2008 CHEVROLET TAHOE: IMPROVED FUEL ECONOMY WITH UNCOMPROMISED CAPABILITY
08/01/2007
Chevrolet
Chevrolet Tahoe is the industry's best-selling full-size SUV. It was comprehensively redesigned for 2007, giving customers the capability expected of a full-size SUV with a sharper, more precise driving feel, more power with improved, segment-leading fuel economy, increased interior refinement and improved quietness.
All Tahoe models are built on GM's full-size SUV platform, which incorporates features such as a fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and a premium interior that bolsters the vehicle's comfort, quality and capability. Wide front and rear tracks enhance handling and lower the center of gravity for a more confident road feel.
Tahoe is also designed with safety in mind. It delivers a 360-degree safety system of occupant protection and crash-avoidance technology, with features such as standard StabiliTrak stability control system with rollover mitigation technology. For 2008, Tahoe's list of standard safety features is enhanced with the inclusion of head-curtain side impact air bags on all models. Previously, they were optional on some models.
The 2008 Tahoe is available in LS, LT, and LTZ models with 2WD and 4WD. Tahoe's standard powertrain (except base 2WD) includes an efficient 5.3L V-8 with Active Fuel Management technology that seamlessly switches from eight-cylinder to four-cylinder operation to save fuel.
Additional changes for '08 are minor, reflecting customer preferences and enhancing Tahoe's style. They include a change to a 40/20/40-split bench seat in LS models that provides convenient storage space in the center section; woodgrain trim added to the forward center console and brighter instrument pointers in the gauge cluster. There are also two new exterior colors: Blue Granite and Deep Ruby Metallic.
Returning for 2008 is the Tahoe's popular Z71 Off Road appearance package. This optional package includes the Z71 Off Road suspension with high-pressure, gas-charged monotube shocks, 18-inch on/off-road tires, automatic-locking rear differential, front recovery hooks, a durable skid plate and a high-capacity air cleaner. Large, color-keyed fender flares, an aggressive front fascia, chrome tubular assist steps, chrome door handle centers, chrome mirror caps and chrome grille inserts provide a distinctive appearance. Inside, a brushed metal-look replaces wood grain accents for a more rugged appearance. Also included are leather-appointed bucket seats that are available in solid Ebony, Ebony with Light Titanium inserts and Ebony with Morocco Brown inserts.
Also available on Tahoe LTZ models is the Chrome Appearance Package, which includes a stainless steel exhaust tip, chrome recovery hooks and the choice of one of six 20-inch wheel designs.
Power articulating running boards are available. They blend smoothly with the vehicle's design, but automatically move downward and outward when the doors are opened, providing a lower step-in height.
Other aerodynamic refinements include sharpening of the D-pillar rearward, including the taillamps, a CHMSL applique detail spoiler over the rear hatch and a closeout panel under the back of the vehicle to facilitate airflow.
Lightweight, aero-efficient wheels with the lowest rolling-resistance tires available for full-size trucks further trim fuel use, and are complemented with a tuned ride to provide the ride and handling performance and attention to detail that customers expect from a totally integrated vehicle.
Strength and quietness
Tahoe features a stiff, fully boxed frame, which reduces vibrations transmitted to the passenger cabin. The strength and accuracy of the frame also enable more precise mounting and tuning of chassis and suspension components, which also helps reduce vibration. Even the tires on the large, 17-inch standard and 20-inch available wheels were designed to reduce noise.
Noise-reducing components and materials are used throughout the body structure, including the headliner material, door seals and front-of-dash area. The engine also features a quiet-tuned alternator and an acoustically tuned engine cover that dramatically reduces engine noise heard inside the vehicle. Specific door seals help reduce seal "pull away" at highway speeds, which can cause wind noise. Also, Tahoe's more slippery shape, thanks to improved aerodynamics, streamlined exterior mirrors and roof rack, and tighter body gap tolerances, makes Tahoe quieter as it slices through the air.
Tahoe's quietness and smoothness are 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 its full-size SUV capabilities. Tahoe 4WD models offer up to 8,200 pounds (3,720 kg) of towing capability. Features such as articulated running boards and the popular Z71 Off Road appearance package are available, enhancing the Tahoe's levels of convenience and personalization.
