2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE OFFERS NEW FUEL-SAVING SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIO
06/09/2008
Chevrolet
As the industry's best-selling full-size SUV, Chevrolet Tahoe continues to offer great spaciousness and towing capability with a precise driving feel, robust performance and impeccable interior refinement and quietness. It also delivers the segment's best fuel mileage - a standing that is solidified in 2009 with the introduction of a new, six-speed automatic transmission.
The new Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed is standard on models with the Vortec 5.3L V-8 and a new 6.2L V-8. It enhances real world fuel economy on the highway via reduced engine speed, as the engine requires less fuel to operate at a lower "cruising" speed. Also, quietness in the interior is enhanced with the lower-rpm cruising.
"We're continually improving the Tahoe and the new six-speed automatic is a great example," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "It improves fuel economy while delivering a high-quality feel that bolsters the Tahoe's overall feeling of quality."
For the ultimate full-size SUV fuel economy, customers can select the Tahoe Hybrid. It employs GM's patented two-mode hybrid system to deliver a 50-percent improved fuel mileage in city driving. Please see the separate Tahoe Hybrid release for complete details.
A Vortec 6.2L is new for 2009, too, and is offered on LTZ models. It features a lightweight aluminum block and variable valve timing; and it is the most powerful engine in the Tahoe's lineup. It is rated at 395 horsepower (295 kW) with 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm).
Tahoe lineup
All Tahoe models are built on GM's full-size SUV platform that 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.
The Tahoe is available in LS, LT, LTZ and Hybrid models, with 2WD and 4WD.
New for 2009
In addition to the new six-speed automatic transmission and the 6.2L V-8, numerous new features and revisions across the lineup gives customers more choices. They include:
New 20-inch chrome-clad wheel - This new wheel design is available on LTZ models
New exterior colors - White Diamond Tricoat and Red Jewel Tintcoat are offered on LTZ models; and Dark Brahma Jewel will be available in limited quantity.
OnStar 8.0 - The latest-generation OnStar system offers advanced features, including Stolen Vehicle Slow Down, Turn-by-Turn Navigation and new, Destination Download that automatically downloads requested directions to the Tahoe's navigation system
Bluetooth connectivity - This wireless technology enables safer, hands-free calling with specific steering wheel controls through either OnStar or a Bluetooth-enabled phone
XM Satellite Radio with NavTraffic - Available with the standard XM Satellite Radio service, the new NavTraffic feature delivers real-time traffic advisements and route suggestions into the optional navigation system
LTZ Enhancements - Standard on 2009 LTZ models:
Heated and cooled 12-way memory seats
Perforated, leather-trimmed seating surfaces
New body-side moldings with chrome accent
New rear fascia with chrome accent and trailer hitch cover
Brushed metal steering wheel trim plate
New sill plates with "Chevrolet" embossed logo
Centerpoint Surround Sound Bose speaker system
Side Blind Zone Alert System - Optional on LTZ, this safety system uses radar sensors located in the corners of the rear fascia to that signal a visual alert in the outside mirrors when objects are detected in "blind zones"
Two rearview camera options - The rearview camera display is included in the inside rearview mirror on models without the navigation radio and on the navigation display for models with the navigation radio
Navigation radio now offered on 1LT
New fabric for cloth seat trim
Z71 exterior changes - body-color door handles and mirror caps, as well as a bright chrome grille insert are now part of the package
Titanium and Cashmere interior options are now available on Z71 models
New "Luxury" package available on 2LT models consisting of:
Bose premium speaker system
Heated 10-way power seats with memory
Heated second-row seats
Second-row power seat release
Power liftgate
Auto-dimming outside mirrors with "Razor-styled" turn signal display
Auto-dimming inside mirror
Integrated brake controller - Integrated with the ABS system, it provides immediate and measured brake force signaling to electric-controlled trailer brake systems; there is no requirement for external and/or aftermarket brake control systems
Heavy-duty trailering package - Provides enhanced cooling capacity to deliver maximum towing capability with 3.42 axle ratio
Fuel-saving 3.08 axle ratio - New axle for 2WD models equipped with the 5.3L V-8 delivers real-world fuel economy improvements
Additionally, there are several changes to existing models and content packages, including:
Auto-dimming mirror standard on LTZ models and 2LT models with the luxury package
Navigation system is now available on 1LT
New seat fabric for models with cloth trim
Z71 Off Road package
The popular Z71 Off Road appearance package returns for 2009. It 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 and satin chrome tubular assist steps, and bright chrome front grille insert 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, Cashmere or Titanium.
Tahoe design
The Tahoe's design is lean and agile looking, with large wheels and a wide track enhancing Tahoe's powerful, capable stance. Sleek aerodynamics contribute to the look, with a steeply raked windshield and smooth roofline that enhances aerodynamics.
Tahoe features the global face of Chevrolet with a large Chevy gold bowtie, centered on a twin-port horizontal grille. The body-color 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.
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 on LTZ models. 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.
Numerous Chevy Accessories are available for Tahoe.
Seven styles of 20-inch chrome wheels, including the new D20 wheels that were developed in concert with DUB magazine
Three styles of 22-inch chrome wheels, including the new D22 wheels that were developed in concert with DUB magazine
Personal Audio Link that allows radio controls to be used for iPods and other MP3 players
Six-inch chrome assist steps
Chrome recovery hooks, door handles, mirror caps and fuel doors
Custom grille with chrome bars
Grille brush guard
Cat-back exhaust systems
Taillamp guards
Portable DVD players
Interior refinement
The Tahoe is available in three trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ, with the high-volume LT trim level offered with 1LT and 2LT equipment groups; 2WD and 4WD 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
Driver information center
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Heated windshield washer fluid
RainSense wiper system
First- and second-row heated seats
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
Rearview camera system
Touch-screen navigation system
DVD rear-seat entertainment system with eight-inch screen that can play videos stored on iPods
Refinement throughout Tahoe's spacious interior creates 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.
Smoothness 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 help 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 slippery shape, including 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.
Powertrains
A small-block V-8 family powers the Tahoe lineup. Fuel-saving Active Fuel Management 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.
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. A Vortec 4.8L V-8 is standard on Tahoe 2WD base models.
Available on Tahoe LTZ is an all-aluminum 6.2L V-8 with variable valve timing (VVT). It is rated at 395 horsepower (295 kW).* VVT helps optimize camshaft timing to improve low-rpm torque and high-rpm horsepower. The system is enabled by a unique cam phaser that adjusts the camshaft timing at the same rate for both the intake and exhaust valves.
The Tahoe's transmissions deliver a balance between effortless capability and efficiency. They include a four-speed automatic with the 2WD base model's 4.8L engine and a new, fuel-saving six-speed automatic with the 5.3L and 6.2L engines.
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 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
Available side blind zone alert
Standard pull-up/push-down power window switches
All models come with the OnStar system. The system includes the Advanced Crash Response System 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.
*SAE certified.