Chevrolet Tahoe
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| Manufacturer | General Motors |
|---|---|
| Production | 1992–present (Yukon) 1995-present (Tahoe) |
| Predecessor | Chevrolet K-Blazer/GMC K5 Jimmy |
| Class | Full-size SUV |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive |
The Chevrolet Tahoe (and very similar GMC Yukon) is a full-size SUV from General Motors. Chevrolet and GMC sold two different-sized SUVs under their Blazer/Jimmy model names through the early 1990s. This situation changed when GMC rebadged the full-size Jimmy as the Yukon in 1992. Chevrolet waited until 1994's introduction of a four-door version to rebadge the mid-size S-10 Blazer as the Blazer, renaming the full-size Blazer as the Tahoe.
The Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon currently serve as General Motors' full-size SUVs. Lengthened wheelbase models are available for both as the Suburban for the Tahoe and Yukon XL for the Yukon. A luxury Denali model joined the Yukon lineup in 1998. As of 2002, a Denali version of the Yukon XL was also available as the Yukon XL Denali.
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[edit] 1992 - 1999 (GMT400)
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| Also called | GMC Yukon Chevrolet Blazer (in Brazil) Chevrolet Silverado (Mexico) Chevrolet Grand Blazer (Colombia) |
|---|---|
| Production | 1992–1999 Yukon 1992–1994 Blazer 1995–1999 Tahoe 1995–1999 Silverado (Mexico) |
| Assembly | Arlington, Texas, United States Silao, Mexico |
| Body style(s) | 2-door SUV 4-door SUV |
| Platform | GM GMT400 platform |
| Engine(s) | 5.7 L V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed 4L80E automatic 4-speed 4L60E automatic 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 2-door: 111.5 in (2832 mm) 4-door: 117.5 in (2985 mm) |
| Length | 188 in (4,775 mm) (2-door) 199 in (5,055 mm) (4-door) |
| Width | 77 in (1,956 mm) |
| Height | 72 in (1,829 mm) |
| Curb weight | 4,500 lb (2,000 kg) (2-door) 5,500 lb (2,500 kg) (4-door) |
| Related | Chevrolet Suburban GMC Suburban |
The new GMC Yukon was introduced for 1992, while Chevrolet continued calling their version the Blazer. All were 2-door models through 1994. In 1995 the Chevy changed the name of the Blazer to Tahoe and introduced a 4-door version. The Tahoe was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 1996.
The Tahoe/Yukon were shorter than the Suburban on which they were based, but shared that vehicle's GMT400 platform. This was a true truck chassis, and was based on that used in the Chevrolet Silverado full-size pickup truck. Both two-door and four-door models were produced, as well as rear- and four-wheel drive. The two door weighs roughly 4500 pounds while the four door weighs approximately 5500 pounds. "AutoTrac" full-time all-wheel drive and OnStar were added for 1998. The upscale Denali trim line to the Yukon appeared around this time as the vehicles became popular with wealthy families.
In Mexico, the Tahoe 2-door was released in 1995, called the Chevrolet Silverado, and in 1998 the 4-door was released as the Silverado 4-door, and both were available in Base, LS and luxury LT trim lines.
When the GMT800-based SUVs were released in 2000, a 2WD Tahoe Limited was produced for demand purposes. It featured Police package suspension, monochromatic paint, no roof rack, distinctive front bumper and body kit, 2-toned leather seats and 16" alloy wheels. A Tahoe Sport was also produced that had a monochromatic paint scheme, distinctive front bumper and wheels. It is largely believe to be a Z71 model, but most do not possess the Z71 RPO code found in the glovebox.[citation needed]
The Chevy Tahoe Limited Edition was offered for the 2000 model year, but based on the first generation model platform. The Tahoe Limited was produced for only one model year. According to research, there were 8,905 units produced[citation needed]—all in black. The Tahoe Limited was originally badged as the Tahoe SS (concept in 1995), but GM disliked the idea of an "SS" at a time when insurance companies were already demanding higher premiums for SUVs.[citation needed] Ronal 16" wheels, brakes borrowed from the Chevrolet Suburban, Bilstein shocks, a two-tone leather interior, and a 120 mph (190 km/h) gauge cluster were among the standard features in the Tahoe Limited. A body that sat 2" lower than normally aspired Tahoes, along with an all black grille, fog lights set in the front bumper and side skirts gave the Tahoe Limited a more aggressive stance—which is said to have been originally inspired by a Tahoe Police Package shown at the 1996 SEMA Show.
