(continued)
Tahoe also features details such as spray-in expanding foam, which helps reduce
noise by filling in space to eliminate sound paths. The foam, located mostly in
the A-pillars, expands to fill the void of a space. Tahoe’s quietness and
smoothness is complemented by the Autoride suspension system, which is standard
on LTZ. This segment-exclusive bi-state, real-time damping system provides an
extremely refined ride with greatly reduced body motion. The system consists of
a semi-active, two-position damping control system that responds in real time to
road and driving conditions, based on body and wheel motion sensors.
Tahoe’s quietness and smoothness are complemented by capabilities full-size SUV
customers depend on. Tahoe offers up to 7,700-pounds (3,492 kg) towing
capability (4WD models).
Improved Efficiency
A new Gen IV small-block V-8 family – the newest chapter in the small-block’s
50-year history – offers more power than comparable powertrains in previous
models. Fuel-saving Displacement On Demand technology also enables better fuel
economy. When combined with other vehicle-wide features, including improved
aerodynamics, the small-block V-8 helps give the Tahoe the segment’s best fuel
economy. Preliminary testing with 5.3L-equipped models shows unadjusted combined
fuel economy ratings of 20.5 mpg with 2WD models and 20.1 mpg with 4WD models.
That’s better fuel economy than any other full-size SUV.
New engine choices allow consumers to choose the performance level that meets
their needs. A Vortec 5.3L V-8 with 320 horsepower (238 kW) and 335 lb-ft of
torque (463 Nm) offers fuel-saving Displacement On Demand technology is
standard at start of production. A Vortec 4.8L V-8 becomes available later and
will be standard on Tahoe 2WD models.
A more steeply raked windshield and smoother roofline improve the aerodynamics
of Tahoe, resulting in a best-in-class 0.363 cd, which enhances fuel economy on
the highway. Additional contributors to efficiency include a lower, wider front
air dam, tighter tolerances and gaps between the fascias, lamps and grille
openings, and improved front-end sealing that nearly eliminates air leak paths.
These features all contribute to enhanced fuel economy and improved driving
quietness, compared with previous models.
“The economy of the new Tahoe is tremendous,” said Gary White, General Motors
North America Vice President and vehicle line executive for full-size trucks.
“It not only delivers better fuel economy than some smaller vehicles, it does so
with the full capability expected of a full-size SUV. That means you can tow a
boat out to your favorite lake on the weekend and take the kids to school during
the week without worry – it’s another trait of Tahoe’s do-anything personality.”
Refined Interior
The ’07 Tahoe is available in three trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ, with the
high-volume LT trim level offered with LT-1, LT-2 and LT-3 equipment groups.
Two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive models are available. All models come well
equipped with enhanced safety, comfort and convenience features.
Refinements throughout Tahoe’s spacious interior create an environment that
exudes quality and precision, as well as comfort. A two-tone color scheme is
executed with new, softer and low-gloss materials for the instrument panel and
other trim pieces. Additional details include LED backlighting for the
instruments and chrome accents on instruments and vents. Flush-mounted
accessories and controls, such as the climate control/radio center stack create
a seamless, “single unit” appearance. Also, there are almost no exposed metal
hardware or latches, as all models feature enclosing “close outs” around the
seat bottoms and door sill trim plates.
Distinctive, Sporty Exterior
Design
The amenities and performance features are wrapped in a stylish new package that
conveys the sporty, ready-for-anything reputation of Tahoe. An all-new exterior
design is leaner and more agile looking, with large wheels and the wider track
enhancing Tahoe’s powerful, capable stance. The improved aerodynamics also
contributes to the sleek look, with a more steeply raked windshield and smoother
roofline accentuating the exterior length.
Tahoe is the first truck to feature the new face of Chevrolet with a large Chevy
gold bow tie, centered on a twin-port horizontal grille. The body-colored grille
surround is inset with an argent texture mesh. Fog lamps and headlamps feature
jewel-like optics. The lower fascia, incorporating the front license plate
holder and integrated tow hooks, is aggressively styled with a skid plate look
that enhances Tahoe’s rugged, off-road appearance.
Tahoe’s front end reflects its sporty, outdoor character. It includes the
fast-rake windshield; a bulging power dome hood; a prominent new fender design,
with integrated wheel flares; a distinctive new grille and headlamps; and a
full-wrap fascia. The wraparound fascia, which eliminates the conventional
bumper-to-body gap, is one of the numerous attributes that gives the Tahoe a
more refined look. It also enhances aerodynamics.
Also complementing Tahoe’s sporty appearance is a new family of 17-inch and
20-inch wheels. Seventeen-inch wheels and tires are standard, with 20-inch
factory-installed wheels available. The larger wheels fill Tahoe’s wheel houses,
giving the vehicle a confident stance.
The available Z71 package (available later in 2006) takes this aggressive look
to the next level. It includes a specifically designed three-piece fascia with a
protective, platinum chrome skid plate. It has larger tow hook openings; larger,
more prominent fog lamps; and specific grille texture and platinum chrome grille
trim. Eighteen-inch wheels and tires also are part of the package.
Tahoe is offered in nine exterior colors: Greystone Metallic, Dark Blue
Metallic, Sport Red Metallic, Bermuda Blue Metallic, Black, Summit White, Gold
Mist Metallic, Antique Bronze Metallic and Silver Birch Metallic.
Enhanced Safety and Security
The 2007 Tahoe has a comprehensive package of standard and available safety
features. New features, including roof-mounted head curtain side air bags with
rollover protection for all seating rows, complement the stronger chassis and
body structures to provide excellent passenger protection.
For further protection, the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with
new roll-over mitigation technology is standard on all models. With the enhanced
StabiliTrak system, sensors continuously monitor the vehicle’s side-to-side
angle, triggering stability-maintaining action if the angle indicates a possible
roll-over condition. If a roll-over is likely, the system can trigger the
roof-rail air bags before the incident occurs to provide passengers with
increased protection.
Crash avoidance also is bolstered through enhanced driver control dynamics, such
as wider front and rear tracks, as well as more responsive suspensions –
including a new coil-over-strut front suspension design and new rack-and-pinion
steering.
Available technology, including Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist and a rear-view
camera system, enhance safety at all corners, helping – in addition to the
numerous crash and roll-over sensors – to give the Tahoe 360 degrees of
protection. Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist is standard on LT-2, LT-3 and LTZ
models and available on LS and LT-1. The rearview camera system is available on
LT-2, LT-3 and LTZ models (requires navigation radio).
Along with GM’s other new full-size SUVs, Tahoe’s chassis and body structure are
designed for improved crash energy management. The front frame section has
improved crush dynamics that provide the equivalent of 17.7 inches (450 mm) of
additional crush space, when compared with the previous-generation models – in a
vehicle that is only approximately 3 inches (76.2 mm) longer. The frame also is
designed for improved vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility in the event of a crash
with a smaller vehicle.
The 2007 Tahoe will be built at Arlington Assembly, in Arlington, Texas, and
will be available in the first quarter of 2006.
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