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For
Immediate Release
Fresh Approach to
Sporty Ride and Handling
DETROIT - Most
SUVs are spin-offs from pickup truck platforms. The notable
exceptions, generally known as "crossover" vehicles, evolved
from family sedans. Unfortunately, both approaches are fraught
with compromise. Truck-based SUVs are rugged enough for
the task, but they often lack ride and handling sophistication.
The car-based crossovers lack the stamina necessary for
large loads and strenuous towing assignments. Leave it to
Pontiac's Aztek to invent a fresh approach where a sporty
ride, agile handling, and all-around versatility are core
attributes.
Wide Track Chassis
One of Aztek's break-through features is a wide-track chassis
(wider than mid-size SUV's like Dodge Durango with a front
track width of 62.7 inches, while its rear track comes in
at a slightly wider 63.8 inches. The advantage of such a
wide track chassis is to assure excellent responsiveness
and stability. Aztek also sports a long wheelbase (108.3
inches), adding a tight 36.4-foot turn circle for outstanding
maneuverability.
Precise Steering/Solid Stopping
Power rack-and-pinion steering is standard in Aztek for
precise directional control versus the old-fashioned recirculating-ball
steering systems still found in many vehicles. To assure
safe, secure stopping performance with exemplary fade resistance,
all Azteks have a four-channel antilock brake system with
electronically regulated force distribution. The use of
larger-than-normal brake system components provides a solid
pedal feel, diminished brake noise, 100,000-mile lining
life in normal circumstances, and excellent all-around stopping
ability. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard in all-wheel-drive
Azteks.
All-Speed Traction Control System
Customers who expect consistent all-weather traction will
definitely be impressed by Aztek. All-speed traction control
employing both powertrain and brake-system interaction to
curtail wheel spin is standard on the Aztek GT and optional
on Aztek.
VERSATRAK® All-Wheel-Drive System
An innovative VERSATRAK® system has been
engineered for all-wheel-drive Azteks. With absolutely no
pulling of levers, punching of buttons, or other driver
action, VERSATRAK® directs torque "on demand"
to those wheels with the best traction when needed. Twin
gerotor pumps inside a compact rear drive module automatically
sense the difference between the rotational speeds of front
and rear tires in low-traction conditions. Before any significant
slippage occurs, the pumps engage multi-plate clutches that
provide drive to one or both rear wheels. After slippage
ceases, the clutches disengage and Aztek reverts to front-wheel-drive.
Performance on split-traction surfaces (one wheel track
on dry pavement, the other on ice or snow) is notably superior
than the all-wheel-drive systems offered by Aztek's competition.
VERSATRAK® is so compact it fits under Aztek's
flat rear load floor, it adds no noise or vibration, and
it's smart enough to accommodate temporary use of a compact
space-saver spare tire. Electronic and mechanical safeguards
protect VERSATRAK® from overload or inadvertent
overload or abuse damage.
A 3500-pound trailer-tow option is offered for all Azteks.
Heavy-duty engine cooling equipment, a high-output alternator,
and the auto-leveling rear suspension are all included with
this package.
Hydroformed Cradle
Aztek features a hydroformed steel front cradle to concentrate
strength and stiffness where they're really needed. The
cradle design provides excellent isolation from road and
powertrain noise with significant weight savings.
Specially Engineered Suspensions
Aztek's strut-type front suspension incorporates four-stage
shock absorber valving so no compro-mise between an optimum
ride and agile handling is necessary. Two different suspension
systems are employed at the rear. Front-wheel-drive Azteks
ride on a proven twist beam rear axle with an integral anti-roll
bar. All-wheel-drive Azteks feature a new short-and-long-arm
independent rear suspension (IRS) engineered specifically
for this product. IRS is a rarity in similar vehicles but
well worth the stability it provides, particularly while
cornering over rough pavement.
An innovative rear-drive module that integrates suspension
and propulsion functions in one unit is largely comprised
of aluminum for weight savings. The design is ingeniously
compact to avoid encroaching into Aztek's wide, low, flat
cargo compartment. Monotube gas-pressure rear shock absorbers
are specified for all-wheel-drive Azteks because such an
approach maximizes the damper's piston size and internal
oil volume. That, in turn, yields significantly better wheel
control and road isolation than is possible with conventional
twin-tube shock absorbers.
An available automatic level control system adds an air
bladder around each rear shock absorber to help maintain
a flat attitude when there's heavy cargo onboard or a trailer
attached. Air pressure is supplied by a compact electric
air compressor. An accessory outlet, air hose, and pressure
gauge are included to provide a handy means of inflating
all types of sports gear and bicycle tires.
Aggressive Looking Pavement Hugging Tires
Aztek tires are keeping with Pontiac's bold appearance and
driving excitement priorities. Front-drive models ride on
P215/70SR-15 Firestone all-season radials. All-wheel-drive
and GT models have P215/65SR-16 rubber from the same manufacturer.
Uniroyal touring tires with white-outlined side-wall lettering
and an internal adhesive gel capable of sealing small punctures
(up to 3/16") are optional on Aztek GTs. In every instance,
tread designs are configured for a smooth, car-like ride,
quiet running, optimum wet and dry grip, and low rolling
resistance. Sidewalls have the bold, aggressive appearance
expected of the first ever Sport Recreation Vehicle.
Pontiac's intention is to shatter the status quo with a
new dimension of driving excitement made possible by a host
of chassis innovations. When Aztek hits the street, life
in the fun lane will never be the same.
Contact: Pontiac-GMC Communications
(313) 667-4000
FAX (313) 667-4001
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