Chevy digs in for 'Avalanche'

Staying true to its word, Chevrolet Div. makes only a few changes to the production Avalanche that debuted in early June. Although the Avalanche is not scheduled to go on sale until the first quarter of 2001 as a '02 model, Chevy is taking the SUV on a cross-country publicity tour this summer to drum up interest. Because Avalanche shares many of its parts with the Suburban and Silverado, Chevy officials aren't concerned if demand jumps; the seven plants that build the trucks have room for increased capacity. When Avalanche arrives at dealerships it will be equipped with Chevy's Vortec 265-hp 5.7L V-8, two-tone exterior and a $25,000 to $35,000 sticker. Two- and 4-wheel-drive will be available.