E85-Ready '07 Chevy Avalanche

General Motors continued to roll-out the latest generation of its full-size SUVs at the Chicago Auto Show by showing the brand-new, flexible-fuel capable 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche. Two versions of the Vortec 5.3L Gen IV V-8 - including an aluminum-block version that is standard in 4WD models - are compatible with E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. These engines can run on any combination of gasoline and E85 fuel. The 5.3L V-8 delivers 320 horsepower and 335 lbs-ft. of torque, and features Active Fuel Management technology, which seamlessly switches between eight- and four-cylinder power to save fuel.

The Chicago Auto Show also served as an appropriate venue for GM to kickoff its massive ethanol promotion campaign: A partnership between GM, Shell Oil, and VeraSun Energy will bring 26 additional E85 refueling stations to the greater Chicago area. Additionally, GM launched its "Live Green Go Yellow" marketing campaign by bathing several major Chicago buildings in yellow light in reference to the corn that is used to make most of the ethanol in the U.S. GM will also promote E85 with a major presence in the 2006 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and with 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup champion Tony Stewart.