Chevrolet Tahoe (2007)

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 and thoughtful convenience built in

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. New and substantially revised features include:
+ Power-release fold-and-tumble second-row seat
+ Remote vehicle starting system
+ First- and second-row heated seats
+ Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
+ Rearview camera system
+ Touch-screen navigation system
+ Power-articulating running boards (mid-year availability)
+ DVD rear-seat entertainment system with larger, 8-inch screen and enhanced 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.

Tahoe's additional safety features include:
+ Standard dual-stage frontal air bags with GM's passenger sensing system
+ Roof-mounted head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for all seating rows available on LS, LT-1 and LT-2 models; standard on LT-3 and LTZ
+ Standard front seat safety belt pretensioners (with rear-crash activation)
+ Remote vehicle starting system standard on LT-2, LT-3 and LTZ; prep package for dealer installation standard on LS and LT-1 models (includes keyless entry remote)
+ Power-adjustable pedals standard on LT-2, LT-3 and LTZ, available on LS and LT-1
+ Tire pressure monitoring system standard on all models
+ Daytime running lamps
+ RainSense automatic windshield wiper activation standard on LTZ and available on LT-3
+ Heated windshield wiper fluid standard on LTZ and available on LT-3
+ Standard four-wheel disc brakes with Bosch 8.0 four-channel ABS
+ Available 4WD with Autotrac automatic transfer case
+ OnStar with Advanced Automatic Crash Notification

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.

All Tahoe models are equipped with the OnStar Generation 6 system, including a one-year subscription to the Safe & Sound plan. The system features digital and analog coverage. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada . Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Hands Free Calling (OHC) that allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls using a powerful 3-watt digital/analog system and external antenna for greater reception. OHC requires an additional OnStar service contract and pre-paid calling minutes, and is not available in Alaska and some other markets. Calls can be made to U.S. and Canada only.

The OnStar service available on the Tahoe includes the General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, making crash data available to emergency services to potentially dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster. If the vehicle is in an accident that activates an airbag, the OnStar system automatically notifies an OnStar Adviser who will check on the occupants or summon emergency help if necessary. OnStar also can assist authorities in locating a vehicle if it is reported stolen (ability to locate stolen vehicles varies with conditions).

The 2007 Tahoe will be built at Arlington Assembly, in Arlington , Texas , and will be available in the first quarter of 2006.