2013 Black Diamond Avalanche

From the FastLane Team

In 2002, the Chevrolet Avalanche literally reshaped the pickup segment – offering an adjustable Midgate that allowed for even greater cargo space, or comfortable seating for up to six. A decade (and 580,000 sales) later, Avalanche is ending its successful run with one last reason to celebrate – the 2013 Black Diamond edition.

The Black Diamond Avalanche will feature body-colored bed surrounds, unique badging and refined standard equipment packages on both the LS and LT models, including features such as rear camera, rear park assist, power adjustable pedals, fog lamps and remote start. Despite the enhanced packages, Avalanche base price dropped $2,500 for 2013.

With its unique styling, capability and capacity, Avalanche proved to be one of those rare ideas that change a segment forever – a well-equipped light-duty pickup that could tow, haul and carry the whole gang. By 2011, crew cabs accounted for more than 65 percent of light-duty pickup sales, helping to transform pickups from mere workhorses to true multipurpose family vehicles.

In its final year of production, Avalanche remains one of the industry’s more-flexible utility vehicles. Its exclusive Midgate opens to extend the cargo-area from 5-foot-3-inch-long (1.6 m) length to 8 feet 2 inches (2.5 m), with storage compartments alongside the cargo box providing ample and lockable storage with pluggable drains that can be filled with ice and used as coolers.

On the performance front, Avalanche has also grown more efficient over the years – it’s powered by the E-85-capable Vortec 5.3L V-8 with cylinder-deactivating Active Fuel Management technology, mated to a fuel-saving Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic.

Avalanche Milestones
The Avalanche was introduced at the 2000 North American International Auto Show in Detroit as a concept, described as a no-compromise Chevy Truck with a unique combination of configurable passenger and cargo space
A special Avalanche was equipped to protect and transport the Olympic Flame during the Torch Relay prior to the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City
In addition to receiving Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year for 2002, the Avalanche received the Design and Engineering award from Popular Mechanics
Chevrolet teamed up with outdoor outfitter North Face to offer a special edition Avalanche in 2002 that was used to transport a team of kayakers through the rugged terrain of the Himalayas to the Tsangpo Gorge in Tibet, where they successfully accomplished first descent of the most-feared whitewater on the planet
A 2007 Avalanche was presented to the 2006 Major League Baseball All-Star Game MVP Michael Young of the Texas Rangers