GM’s all-new 2007 full-size SUVs are characterized by taut, athletic exterior styling with distinct design cues. The sleeker exterior designs convey strength and are aerodynamically tuned to bolster fuel economy, as well as enhance quietness.
Along with their athletic and capable presence – augmented by a wider track that creates a more confident, broad-shouldered stance – the new SUVs have a tailored appearance, with new, wraparound fascias and improved tolerances. The overall effect is a leaner, more refined appearance that suggests a trimmer vehicle, belying the vehicles’ nearly 3-inch (76.2 mm) increase in overall length.
“The new SUVs represent clean-sheet approaches to design,” said John Cafaro, chief designer for full-size SUVs. “Each model carries the personality of its respective brand, but all share a tight, masculine design ethic that speaks to the expectations of an authentic full-size SUV – one look and there’s no doubt about the capabilities of these vehicles.”
All major body components and sheetmetal on the ’07 SUVs are new. The front-end sheetmetal differs between all models. Wraparound front and rear fascias also are new and are primary contributors to the vehicles’ leaner, more refined appearances. The wraparound fascias flow into the front fenders with an almost imperceptible tolerance, creating a virtually seamless appearance. Cadillac Escalade models also feature unique doors, side trim and new front fender vents that provide the vehicles unmistakable distinction.
“Escalade’s bold styling helped enmesh the vehicle in popular culture and the new models take that boldness to a heightened level, while maintaining the iconic cues that pushed Cadillac design to the forefront of contemporary styling,” said Cafaro.
A more steeply raked, 57-degree windshield gives the new SUVs the segment’s best overall aerodynamics of approximately 0.363 cd. The more aerodynamic profile helps reduce wind noise, as do narrowed gaps between panels and tighter, flusher mounting of the exterior components, such as the grille, headlamps and trim.
Larger standard and available wheels, including optional 20-inch wheels on Chevy and GMC models, as well as 22-inch wheels on Escalade, are tailored to fit the vehicles’ wheel openings. This precise wheel-to-body relationship gives the vehicle a more refined look and, with the chassis’ wider track, a more athletic presence.
Numerous standard and available features complement the new SUVs’ design, including new-design flat-blade windshield wipers and styled wiper arms, standard front tow hooks (4WD models), an available power-assisted rear liftgate, available factory-installed articulating running boards and a larger available sunroof.
Detailed cues, such as jewel-look lighting elements and doors that extend over the rockers – for a smoother, more integrated side view – are characteristic of the vehicles’ precise, refined design ethic. Highlights include:
- Wraparound front fascias
- Tighter panel and trim tolerances
- Jewel-look headlamps and taillamps
- Power-assisted rear liftgate (optional)
- Streamlined outside mirrors and roof racks
- Larger grab-style door handles
- Standard running boards with an integrated design
- Optional articulating running boards (late availability)
- Enhanced lighting performance, with standard HID headlamps on Cadillac models
- New flat-blade windshield wipers
- Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
- Rear-view camera
- Heated windshield washer fluid
- Larger sunroof with express open/close feature (optional)
- In-glass AM/FM radio antenna
- Streamlined roof rack styling
Chevy Tahoe design
Tahoe wears Chevy’s new dual-port front-end design theme, which was introduced on vehicles such as the 2006 Impala. On Tahoe, the theme is embellished with prominent borders to reflect the vehicle’s rugged, sporty and go-anywhere personality.
A body-color grille surround with argent-color mesh grille inserts is accented with chrome, with a prominent, gold-color Chevy bowtie in the center of the grille area. The upper and lower grille sections, along with round halogen fog lamps, are part of the integral assembly of Tahoe’s new, wraparound front fascia. The lower section of the fascia incorporates the front license plate holder and two recessed, integrated tow hooks. The bottom of the fasica incorporates a skid plate design cue that accents Tahoe’s off-road-ready appearance.
Tahoe has large, integrated headlamps that flow into the corners of the fenders. Four separate lamps are housed in round, reflective-optic pockets that are set against a darker background. This provides a “floating” effect that, with the attitude of the upper headlamp housings, gives the Tahoe a deep, serious “face.” Beneath the headlamp housings are the daytime running lamps/parking lamps. Fog lamps are standard and integrated in the lower fascia.
