’07 Chevy Tahoe on Heady Mission

[cincygoblue]

By Alisa Priddle
WardsAuto.com, Jan 3 2006

Test drives put to rest any fears a rush job would jeopardize the quality and performance of the new trucks.

PHOENIX – This is the big one for General Motors Corp.

The ’07 Chevrolet Tahoe is the first of the GMT900 family of fullsize trucks to hit the streets, and it needs every bit of its increased dimensions and high-strength steel.

The load – expectations of maintaining high-volume sales and profits – is so crucial that GM accelerated development of this mega-platform.

The first GMT900-based SUV, the Tahoe, began salable production in Arlington, TX, Dec. 1, six weeks ahead of schedule. It is followed this month by the GMC Yukon and the ode to bling, the new Cadillac Escalade.

The GMT900 fullsize pickups are on track for launch 13 weeks ahead of schedule, in fourth-quarter 2006.

Any fears a rush job would jeopardize the quality and performance of the new trucks are put to rest in test drives here.

The Tahoe ambitiously shoots to deliver satisfying performance and improved fuel economy, and arguably achieves both goals.

GM’s Gen IV small-block 5.3L OHV V-8 generates 320 hp and 340 lb.-ft. (470 Nm) of torque and gives the 4-wheel-drive Tahoe capacity to tow up to 7,700 lbs. (3,492 kg).

The standard Displacement-on-Demand (DOD) technology shuts down four cylinders when not needed for what should be as much as a 25% improvement in fuel economy, GM engineers say.

In test drives, cylinders shut down and return to duty seamlessly. The instrument panel’s driver-information display thoughtfully provides a constant update of how many cylinders are at work at any given time.

The auto maker concentrated on making the new SUV more aerodynamic, as well. Contributing to the overall sleek look is a more steeply raked windshield, sloped at a 57-degree angle vs. 50 degrees on the outgoing model.

. . . .

On the breathtakingly narrow and winding Apache Trail that travels 28 miles (45 km) to Tortilla Flat, the rack-and-pinion steering is tight; the vehicle nimble; and the larger disc brakes (13-in. [33-cm] front and 13.5-in. [35-cm] rear) smooth as silk.

The upgrade from the mushy brake pedal on the outgoing model is an oasis on this often single-lane desert drive.

The new truck’s on-center steering feel makes for effortless driving on the straight stretches, where wind ripping up the canyon from the Gulf of Mexico does not buffet the sturdy Tahoe or sap the driver’s energy.

The Tahoe boasts a new and stiffer fully boxed frame. It has a new independent coil-over-shock front suspension and 5-link solid-axle rear suspension, with a real-time damping system that all but eliminates body roll.

Add to that wider front and rear tracks, a lower center of gravity and 17-in. standard wheels that can be bumped up to 20 ins. – the Escalade will have optional 22-inchers – and this SUV enjoys admirable stability and handling, not to mention precise cornering.

Generally speaking, it “drives small,” which was one of the biggies on GM’s checklist of driving-dynamics priorities for the all-new platform.

The aspirations for the interior were equally daunting. But there, the vehicle had to feel big.

GM stuck its neck out with advance hype about interiors being the battleground of the future. For the GMT900, the auto maker amassed the troops on all fronts.

Material selection is a vast improvement, with a combination of wood, aluminum and leather.

. . . .

The star of the interior is the segment-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second-row seating for easier access to the third row. When flipped up, the exposed seat back is smooth and guaranteed not to snag anything.

It was, in part, the 6-door Suburban concept of a few years ago that helped clarify customers need easier access to the third row but not necessarily with another set of doors, White says.

First- and second-row seats are heated. Third-row seats are easily removed and carried off with a handle, like a suitcase.

Additional available features include a touch-screen navigation system, rear parking assist and rearview camera, DVD rear-seat entertainment system and heated window- washer fluid.

Power-articulating running boards will become available midyear.

GM also aimed for the quietest interior in the segment, knowing the engine’s DOD technology creates a noise, vibration and harshness challenge when the V-8 operates in 4-cyl. mode.

Damping materials were sprayed on the dash, floor panel and in sound paths throughout the vehicle. Noise-reduction efforts also were employed in the headliner, door seals, engine cover and alternator, while the exterior mirrors and roof rack were streamlined, all in an attempt to reduce noise 20%.

On both pavement and dirt roads, the cabin maintains a notable quietness.

Entire article at: http://wardsauto.com/ar/auto_chevy_t...eady/index.htm

[Quickening]

Sounds realy good..just wish they made 3rd row seats fold flat or something. Carry them like a suit case..yeh right. Unless they made them lighter..they are beasts.

[espo19047]

Lets hope everything works out. Then maybe they will star to "rush" all the new stuff out.I'll be in Miami Feb 9th for the ride and drive. I hope they have the Avalanche there by then. I'll bring my camera.

[Robert G]

TheCarConnection.com review: http://www.thecarconnection.com/Vehi...181.A9802.html “I have not been as impressed with a new GM vehicle in 15-plus years of covering the industry and test-driving new cars. This new Tahoe is a magnificent SUV. And with Chevy's initial quality and customer satisfaction scores on an upward trend (Chevy has actually beaten Toyota here lately) there is nowhere to go but up. Here's to hoping GM has more of this kind of engineering and styling commitment in the works.”

[CADILLACSIXTEEN]

so im assuming if the Tahoe is this good, then the Escalade is great?

[56 Starchief]

good get the camaro out faster too.

[chevygurl72]

when are they going to release pictures of the avalanche

[ocmdog]

Wow. Sounds really good. I wonder what the Yukon will be like...

[63GrandSport001]

Two very good reviews, hopefully with this the Tahoe can not only keep its sales leader status but steal a lot of sales from other full size SUVs. After all in a down sizing market segment it needs to steal

[paul3230]

Originally Posted by 56 Starchief

good get the camaro out faster too.

Amen to that! Seems like the Tahoe is living up to the hype..which bodes well for GM.

[asim]

This is awesome!