As for the timing of the reveal, the director of sales, service and marketing for GM North America, Mark LaNeve, noted that is fairly unfortunate, since gas prices are high. But then 80 percent of the people who buy SUVs like the Tahoe buy them to give them mobility in bad weather, so maybe that
counteracts the gas issue. Whatever the forces at work on sales, LaNeve said he didn't expect to see a decrease in the size of the market or GM's huge share of it.
In all, GM's new large SUV platform supports two wheelbases (2,946 mm and 3,302 mm), three body styles and 12 different models, including light- and heavy-duty versions.
The rollout begins in the first quarter of 2006, LaNeve said, with the arrival of the Tahoe, GMC Yukon/Yukon Denali, and Cadillac Escalade.
Extended-wheelbase versions, including Chevy Suburban and Avalanche, GMC Yukon XL and Yukon XL Denali, and Cadillac Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT, are scheduled for introduction in the second quarter of 2006.
White pointed out that the range of configurations and models -- particularly the heavy-duty models, which most competitors simply do not offer -- gives SUV customers "tremendous choice when selecting a vehicle to suit their needs."
As an example of that, White referenced the strengthened chassis of the 1500-series models (short wheelbase), that now enables towing ratings of 3,266 kg for most 2WD models and 3,492 kg for most 4WD models.
"Along with segment-topping capability comes enhanced efficiency," White said. "Refinements that characterize the new Gen IV small-block V-8-based powertrains, including Displacement On Demand technology and variable valve timing, advance GM's full-size SUVs as the most fuel efficient in the segment."
As a result, the new SUVs provide more horsepower and better fuel economy than previous models, which were the segment leaders in fuel economy. This is the kind of equation that speaks directly to the demands of contemporary SUV buyers.
Larger standard and optional wheels, including extra-cost 20-inch units on Chevy and GMC models, as well as 22-inchers on Escalade, are tailored to
fit the wheel openings. Lutz said that "This precise wheel-to-body relationship -- including a wheels-at-the-corners stance -- gives the vehicle a more refined look and, with the chassis' wider track, a more athletic presence and lowered stance."
LaNeve said that "numerous standard and available features complement the new SUVs' design, including new-design flat-blade windshield wipers, standard front tow hooks (4WD models), an available power-assisted rear liftgate, available factory-installed articulating running boards and a larger available sunroof."
While it's the exterior style that catches the consumers' eye, White noted, it's the new interiors that will keep them happy. So the all-new interior styling of GM's 2007 full-size SUVs "continues the refinement story with a premium, more spacious design and distinct styling among the brands -- including an exclusive interior design for Escalade models."
The cabin space is roomier (including the cargo area), White said, and has a "spacious, luxurious environment, thanks to a premium two-tone color scheme and a lower-positioned instrument panel."
White noted that thinner, sculpted seat designs and trim "reassert the vehicles' leadership position in comfort, including heated seats for first- and second-row passengers." Also, the front seats offer more fore/aft and recline travel, and the second-row seats have an increased seatback recline angle for increased comfort.
Overall, the intent was to give the SUVs the interior appeal of a large sedan, and White and his team have achieved that.
 |
| 2007 Chevy Tahoe LTZ (Photo: General Motors) |
In all, GM's new large SUV platform supports two wheelbases (2,946 mm and 3,302 mm), three body styles and 12 different models, including light- and heavy-duty versions.
The rollout begins in the first quarter of 2006, LaNeve said, with the arrival of the Tahoe, GMC Yukon/Yukon Denali, and Cadillac Escalade.
Extended-wheelbase versions, including Chevy Suburban and Avalanche, GMC Yukon XL and Yukon XL Denali, and Cadillac Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT, are scheduled for introduction in the second quarter of 2006.
White pointed out that the range of configurations and models -- particularly the heavy-duty models, which most competitors simply do not offer -- gives SUV customers "tremendous choice when selecting a vehicle to suit their needs."
As an example of that, White referenced the strengthened chassis of the 1500-series models (short wheelbase), that now enables towing ratings of 3,266 kg for most 2WD models and 3,492 kg for most 4WD models.
"Along with segment-topping capability comes enhanced efficiency," White said. "Refinements that characterize the new Gen IV small-block V-8-based powertrains, including Displacement On Demand technology and variable valve timing, advance GM's full-size SUVs as the most fuel efficient in the segment."
As a result, the new SUVs provide more horsepower and better fuel economy than previous models, which were the segment leaders in fuel economy. This is the kind of equation that speaks directly to the demands of contemporary SUV buyers.
Larger standard and optional wheels, including extra-cost 20-inch units on Chevy and GMC models, as well as 22-inchers on Escalade, are tailored to
 |
| 2007 Chevy Tahoe LTZ (Photo: General Motors) |
LaNeve said that "numerous standard and available features complement the new SUVs' design, including new-design flat-blade windshield wipers, standard front tow hooks (4WD models), an available power-assisted rear liftgate, available factory-installed articulating running boards and a larger available sunroof."
While it's the exterior style that catches the consumers' eye, White noted, it's the new interiors that will keep them happy. So the all-new interior styling of GM's 2007 full-size SUVs "continues the refinement story with a premium, more spacious design and distinct styling among the brands -- including an exclusive interior design for Escalade models."
The cabin space is roomier (including the cargo area), White said, and has a "spacious, luxurious environment, thanks to a premium two-tone color scheme and a lower-positioned instrument panel."
White noted that thinner, sculpted seat designs and trim "reassert the vehicles' leadership position in comfort, including heated seats for first- and second-row passengers." Also, the front seats offer more fore/aft and recline travel, and the second-row seats have an increased seatback recline angle for increased comfort.
Overall, the intent was to give the SUVs the interior appeal of a large sedan, and White and his team have achieved that.