As with the front of the vehicle, a new fascia wraps around the rear of the vehicle for a seamless look that eliminates a large bumper-to-body gap. A gold bowtie emblem is located above the license plate pocket on a large pocket/from that also houses the components for the optional rear-view camera system (when equipped). The license plate pocket is integrated in the center of the liftgate. The liftgate can be manually operated or electrically operated when equipped with the optional power-assisted liftgate feature.
Tahoe features distinctive rear styling, highlighted by three lighting elements stacked on top of each other and mounted in a ruby-red, jewel-look housing. The lighting elements have bright trim rings. Tahoe’s styling also is complemented by a new family of wheels and tires, including standard 17-inch wheels and available 20-inch wheels. The new family of wheels includes available bright machine-face, polished or chrome finishes.
GMC Yukon and Yukon Denali design
Yukon and Yukon Denali models have a new, distinct appearance that introduces a new design language for GMC. The design is characterized by large, round headlamps set in vertical housings that taper at the top and wrap around into the front fenders. The round lamps – a larger round lamp on the bottom with a slightly smaller lamp on top – have cylindrical mounting pockets that create a detailed three-dimensional appearance when viewed through the crystal-clear lenses.
The headlamps are separated by a large grille opening that contains a prominent, red GMC logo. The two-piece grille, with chrome surround trim, includes a taller upper section, with h orizontal, dark-colored bars on Yukon and Yukon XL models. The upper section channels air to the radiator and the lower section frames the front license plate holder and the standard integrated tow hooks.
Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali feature an updated version of the bright grille design that makes the vehicles instantly recognizable. For the ’07 models, the grille design has a more intricate mesh pattern that retains the Denali-specific chrome finish. The unique grille is accented by additional premium exterior trim cues.
The grilles of Yukon and Yukon Denali models, along with standard halogen fog lamps, are part of the integral assembly of the full wraparound front fascia systems shared among all the new SUVs. The fog lamps, like the large round headlamps, feature jewel-like optics. A molded-in, spear-shaped feature line runs across the fascia, above the fog lamps. This shape is carried by the protective bodyside moldings around the vehicle.
As with the front end, the rear of the Yukon features an integrated, wraparound fascia and unique lighting. The taillamp design includes three chrome-ringed, stacked ovals and red-color clear lenses. The three lighting elements create a concentric ring design that mimics the appearance of the round headlamps.
Distinct from the Chevy and Cadillac models, Yukon has black D-pillars with a black graphic trim piece extending from the D-pillar quarter glass to the backlight glass.
Cadillac Escalade design
The iconic design cues that made the Escalade a cultural phenomenon are enhanced with the 2007 model – cues that established a new design language for all Cadillac vehicles. The ’07 model also incorporates elements introduced on the landmark Sixteen concept vehicle. These elements include vertical headlamp housing with HID tri-segment lighting elements and new, stylish front fender vents.
Escalade features a more prominent Cadillac wreath-and-crest emblem in the center of the traditional shield-shaped grille. It is confidently scaled to the proportions of the bold front end styling. The grille surface is predominantly chrome, with painted elements that add texture and visual depth. It is inset with compartmentalized groups of jewel-like vents and a detailed chrome-trim liner that has a textured screen with bright edges and black sides. The overall look is more detailed, enhancing Escalade’s luxury aura.
Escalade’s new, larger HID headlamps further the vertical-design theme established by the previous-generation model, but are more prominent and feature three distinct elements. The lamps’ interior parabolas are highly reflective and contribute to the jeweled looked when viewed through the crystal-clear lenses. The Cadillac logo is etched into the bulb shields, which contain new HID lighting elements.
The Escalade has a unique, wraparound front fascia that creates a seamless appearance. The lower portion of the fascia incorporates recessed, integrated tow hooks, owing to the Escalade’s primary mission as a capable full-size SUV. In true Escalade fashion, the tow hook openings make a stylish design statement.
