When the 2007 Chevy Avalanche was unveiled in the Chicago Auto Show last Thursday, it once again proved that it is the most flexible utility vehicle in the automotive world. Just like the previous edition of the truck, the new Avalanche again combines the passenger-comfort characteristics of an SUV with the cargo-carrying capabilities of a truck. The vehicle also comes back with its Mid-gate—an ingenious contraption that can turn the vehicle into a six-seater SUV at one setting and a pickup truck with a long bed at another.

But all of these are typical Chevy Avalanche features and most of us already know these facts. So what’s new with the truck for its 2007 edition?

First, the new Chevy Avalanche is based on a brand-new, full-size SUV platform that boasts of, among others, more power, refined interiors, and world-class safety. At the heart of the new Avalanche is a 5.3-liter V8 engine that outputs 320 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque, while an aluminum-block version of the same engine, rated at 310 horsepower, is used for 4WD models. Later in the model year, an all-aluminum 6.0-liter V8 engine rated at 355 hp will also be introduced. All engine options will feature the Active Fuel Managementâ„¢ technology while two would be capable of running on E85 fuel.

On the convenience avenue, the 2007 Chevy Avalanche has three new features to showcase. The first is a central-locking tailgate, which may be controlled via interior lock switches or from the Remote Keyless Entry fob. Another new feature is remote vehicle starting, which may come as a standard or optional feature depending on the vehicle trim. Then, there’s the cargo cover retaining straps that allow the cargo cover to be held in place securely.

With a whole bunch of new performance and convenience features, plus the lovable characteristics that the pickup truck has been known for, the 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche is really a vehicle to watch out for. The new pickup truck is expected to hit the showrooms at the second quarter of this year and will be available in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels and in 2WD and 4WD versions. A Z71 off-road package is also expected to be introduced later in the model year.