| Year | Displacement | Engine | Power | Torque | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992–1995 | 5.7 L | 350 TBI V8 | 200 hp (149 kW) | ||
| 1996–1998 | 6.5 ;L | Detroit Diesel V8 | 180 hp (134 kW) | 2-door 4WD Tahoe only | |
| 1996–1999 | 5.7 L | Vortec 5700 V8 | 255 hp (190 kW) | 335 ft·lbf |
[edit] 2000 - 2006 (GMT800)
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| Also called | GMC Yukon Chevrolet Blazer (in Brazil) Chevrolet Sonora (Mexico) |
|---|---|
| Production | 2000-2006 |
| Assembly | Janesville, Wisconsin, United States Arlington, Texas, United States Silao, Mexico |
| Body style(s) | 4-door SUV |
| Platform | GM GMT800 platform |
| Engine(s) | 4.8 L 275 hp (205 kW) V8 5.3 L 285 hp (213 kW) V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed 4L60-E automatic |
| Wheelbase | 116.0 in (2946 mm) |
| Length | 2000-01 Tahoe & 2000-06 Yukon & Denali: 198.9 in (5052 mm) 2002-03 Tahoe: 196.9 in (5001 mm) 2004-06 Tahoe: 198.8 in (5050 mm) |
| Width | 78.9 in (2004 mm) 2004-06 Tahoe: 78.8 in (2002 mm) |
| Height | 2000-01 Tahoe: 74.2 in (1885 mm) 2000-06 Yukon 2WD & 2004-06 Tahoe 4WD: 76.7 in (1948 mm) 2000-06 Yukon 4WD/Denali & 2002-03 2WD Tahoe: 76.5 in (1943 mm) 2002-03 Tahoe 4WD: 76.3 in (1938 mm) 2004-06 Tahoe 2WD: 74.8 in (1900 mm) |
| Related | Chevrolet Suburban GMC Yukon XL Cadillac Escalade Hummer H2 |
Other than the Tahoe Limited Edition, the vehicle was redesigned for the 2000 model year on the new GMT800 platform, still shared with the full-sized pickups. Two new engines replaced the old 5.7 L (350ci) small-block V8, and while both were smaller, both produced more power. The manual transmission was dropped, leaving only the automatic transmission. In Mexico, the GMT800 Chevy Tahoe is called a Chevrolet Sonora.
Both vehicles received significant updates with only the grille and headlights distinguishing one from the other. Both vehicles now featured softer lines as part of a more aerodynamic design. The interior was also updated with new seats, dashboard, and door panels.
"StabiliTrak" stability control was offered for the first time in 2003, as were XM Satellite Radio, Bose audio, and a DVD entertainment system as the models continued to climb upmarket. Both engines received 10 hp (7.5 kW) more for 2004.
| Year | Displacement | Engine | Power | Torque | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 5.7 L | Vortec 5700 V8 | 255 hp (190 kW) | 335 ft·lbf | |
| 2000–2003 | 4.8 L | Vortec 4800 V8 | 275 hp (205 kW) | ||
| 2000–2003 | 5.3 L | Vortec 5300 V8 | 280-285 hp (213 kW) | 325-330 lb·ft | |
| 2004–2006 | 4.8 L | Vortec 4800 V8 | 285 hp (213 kW) | ||
| 2004–2006 | 5.3 L | Vortec 5300 V8 | 295 hp (220 kW) |
[edit] 2007 - Current (GMT900)
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| Also called | GMC Yukon Chevrolet Blazer (in Brazil) |
|---|---|
| Production | 2007–present |
| Assembly | Janesville, Wisconsin, United States Arlington, Texas, United States |
| Platform | GMT900 |
| Engine(s) | 4.8L 295 hp (220 kW) V8 5.3L 320 hp (240 kW) V8 6.2L 380HP(Denali)/395HP(09- Tahoe LTZ) V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed 4L60-E automatic 6-speed 6L80 automatic (2009- all models and engines excluding the 4.8L V8 2WD) |
| Wheelbase | 116.0 in (2946 mm) |
| Length | 202.0 in (5131 mm) |
| Width | 79.0 in (2007 mm) |
| Height | 76.9 in (1953 mm) Yukon Denali: 77.0 in (1956 mm) Hybrid: 74.6 in (1895 mm) Tahoe Hybrid 4WD: 74.8 in (1900 mm) |
| Fuel capacity | 26 US gal (98 L; 22 imp gal) |
| Related | Chevrolet Suburban GMC Yukon XL Cadillac Escalade |
General Motors replaced the Tahoe and Yukon on the new GMT900 platform in late 2005 as a 2007. A hybrid version of the Yukon, which uses the shared GM/Chrysler Advanced Hybrid System 2, is followed with the 2008 models. The GMT900 based Tahoe and Yukon exceeded initial sales expectations and continue to sell well despite a weakening market for large SUVs. For the first time, GM uses the Tahoe name in Mexico.