Efficient V-8 family
A small-block V-8 family powers the Tahoe lineup. Fuel-saving Active Fuel Managementtechnology 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.
A Vortec 5.3L V-8 with 320 horsepower (239 kW)* and 340 lb.-ft. of torque (461 Nm)* offering Active Fuel Management technology and E85 capability is standard in 4WD models. E85 is a renewable fuel made of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. GM vehicles with E85 capability can run on 100 percent gasoline or on E85 or any combination of the two. A Vortec 4.8L V-8 is standard on Tahoe 2WD base models.
Tahoe's steeply raked windshield and smoother roofline improve its aerodynamics, resulting in a best-in-class 0.363 cd and enhanced highway fuel economy. 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 contribute to enhanced fuel economy and improved driving quietness, compared to previous models.
Tahoe design
Redesigned in '07, the Tahoe's design is lean and agile looking, with large wheels and a wide track enhancing Tahoe's powerful, capable stance. Sleek aerodynamics also contribute to the look, with a more steeply raked windshield and smoother roofline accentuating the exterior length.
Tahoe features the new face of Chevrolet with a large Chevy gold bowtie, centered on a twin-port horizontal grille. The body-colored grille surround is inset with an argent texture or available chrome mesh. Fog lamps and headlamps feature jewel-like optics. The lower fascia, incorporating the front license plate holder and integrated recovery 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 give the Tahoe a more refined look, while also enhancing aerodynamics.
Also complementing Tahoe's sporty appearance is an assortment of 17-inch and 20-inch wheels. Seventeen-inch wheels and tires are standard, with 20-inch factory-installed wheels available (standard on LTZ). The larger wheels give the vehicle a more confident stance.
Tahoe also offers power articulated running boards. They blend smoothly with the vehicle's design, but automatically move downward and outward when the doors are opened, providing a lower step-in height.
Interior refinement
The '08 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. Available 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
DVD rear-seat entertainment system with larger, eight-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 offers 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.
Safety and security
The Tahoe features a 360-degree perimeter safety system of occupant protection and crash avoidance technologies. Standard features include head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for all seating rows and front-seat safety belt pretensioners that are linked to the vehicle's sensing system to provide segment-exclusive deployment in rear-end crashes.
The roof-mounted head curtain air bags include design features that provide increased rollover protection and occupant containment. These head curtain side air bags stay inflated longer than air bags developed only for side impacts, since rollover incidents can last longer. The deployment duration and other design features of the air bags combine to provide increased occupant protection and the ability to help keep occupants inside the vehicle. Sensors located at the front of the vehicle, in the side doors and within the occupant compartment provide increased and more immediate crash detection.
Crash avoidance is bolstered through enhanced design and driver control dynamics, such as wider front and rear tracks, as well as more responsive suspensions - including a new coil-over-shock front suspension design and new rack-and-pinion steering. The vehicles are built on a stronger and stiffer, fully boxed frame that contributes to enhanced crash energy management. The front frame section has been designed to optimize crush progression, resulting in improved energy absorption efficiency. The improved crush performance, enabled by hydroformed frame rails and efficient chassis component packaging, also comprehends design provisions for improved vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility in the event of a frontal impact with a smaller vehicle.
Additional safety and security features include:
Standard StabiliTrak stability control system with rollover mitigation technology
Standard dual-stage driver's front air bag
Standard dual-stage outboard-front passenger air bag with Passenger Sensing System
Standard front seat safety belt pretensioners with rear-impact deployment capability
Standard tire pressure monitoring system
Available rain-sensing wiper system
Available Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist that can detect certain stationary objects in the rearward path of the vehicle and send an audible warning sound and display via three LEDs on the right D-pillar
Available rearview camera system designed to provide the driver with a view of people or objects in the rearward path of the vehicle
Standard pull-up/push-down power window switches
All models come with the OnStar system. The system 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 a crash that activates an air bag, the OnStar system automatically notifies an OnStar advisor, 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). All '08 Tahoe LT and LTZ models feature OnStar's Directions & Connections package, which includes Turn-By-Turn Navigation.