FOR RELEASE: October 31, 2000
CONTACT: Chevrolet Communications
PHONE: 1-800-CHEVY MI or 313-667-9317

CHEVROLET BRUIN FLEET-SIDE: TOUGHER THAN THE REST

LAS VEGAS—They’re accustomed to doing things "big" in Las Vegas, but they’ve never seen big like they’re seeing with the Chevrolet Bruin Fleet-Side concept truck, debuting here at the 2000 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show.

Based on General Motors’ all-new commercial truck portfolio, the Bruin Fleet-Side offers a preview of GM’s new family of medium-duty products. And it’s the first fleet-sided dooley pickup ever built by GM.

"The Chevrolet Bruin Fleet-Side is a perfect example of GM’s leadership in trucks, and the benchmark of the commercial truck market in particular," said John Middlebrook, GM vice president and general manager, Vehicle Brand Marketing and Corporate Advertising. "The Bruin combines all the strengths from our very successful 3500HD and medium-duty line producing a safer, more versatile, and commercially focused truck."

The four-door Bruin Fleet-Side cab is the biggest Crew Cab GM has ever built, with plenty of room for five adults to ride comfortably. Interior appointments include refined leather seating surfaces with full air-suspension for both driver and front passenger, and dual WebastoTM sunroofs. A peek at the dimensions reveals what a "bear" this truck really is: 24 feet long, eight feet wide, 194-inch wheelbase, 146 inches bumper to back of the cab, 84 inches cab to axle, and a pickup bed that’s 10 feet, seven inches long and eight feet wide.

"You could drive a Chevy Tracker into the back of this truck," Middlebrook said. "And a good driver could probably turn it around and drive back out!"

The Bruin Fleet-Side has a tilt hood, fleet-side fenders, diamond-plated running boards and rear step bumper. In addition to the ample storage room inside the cab, the pickup bed features a large, top-entry Transfer FlowTM toolbox incorporating an auxiliary fuel tank, which brings the Bruin’s diesel fuel capacity to approximately 100 gallons.

Not only does the Chevrolet Bruin Fleet-Side demonstrate the versatility of GM’s new family of medium-duty truck offerings; it also clearly illustrates GM’s advantages —such as best-in-class conventional cab forward visibility, unparalleled turning diameter, rugged construction, and a muscular powertrain. GM designed the instrument panel and its structural support to take advantage of the sloping hood to attain maximum visibility while retaining an extremely stylish look and accomplishing its aerodynamic mission.

Under the lightweight, easy-access tilt hood of the Bruin Fleet-Side is GM’s new DuramaxTM 6600 V8 turbo diesel, which quietly pounds out 300 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque. The DuramaxTM is a state-of-the-art, direct-injection, overhead-valve, four-valve-per-cylinder 6.6-liter engine featuring best-in-class acceleration and noise levels that greatly surpass even future federal regulations. It was developed as part of the joint venture between GM and Isuzu, and manufactured in Moraine, Ohio. The engine is mated to the all-new AllisonTM 1000 Series five-speed automatic transmission featuring electronically controlled Power Take-Off (PTO).

The long, low-riding Chevrolet Bruin Fleet-Side shows what can be done when commercial meets consumer. It’s a sharply trimmed yet unabashedly tough customer. And it’s a clear vision of where GM Trucks are, and where they’re headed.

 

CHEVROLET BRUIN FLEET-SIDE CONCEPT

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