 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid |
 2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid |
For 2007 the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe received different front fascias and hood. The GMC Yukon features a monolithic grille and headlights, while the Chevrolet Tahoe grille is divided by a body colored bar similar to the chrome bar found on most of the GMT800 Tahoe. While the Tahoe's hood now features a design attribute obtruding from its otherwise smooth contour, the Yukon features a smooth hood with two slight curves on both sides of the hood. Both the new Yukon and Tahoe feature a more angular design that gives the vehicles a more upscale appearance. The interior was significantly redesigned as well. It features a new real wooded trim dashboard with new chrome accented instrument controls. New door panels as well as new seats were also added to the interior.
Short wheelbase and police Tahoe production began at Arlington Assembly on December 1, 2005. SWB Yukon production began in early 2006, with Janesville Assembly coming on line as well. Long wheelbase versions began at Janesville and Silao Assembly in March.
Highway mileage has improved from 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 21-22 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) with the addition of Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. Both the old and new versions get 15-16 mpg (15.7 L/100 km) in town.
The 2007 Tahoe was featured on, and promoted through Donald Trump's The Apprentice, where the two teams put together a show for the top General Motors employees to learn about the new Tahoe. Also, The Apprentice sponsored an online contest where entrants could create their own commercial for the new Tahoe.
| Year | Displacement | Engine | Power | Torque | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007– | 4.8 L | Vortec 4800 V8 | 295 hp (220 kW) | 305 lb·ft (414 N·m) | does not feature active fuel management |
| 2007– | 5.3 L | Vortec 5300 V8 | 320 hp (239 kW) | 340 lb·ft (461 N·m) | standard on 2WD models |
| 2007– | 5.3 L | Vortec 5300 V8 | 320 hp (239 kW) | 340 lb·ft (461 N·m) | FlexFuel; standard on 4WD models |
| 2007– | 6.2 L | Vortec 6200 V8 | 380(07-08- Denali), 403(09- Denali) /395(09- Tahoe) hp (283/295 kW) | 417 lb·ft (565 N·m) | Yukon Denali and 2009- Tahoe LTZ only; does not feature active fuel management. |
[edit] GMC Yukon Denali
The GMC Denali nameplate started as the luxury version of the Yukon for the 1998 model year. The Denali trim is as in the GMC Envoy available on both standard and XL versions.
[edit] 1999
In 1998, at the time of its introduction, the Yukon Denali was GM's answer to the Lincoln Navigator, but then GM introduced a clone to the Yukon Denali and rebadged it "Escalade" under the Cadillac nameplate. The Yukon Denali's exterior was shared with the Cadillac Escalade, with the entire front clip and lower side body panels differing from the standard Yukon. In the interior, however, the Denali features luxury options not available in the Yukon. These included an upgraded leather interior, power seats, heated seats front and rear, Bose stereo system, and some woodgrain on the dashboard.
[edit] 2001
Even though the Yukon was redesigned alongside the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe in 2000, the Denali and Escalade retained their 1990s base design. It was not until 2001 that the Denali and Escalade were redesigned. While the Escalade departed from its Yukon based exterior design scheme in attempt to hide its roots, the Yukon Denali's exterior is almost the same as that of a post-2000 GMT400 model year Yukon. Embossed side body panels and slightly reworked headlights with projector-beam lenses differentiate the Yukon Denali from the regular Yukon. 2001 also saw the introduction of the billet grille which now has become the hallmark of the Denali nameplate.
[edit] 2007
The Yukon Denali was redesigned for the 2007 model year alongside the regular mainstream Yukon. The biggest change was in the styling, such as the flattened tailgate reminiscent of the new Tahoe, and particularly the grill and headlight shapes, which made the Yukon look less aggressive than previous models. The only exterior difference between the Yukon Denali and the standard Yukon are the chrome grille and extensive use of chrome accents; and of course the insignias, embeveled rockerpanels, chromed headlights and the Vortec 6200 engine which it shares with the Cadillac Escalade.
