On the road with...Avalanche
Convertibles are generally thought of as, well...cars. But when it comes to Chevy trucks there is only one contestant-the new Chevrolet Avalanche. Built on the Suburban platform, the Avalanche reconfigures from a six-passenger sport/ute to a fullsize pickup. Due to the flurry of excitement with the vehicle's release, GM has decided it will release two additional versions of the truck/utility vehicle. The 2500 Series and the North Face editions are the newest additions to the Avalanche lineup. Key differences in the 2500 edition include the new Vortec 8100, which provides a generous 340 hp at 4,200 rpm and 455 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm. Moreover, the 2500 will have a bigger fuel tank, a tranny temp gauge, a towing capacity of 12,000 pounds, and an optional snowplow prep package. For the North Face version, the key mods focus on the outdoor enthusiast with an off-road suspension package that includes Bilstein shocks and springs, a locking rear differential, and a high-capacity air filter.
Bad Boys
The Sheriff's Department in Princeton, Indiana, is stoked to have a new 4x4 in its fleet. Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Indiana donated the 4x4. Hey, maybe we'll see Sheriff Ballard and the Sequoia on Cops. "Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do when they come for you?"
Ultimate Adventure Video
Our coverage of the Ultimate Adventure gets off to a rollicking start on page 46 this month. You can get even closer to the action with the Ultimate Adventure video, available for only $19.95 plus $4.95 shipping and handling from Performance Products (www.performanceproducts.com/ua). Call 800/787-8795 or, better yet, order the video online and get a $20 coupon towards any order of $100 or more. Plus, you can order a cool Ultimate Adventure T-shirt online too.
Coolest Reading Place Contest-October WinnersAs always here's your chance for fame. The simple rules are:
1.Take a recent copy of 4-Wheel & Off-Road with you when you go anywhere that relates in some way to either wheeling or reading the mag.
2. Take a photo of you, your family, or friends reading the mag in front of your cool place.
3. Write the names of the people in the photo, the location, and your home address and phone number on the back of the photo.
4. Attach information including your name and a caption including where you are, what's going on in the pic, and where you are from. Mail the photo and info to our office, 4WOR Cool Places Contest, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048.
5. Each month the "coolest" (that means most creative, insane, or extraordinary) staff-selected entry will be published in Drivelines and the winner will get an official 4-Wheel & Off-Road license plate cover. (Submissions will not be returned.)
6. Be creative, have a good time, and good luck!
The two Alans from the Maryland Mudbugs 4x4 club wade in the murky mud on a trail in Maryland. Allen Baumgardner in the '95 YJ and his buddy Alan Thomas in the '97 TJ enjoy a little off-road reading. Get dirty with them at www.marylandmudbugs.com.
www-dot-log-onto-4wheeloffroad-dot-comFor the first time ever, 4wheeloffroad.com takes consumers inside the walls of the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show, the largest trade-only show for the automotive aftermarket.
Each year, the best new products are unveiled at the SEMA show. New vehicle launches, pimped-out project cars and trucks, and the hottest high-performance products will be there. You can look through the 4wheeloffroad.com window at this year's real-time show live from October 30 to November 2 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.