LAS VEGAS – Chevy Trucks’ 2007 model year kicked off early with the introduction of the all-new Chevy Tahoe, followed by all-new versions of the Suburban and Avalanche. These comprehensively redesigned full-size SUVs feature sleek styling, more powerful and more efficient powertrains, refined interiors and a 360-degree system of safety features – including government-awarded five-star frontal crash ratings for both the driver and right-front passenger.
Chevy’s new full-size SUVs are proving popular in an increasingly tough segment. Capability and performance are hallmarks of Chevy trucks and the new Tahoe, Suburban and Avalanche exceed expectations on both fronts. Indeed, the entire 2007 Chevy truck lineup delivers the capability and performance needed for any task.
“The success of Chevy’s all-new full-size SUVs is proof that our customers recognize and appreciate the important attributes built into the Tahoe, Suburban and Avalanche,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “These vehicles demonstrate that greater performance and capability can be partnered with greater efficiency.”
Several standard and available engines in the new SUVs offer fuel-saving Active Fuel Management™, which helps increase fuel efficiency by seamlessly shutting off half of the engine’s cylinders in certain driving conditions. This technology helps give Chevy’s full-size SUV lineup the segment’s best fuel economy. Along with increased efficiency, several models of the Tahoe, Suburban and Avalanche are offered with engines that can run on E85, a renewable fuel made of 85 percent ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and 15 percent gasoline. GM has nearly 2 million E85 flex-fuel vehicles on the road.
Along with the all-new full-size SUVs, an all-new Silverado pickup lineup is on the way.
Changes for the rest of the ’07 Chevy truck lineup include:
Colorado – More power comes to the Colorado in 2007, with all-new Vortec 2.9L and 3.7L engines. The 2.9L DOHC four-cylinder with variable valve timing (VVT) replaces the previous 2.8L four-cylinder and delivers 185 horsepower (138 KW) and 190 lb.-ft. of torque (262 Nm). A new, 3.7L DOHC five-cylinder with VVT replaces the previous 3.5L engine and is rated at 242 horsepower (180 KW) and 242 lb.-ft. of torque (335 Nm).
Additionally, GM’s tire pressure monitoring system is standard on all models and a chrome-finish 15-inch five-spoke wheel is available. The interior trim is updated and there are three new exterior colors: Pace Blue, Imperial Blue Metallic and Deep Ruby Metallic.
The popular Sun and Sound package returns for 2007 and includes an AM/FM stereo radio with six-disc in-dash CD player and power sunroof. The aggressive-looking Z71 Off Road package also is available.
Equinox – A popular choice in the compact SUV segment, the Equinox offers sleek styling, available all-wheel drive, innovative interior storage and generous rear-seat legroom comfort, along with five-star government ratings for frontal and side impacts (when equipped with side-impact air bags). For 2007, the safety story is enhanced with the inclusion of GM’s tire pressure monitoring system and dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags with Passenger Sensing System as standard equipment. Also, the available head curtain side-impact air bags include rollover detection technology.
Revised front and rear fascias, as well as a new rear spoiler and new wheel designs, distinguish ’07 models. Inside, a new range of audio and entertainment systems is available, including radios with MP3 playback and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. A navigation system also is available.
HHR – Chevy’s unique HHR was a hit during its first year on the market, selling more than 41,000 units in the first six months on the market (July through December 2005) – and selling more than 25,000 units in just the first three months of 2006. HHR also was awarded a five-star frontal crash rating for both the driver and right-front passenger in U.S. government tests.
HHR returns for 2007 with increased power for the 2.2L and 2.4L Ecotec engines, as well as new exterior and interior color choices. The 2.2L engine is rated at 149 horsepower (111 kW) and 152 lb.-ft. of torque (210 Nm); output for the 2.4L engine is rated at 175 horses (130 kW) and 165 lb.-ft. of torque (228 Nm). New exterior colors are added, too, including Imperial Blue and Golden Teal Metallic; Ebony has been added as an interior color for ’07.
