With its 185-horsepower 3.4-liter V6, our CXL Plus test vehicle accelerated with reasonable aplomb. This engine uses an iron block and pushrod-operated overhead valves.
We expect the Ultra to accelerate more quickly. The Ultra's 3.6-liter V6 is an entirely new and different engine, with all-aluminum construction and dual overhead camshafts. A 32-bit microprocessor continuously adjusts its valve timing according to conditions; GM calls this technology VVT (for Variable Valve Timing). The same computer also manages this engine's more advanced fuel injection and coil-on-plug ignition systems. In short, the overhead-cam 3.6-liter V6 is a more modern, more sophisticated design than the overhead-valve 3.4-liter V6.
And the new 3.6-liter produces significantly more power: 245 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 235 pounds-feet of torque at 3200 rpm. More important, 90 percent of the new engine's peak torque is available between 1600 and 5800 rpm. That means that a strong surge of power should be instantly available at virtually any driving speed. Fuel economy hardly suffers: Preliminary ratings show 17/24 mpg city/highway for the more powerful 3.6 vs. 18/24 mpg for the 3.4 with AWD. GM claims reduced emissions as well.
The load-leveling suspension, available as part of the trailer towing package, uses compressed air to fill bladders in line with the rear shock absorbers. The air pressure keeps Rendezvous level when carrying a heavy load or towing a trailer. The system comes with an auxiliary air outlet, rubber air hose, and pressure gauge, for inflating tires or toys. Next Page