Does anyone else find it odd that right after Subaru shows off their STX concept truck with the switchback system (rear seats to extended bed), that GM releases the Avalanche (http://www.chevrolet.com/avalanche/index.htm)? I know Subaru said that the switchback feature would be manual, not electronic, making it very similar to the Avalanche. Is this something that Subaru and GM engineer together? Or are the features of the two totally different?

This (http://irvinesubaru.com/stx/stx_specs.html) looks a lot like the Avalanche.

Parallel evolution, I believe.

The STX was shown well before the General acquired its 20% stake in Subaru.

However, it would not surprise me to see STX derived switchbacks sold alongside Avalanche's, if the Avalanche sells well.

The concept is kind of (I stress kind of) neat, but the Avalanche is built on the same frame as the Tahoe, so it is BIG.

It also would not surprise me to see an even smaller iteration based on the Tracker.

I saw the Avalanche commercial too and I was quite curious about who originated the "Switchback" idea. I tend to think it is yet another Subaru design that GM is stealing through the partnership.

<Off-topic>
The Avalanche looks like crap. Anyone else notice the similarities to the wonderful Pontiac Aztek? Lots of plastic and some ugly a$$ lines.
<on topic>

The Switchback system was patented and trademarked by Subaru. However, because GM has stock in Subaru, they are sharing technology and R&D money, hence, the retracting midgate in the Avalanche.

Sean

the Mid-Gate system on the Avalanche is a GM derived idea that other manufactures have copied off of. not the other way around. the MidGate is actually quite hard to pull off and not compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle.

We were first to show such a system in a concept car several years ago. In fact, in last years GM concept cars no less than 4 (not counting the avalanche) had mid-gates. Its not really all the novel an idea. I remember seeing a concept from the 60's that did something very similar.

the switchback is patent pending btw. The midgate is patented.

Oh and the avalanche (which I think is a monstrosity) is based on the 1500 suburban chasis/frame, not Tahoe

HokieEngr,
Better tell your PR people that because in most articles I have read about the Avalanche when it was a concept, they attributed the midgate to Subaru.

The reporters get that type of info from corporate PR people. Yours must be feeding misinformation. Wouldn't surprise me. It's typical of any company.

Sean