HHR features an open interior that provides the spaciousness and cargo capacity of an SUV. Its reconfigurable and convenient storage compartments accommodate everything from groceries to surfboards. A diverse array of accessories – from 17-inch chrome wheels and polished exhaust tips to a cargo organizer and DVD entertainment system –has helped make HHR one of the most personalized vehicles on the road.
Silverado – The all-new 2007 Chevy Silverado is the newest generation of the industry’s most dependable pickup truck. It is the strongest Silverado yet, delivering segment-best power and fuel economy.
The ’07 Silverado lineup is built on an all-new platform that supports a smoother ride and responsive, confident handling while delivering segment-leading capability and power. A lineup of six powerful, Gen IV small-block V-8 engines complements the stronger chassis to deliver the light-duty segment’s highest-rated towing capacity (10,500 pounds / 4,763 kg), horsepower (367 hp / 274 kW) and fuel economy, with a maximum payload capacity of 2,160 pounds (980 kg).
The ’07 Silverado light-duty models are available in the fourth quarter of 2006. Heavy-duty models are available in the first quarter of 2007. There are three cab styles – regular, extended and crew cab – and three cargo box lengths: 5 foot 8 inches (short), 6 foot 6 inches (standard) and 8 foot (long). The pickup is available in three trim levels: WT, LT and LTZ, and is available in 2WD and 4WD. LS badging is available through an exterior styling option package on this year’s model.
Silverado Classic – The Silverado Classic retains one of the broadest model ranges in the industry, with a diverse array of body styles and powertrains that combine to create the vehicles that meet every full-size pickup customer’s needs, whether professional or personal.
The lineup includes everything from the fuel-saving Silverado 1500 Hybrid Classic to the high-performance Silverado SS Classic, as well as 1500HD, 2500HD and 3500 models to handle any heavy-duty chores that customers throw at them.
TrailBlazer – For ’07, the Trailblazer SS becomes a distinct model and is available in two equipment packages: 1SS and 3SS. TrailBlazer SS has unique exterior styling and specific interior appointments, including 20-inch flangeless wheels. Power comes from a Corvette-derived LS2 6.0L V-8 that produces 395 horsepower (295 kW) and 400 lb.-ft. of torque (542 Nm) – enabling the powerful SUV to reach 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. A performance suspension with lowered ride height also is part of the package. The TrailBlazer SS is available in two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.
The rest of the TrailBlazer lineup for 2007 is marked by these updates:
TrailBlazer is an efficient midsize SUV; GM’s fuel-saving Active Fuel Management™ is included with the available Vortec 5.3L V-8 engine, regulating between eight- and four-cylinder power to produce up to 5 percent improved fuel economy in certain light-load driving conditions. The standard engine in TrailBlazer continues to be the award-winning Vortec 4.2L I-6. Regulated voltage control is new for the Vortec 4.2L and Vortec 5.3L engines; it enhances fuel economy by reducing the load on the engine generated by the alternator.
Uplander – Uplander is offered in regular- and extended-length body styles, and can seat up to seven passengers. Uplander 3LT models come standard with the segment-exclusive PhatNoise entertainment system; it includes a 40-gigabyte removable hard drive that can store music, movies, video games and more for playback in the vehicle. The system comes pre-loaded with TV shows from Nickelodeon, music from eMusic, audiobooks from Audible and video games from Capcom.
Safety features for the ’07 Uplander include dual-stage frontal air bags with GM’s Passenger Sensing System and available side-impact air bags for the first- and second-row outboard seating positions. Additional new and changed features for 2007 include:
Also for 2007, the Uplander is upgraded with the GM 3.9L V-6 with variable valve timing (VVT) as standard on all models. This powerful and refined V-6 delivers 240 horsepower (179 kW) and 240 lb.-ft. (325 Nm) of torque* – a FlexFuel version capable of running on E85 ethanol will be available later in the model year for fleet models.
* Horsepower and torque SAE certified. A new voluntary power and torque certification procedure developed by the SAE Engine Test Code committee was approved March 31, 2005 . This procedure (J2723) ensures fair, accurate ratings for horsepower and torque by allowing manufacturers to certify their engines through third-party witness testing. GM was the first auto manufacturer to begin using the procedure and expects to use it for all newly rated engines in the future.