The new front fascia flows smoothly into the front fenders, which are distinguished with Escalade-exclusive front fender vents. The vents, located at the top-rear corner of the fenders deliver a detailed appearance, with three sections set off by a chrome top bar and chrome surround trim. The vents add visual distinction to the Escalade lineup and are sure to become signature hallmarks, like the vertical headlamps and prominent wreath-and-crest grille emblem.
As with the front end, Escalade models have a specific wraparound rear fascia. The license plate holder is integrated into the liftgate and a prominent wreath-and-crest emblem is mounted above it. The fascia also incorporates sensors for the standard Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist feature, as well as the standard trailer hitch platform. The platform is covered to maintain Escalade’s tailored appearance, but is easily removable.
Escalade’s vertical lighting theme also is carried to the rear of the vehicle, with two arrays of elegant LED-lit taillamps. The lamps feature indirect optics and numerous sources of illumination per unit, which provides a broader, more even lighting display and eliminates the “pinpoints of light” normally associated with LEDs.
As part of its bold, powerful appearance, Escalade offers optional 22-inch wheels and tires – the largest factory-installed wheels in the full-size segment. All Escalade models – including those equipped with the standard 18-inch wheels and tires – feature a unique seven-spoke wheel design.
Aerodynamics and wind noise reduction
GM’s new full-size SUVs are the most aerodynamic in the segment with a 0.363 coefficient of drag. The more aerodynamic shape enhances fuel efficiency and quietness.
Contributors to the SUVs’ aerodynamic efficiency include:
- Front air dam – Carefully integrated stylish wraps into the leading edge of the tires. Compared to previous models, it is lower and wider.
- Tighter tolerances – New fascia designs, headlamp and grille mounting, and trim mounting attention to detail improve or eliminate gaps and improve tolerances compared to previous models, reducing drag.
- Improved sealing – Airflow into the grille is more efficient with improved front-end sealing, which almost eliminates air leak paths that can create drag.
- Streamlined components – Exterior components such as the rear-view mirrors, running boards and roof rack are aerodynamically tuned for reduced drag and noise. The high-mounted stop lamp (also known as the CHMSL) also is aerodynamically tuned, located in a housing that extends nearly the entire width of the roof, with the Cadillac Escalade’s sharp-edged CHMSL offering the most aerodynamic aid of all the new SUVs’ lamps.
Improved aerodynamics help enhance driving quietness, as do numerous body sealing features designed to reduce wind noise – including new-design door-to-body seals. The primary door seal has a sculpted shape with multiple internal chambers in the material that condense to provide a tighter fit when the door is closed. An auxiliary door seal, which runs from the lower A-pillar to the top of the doorframe and around the second-row door opening, has a combination of soft and stiff rubber material to prevent movement during driving. This helps maintain a constant seal, virtually eliminating the sound of wind noise as the vehicle speed increases.
Tighter tolerances
All models feature a one-piece, body-color front fascia that wraps around into the front wheel openings, creating a sleeker, more integrated appearance. The fascia covers the front bumper beam, eliminating the conventional look of a bumper separated from other body components. This more seamless design is one of the many details that helps improve aerodynamics and reduce wind noise. Hood-to-fender gaps are reduced, as are the headlamp-to-fender gaps.
At the rear of the vehicles, gaps are reduced around the liftgate and fascia top that creates a refined and precise appearance The liftgate-to-quarter panel and liftgate-to-taillamp tolerances have also been reduced with a new, one-piece door ring, or “D-ring.” The D-ring provides an extremely strong, dimensionally accurate foundation for details like the taillamp mounting holes. The quarter panels, underbody and roof all are welded to the D-ring in the upper body structure, which enables the precise fit and enhances the tight structure of the vehicles.
From the side, all models have a more integrated appearance, with t he increased windshield angle helping create a smoother transition to the roofline. The streamlined look is accented with smoother, lower-profile roof racks.
