of GM's ability to design and produce vehicles that live up to customer expectations."

DAMMAM, Saudi Arabia: The man who bought the historic 400,000th Suburban in the Middle East got the surprise of his life when he went to the showroom here to take delivery of the vehicle.

As part of the gala occasion to commemorate the Suburban's colourful and distinguished history in region, the customer, Ali Al Ghamdi, was presented with a new Chevrolet Lumina LS - free.

One of the great automotive legends of the Middle East celebrated a major milestone when the 400,000th Suburban to be sold in the region was handed over to a delighted Al Ghamdi, a local government official.

At a special ceremony at the Aljomaih Automotive Company's Damman showrooms, the keys of the gleaming Suburban were presented by Bob Kiple, General Motor's regional trucks manager, and Sheikh Ibrahim Aljomaih, vice-chairman and CEO of the GM retailer.

Ali Al Ghamdi, received the new Lumina as a gift from Aljomaih and GM to mark the occasion.

He said: It's nice to be part of such an historic event. My father and grandfather before him owned Suburbans and I'm pleased to carry on this family tradition. I must say that I am overwhelmed by the gift of the Lumina as well.

Since its introduction to the Middle East more than 50 years ago, the Suburban has been the favourite SUV for large families, particularly in the Kingdom where it has become part of the fabric of family life.

Said Kiple: The Suburban was here before there were any highways, before television, before air-conditioning in homes never mind cars and before electricity was common.

Every journey in those early days - particularly long ones - was full of danger. Navigating by the sun and stars, digging yourself out of soft sand, loaded down with extra fuel, water and tires. That's how the Suburban became the legend that it is.

Kiple added that the Suburban had been part of society in the Arabian peninsula long before oil transformed living and working conditions, before the emergence of this region as a commercial power and before the Japanese were even thinking about building cars for export.

A few years ago, we ran a competition to find the oldest Suburban in Saudi Arabia and we received a deluge of entries. The eventual winner had been driving his for 29 years.

That kind of experience - and this one - makes us aware of the obligation that we at General Motors have towards our customers.

Kiple went on: I'm pleased to tell you that last month was a record for Suburban sales in recent times. We sold 1,364 GMC Suburbans, and our year to date figures are up 43 per cent on last year, which again was a record year for GM.

Sheikh Ibrahim Aljomaih said he was proud that his company had played an important role in the great history of the Suburban.

Suburban has become a much loved and respected member of our families. Probably in no other part of the region - or of the world - has any vehicle helped so much to form the way we live.

The GMC Yukon, the all-new sport utility vehicle from General Motors, has been named 4x4 of the Year by the prestigious Middle East magazine Saudi Auto.

A panel of expert judges who submitted each of seven contenders for the title to more than 10 days of rigorous testing, voted unanimously for the 2000 Yukon which has been setting sales records since its introduction to the Middle East earlier this year.

It is the second time the Yukon has won Saudi Autos annual award, having claimed top honors when the previous model made its debut in 1996.

Bob Kiple, GM regional brand manager for trucks, commented: We are delighted that our belief in this exceptional new Yukon has been endorsed so powerfully.

"This award is special because it comes from the heart of our region and provides further evidence that the Yukon is the right vehicle for the this part of the world."

In announcing the award in its September issue, Saudi Auto reported: The Yukon was superior to its competitors in all aspects including design, comfort, handling and safety.

Customers have also voted strongly in its favor. Sales have soared since it first appeared in the Middle East from 70 units a month in the early part of the year to around 350 in July alone, said Kiple.

The high demand has been largely due to many remarkable improvements over the previous model, particularly in power, ride and handling and interior comfort, according to Kiple.

The new 5.3 liter Vortec V8 engine delivers a massive 327 horsepower, 30 more than its predecessor, and has better fuel economy and lower emissions, plus reduced noise and vibrations.

Kiple added: "In general terms, the new Yukon is a surprisingly agile vehicle that offers the right combination of size, maneuverability, capacity and security and provides new levels of ability based on its GMC Truck heritage and its 'go anywhere' off-road capability."

The judges also noted the new Yukons many safety features which, they pointed out, are more than the standard in the US and Europe.

		GMC News