[edit] Hybrid vehicle
Tahoe made its hybrid electric debut in fall, 2007.[1] In January, 2008, starting price was USD$50,540.[2] The starting price of the 2009 model was increased to USD$51,405.[3]
The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid uses a combination of its 6.0-liter V8 engine and two electric motors that charge a 300-volt nickel-metal hydride battery. The vehicle can run on either gasoline, electricity or a mixture of the two using an automatic system that monitors the vehicle's torque, and state of the battery to choose the most efficient source of power. The battery is charged either directly by generating electricity through driving one or both electric motors using the gasoline engine (while the vehicle is coasting or being driven by the gasoline engine), or by the wheels driving one or both electric motors through what is called "Regenerative Braking" when the vehicle is decelerating, thus regaining a small amount of the energy invested in forward momentum. The Tahoe is considered a strong hybrid, in that it can run entirely on the battery (for a limited range) at low speeds. In city driving, the EPA rating of fuel consumption for the 2WD version of the hybrid is 21 mpg. In comparison, non-hybrid varieties of the Tahoe are rated no higher than 15 mpg in city driving.
[edit] The Apprentice make-your-own-ad contest
The 2007 Tahoe was featured on and promoted through Donald Trump's TV series, The Apprentice, where the two teams put together a show for the top General Motors employees to learn about the new Tahoe. Also, The Apprentice sponsored an online contest in which anyone could create a commercial for the new Tahoe by entering text captions into the provided video clips; the winner's ad would air on national television. This viral marketing campaign initially appeared to backfire however, when hundreds of environmentally conscious parodies flooded YouTube and Chevy's website critiquing the vehicle for its low gas mileage. Over 400 negative ads were created in total, however over 20,000 positive ads were created making the campaign a success[4], despite the negative media attention.[5]
[edit] The Tahoe in foreign countries
In Brazil the Tahoe GMT400 was sold under the name of "Grand Blazer". The GMT400 is used by Brazilian elite police units, such as the BOPE (Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais) in Rio de Janeiro and the ROTA (Rondas Ostensivas Tobias de Aguiar) and GATE (Grupo de Ações Taticas Especiais) in São Paulo. It is also used by the São Paulo State Police and the Rio Grande do Sul State Police. But as the cars grow old the great majority of them were substituted.
[edit] Police package
In North America, the Tahoe is used by many law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and EMS agencies. Chevrolet currently offers 2 versions of the police package Tahoe; a four-wheel drive version and a two-wheel drive version.
The four-wheel drive version is a "Special Service Vehicle", and can be used for all purposes except pursuits and high speed responses. Because the four-wheel drive version is much higher up from the ground than the two-wheel drive version, it has a higher probability of rolling over if used at high speeds. Because of this, the four-wheel drive version is not pursuit rated and as such, cannot be used in pursuits or high speed responses. The four-wheel drive version Tahoe is preferred by agencies where snow, ice, flooding, rough terrain, and ground clearance are issues.[6]
The two-wheel drive version is a "Police Pursuit Vehicle", and can be used for all purposes including pursuits and high speed responses. Because the two-wheel drive version is much lower to the ground than the four-wheel drive version, it has a lower probability of rolling over if used at high speeds. Because of this, the two-wheel drive version is pursuit rated and as such, can be used in pursuits and high speed responses. The two-wheel drive version Tahoe is preferred by agencies where pursuits, and long distance responses are issues. Highway patrol agencies prefer the two-wheel drive version. It should be noted that the two-wheel drive version of the Tahoe is the only pursuit rated SUV on the market today.[7]
[edit] Yearly American sales
| Calendar Year | Total American Tahoe sales |
|---|---|
| 2001[8] | 202,319 |
| 2002 | 209,767 |
| 2003 | 199,065 |
| 2004[9] | 186,161 |
| 2005 | 152,307 |
| 2006[10] | 161,491 |
| 2007 | 146,259 |
| 2008[11] | 91,578 |
[edit] References
- ^ "Full-size hybrids? GM's got 'em" from Statesman.com
- ^ "2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid" from GM.com
- ^ "2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid" from gmautobuilder.com
- ^ Despite Negative Ads, Chevy Declares Viral Video Campaign a Success, Media Buyer Planner, 2006-04-04
- ^ Commercial Break, from Wired News, 2006-12-04
- ^ Tahoe SSV 4WD PDF
- ^ Tahoe 2WD PPV PDF
- ^ "mediaOnline". Media.gm.com. 2003-01-03. http://media.gm.com/news/sales/030103_decsales.html. Retrieved on 2009-05-07.
- ^ http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/01/05/205609.html
- ^ "GM Media Online". Media.gm.com. 2007-01-03. http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target=http://image.emerald.gm.com/gmnews/viewmonthlyreleasedetail.do?domain=6&docid=31596. Retrieved on 2009-05-07.
- ^ "GM Media Online". Media.gm.com. 2009-01-05. http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target=http://image.emerald.gm.com/gmnews/viewpressreldetail.do?domain=2&docid=51161. Retrieved on 2009-05-07.
[edit] External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Chevrolet Tahoe |
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