Doors extend down and wrap over the rockers for a cleaner, “one-piece” appearance and improved bodyside integration. The Cadillac Escalade features different door designs and window moldings that fit the contours of the unique front-end styling. Badging on all models consists of simple, element chrome letters on the front doors and liftgate. All models feature discreet GM Mark of Excellence insignias located on the forward edge of the front doors.
Rear-view mirrors are styled for improved aerodynamics and reduced wind noise. All model feature new, refined grab-style door handles that are designed to stand off from the edge of the vehicle for easier actuation. Door closing is effortless and quiet.
Standard running boards are integrated with the exterior design themes and optional power articulating running boards (available later in the model year) automatically extend when the doors are opened. When not in use, the boards retract inward, giving the vehicle a sleeker, more refined appearance.
Power liftgate
A new power liftgate is available on most models. The liftgate can be remotely opened, regardless of whether the vehicle is locked, by pressing and holding a key fob button for one second. Pressing and holding the key fob button closes the liftgate. If the vehicle is locked, the gate also locks. A second activation switch is located in the overhead console. A third control button on the liftgate itself will also automatically close the gate, after the vehicle is loaded.
Vehicles not equipped with the power liftgate feature an electric liftgate release feature. The liftgate has a pull handle with a micro-switch release. It allows the electrically operated liftgate latches to be released in an easy, one-touch manner by simply pressing the pull handle’s release pad.
The glass in the liftgate also has an easy access release switch. A pull strap and pull cup on the inside trim allow operators to close the liftgate, without having to grab the outside of the gate.
Larger power sunroof
A power-operated sunroof is available on the 2007 full-size SUVs and is larger than previous models. It is approximately 2 inches (50.8 mm) wider, allowing for a greater open-air driving feel. The sunroof also has a new express open/close feature and pop-up wind deflector that helps reduce wind noise with the sunroof is open.
Windshield wipers and heated washer fluid
New, flat-blade windshield wipers, which are pre-formed to contour the curvature of the windshield glass, provide more uniform pressure on the windshield glass to enhance clearing, minimize streaking and nearly eliminate wind noise. The blades are mounted on stylish arms that have less structure than previous-design models, eliminating joint and other points that can freeze, bind or cause “chatter.”
Rain-sensing wiper activation is available on some models (standard on Escalade), which automatically turns on the wipers when precipitation is detected. The system also automatically varies the wiper speed depending on the amount of precipitation. An infrared sensor mounted near the top of the windshield (behind the inside rear-view mirror), determines when precipitation on the windshield is sufficient to warrant turning on the wipers.
A heated windshield washer fluid feature also is available on some models (standard on Escalade). The heated fluid provides improved and faster clearing of frost and light ice buildup, as well as enhanced insect cleaning capability.
Regular washer fluid operation is available with the standard stalk-mounted control, while the heated fluid is available via an instrument panel control. When activated, regular washer fluid is diverted to a reservoir, where it is briefly super-heated to up to 140 degrees F. The system provides enough heated fluid for four cycles of use.
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
The new optional Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist system provides visual and audible warnings of objects behind the vehicle. The system operates when the vehicle is in Reverse, using four sensors located at the rear of the vehicle. The new system is available with a new, optional rear-view camera system, the first offered in a GM vehicle.
Rear-view camera system
The rear-view camera system is available with the optional navigation radio system. The camera provides a view of the rear of the vehicle not easily seen, even with the outside or inside rearview mirrors, allowing the driver to check for persons or obstacles directly in the path of the vehicle. It also assists with parallel parking or trailer backing. Drivers should still inspect around their vehicle for objects or playing children.
A large, clear picture of the camera’s field of view is available on the navigation radio screen. The rear-view camera also works with the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist to provide an audible proximity reference to items in the camera’s view. If an RPA sensor detects a person or object, it alerts the camera.
The camera only functions when the vehicle is shifted into Reverse. For convenience, it will stay on for a calibrated length of time – determined partly by vehicle speed – after the vehicle is shifted into Drive. The camera is mounted in the license plate surround bracket for an integrated styling appearance. It provides approximately 20 feet (6.1 meters) of viewing distance behind the vehicle.
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