DETROIT – With the debut of the all-new 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe, the next generation of the industry’s best-selling full-size SUV, as well as the all-new 2007 Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet is moving into 2006 with one of the best and broadest truck portfolios in its history.

The new Tahoe and its longer sibling, the Suburban, are comprehensively redesigned and deliver a sharper, more precise driving feel; more power with improved, segment-leading fuel economy; increased interior refinement; enhanced safety features and improved quietness.

The new Tahoe tops its segment in fuel economy, horsepower, sales and quality – Tahoe has been the best-selling full-size SUV since 2001. The previous generation Tahoe and Suburban ranked first in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Survey for five years, beating all import and luxury models. For the new generation, engineers built upon the vehicles’ established credentials with a “no compromises” mantra that realized improvements in many areas of performance, quality and comfort.

“Tahoe and Suburban are known for delivering whatever their customers want, whenever they want to do it – a hard-earned reputation reflected in countless independent quality studies, buying guide recommendations and customers who have returned to buy another vehicle,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “The all-new ’07 models enhance the attributes that have made Tahoe and Suburban the industry’s best-selling full-size SUVs.”

The 2007 Tahoe and Suburban are built on GM’s brand-new full-size SUV platform, which incorporates features such as a new, fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and an all-new, premium interior system that bolster the vehicle’s comfort, quality and capability. Wider front and rear tracks enhance handling and lower the center of gravity for a more confident road feel.

For Tahoe, a new Gen IV small-block V-8 family – the newest chapter in the small-block’s 50-year history – offers more power than comparable powertrains in previous models. 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. The 5.3L-equipped 2WD Tahoe boasts EPA fuel economy of 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Testing on the 4WD Tahoe shows an unadjusted combined fuel economy rating of 20.5 mpg, better fuel economy than any other full-size SUV.

The Tahoe will be in retail showrooms in the first quarter of 2006.

The 2007 Suburban goes on sale in the second quarter of 2006. It is capable of hauling more passengers and cargo than any other vehicle in the segment – and a 360-degree safety system of occupant protection and crash-avoidance technology makes it one of the industry’s safest vehicles.

Suburban is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, with 2WD and 4WD (a Z71 off-road package will be offered later in the model year). At start of production, Suburban will come with an efficient 5.3L V-8 with Active Fuel Management technology. Later, a new light-duty application of the 6.0L V-8 with variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management will be available.

“Suburban is the industry benchmark when it comes to capability, and the 2007 model affirms the reputation established in 1935, when the first Suburban was introduced,” said Peper.

Products such as the all-new ’07 Tahoe and Suburban, as well as the new-for-2006 HHR and TrailBlazer SS, expand the realm of capability while delivering it in appealing packages, and the new VortecMAX package adds more capability to the Silverado. The roundup of Chevy truck changes for ’06 includes:

    Avalanche – Soldiering on with its unique and configurable cargo area, including the convenient Midgate, the Avalanche delivers its segment-first versatility with true full-size truck capability. Avalanche 1500 models come with a Vortec 5.3L V-8 that enables a 8,200-pound (3,720 kg) towing capacity, while Avalanche 2500 models offer the Vortec 8100 V-8, which increases towing capacity to 12,000 pounds (5,443 kg). Changes for ’06 consist of evolutionary refinements, including new extendable and power-adjustable camper mirrors (available on 2500 models) and revised catalytic converters that help improve emissions performance. An all-new 2007 model will debut in mid-2006.

    Colorado – Colorado enters its second model year with continual refinements that bolster an increasing popular package of midsize truck performance, capability and comfort. Colorado continues to offer one of the widest model ranges, including Regular Cab, Extended Cab or Crew Cab body styles; two pickup bed lengths; three available suspensions; and two inline engines. The popular Colorado Xtreme, which combines performance with an attractive sport-truck appearance package, also returns. Colorado models are available in LS and LT trim.

    A Sun and Sound package is available for LT models and includes an AM/FM with six-disc in-dash CD stereo and power sunroof. Powertrain offerings include the Vortec 2800 inline-four-cylinder engine and the Vortec 3500 inline-five-cylinder.

    Equinox – A customer favorite in its first model year, with more than 84,000 sales tallied, the Equinox quickly established itself as one of the standouts of the compact SUV segment in ’04. 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), are just some of the reasons why Equinox resonates with customers.

    Changes for the 2006 model year reflect refinements designed to enhance Equinox’s convenience and sophisticated good looks. A body-color front fascia is now standard on LS models, giving them a more upscale appearance. Body-color outside mirrors are new on LT models, further enhancing their premium styling.

    HHR – With styling inspired by the 1949 Chevy Suburban, as well as the current SSR, the all-new HHR is flying out of showrooms because it is a versatile and configurable vehicle that resists classification. It is built on the same solid platform as the new Chevy Cobalt, with an overall length of 176.2 inches (4,475 mm) and a cargo capacity of approximately 63.1cubic feet (1,787 L). This gives the five-passenger HHR easy-to-maneuver dimensions and room for just about any lifestyle interest.

    HHR’s reconfigurable interior with clever storage solutions accommodates everything from groceries to surfboards. The powertrain offerings consist of sophisticated, responsive Ecotec four-cylinder engines, which deliver excellent performance and fuel economy. All HHR models include standard features such as air conditioning, power windows and door locks, six-speaker CD stereo and remote keyless entry.

    Silverado – The best-selling vehicle at General Motors features a host of performance and configuration enhancements for 2006. New half-ton extended cab/short box models broaden the Silverado’s body style choices, while a new dual-port grille design and power dome hood (similar to heavy-duty models) is featured on all light-duty models. A new Silverado SS two-wheel drive model, which joined the lineup later in 2005, allows customers to experience the driving excitement of this special model at a great value.

    Under the hood, a new VortecMAX performance package available for light-duty trucks includes a Vortec 6000 V-8 and enhanced towing package. It includes a limited-slip differential housed in a new, 9.5-inch rear axle, giving properly equipped models up to a 10,100-pound towing (4,581 kg) capacity. Also, the Duramax Diesel 6600 V-8 is enhanced with features that enable smoother, more refined performance with less smoke. A new Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission is available for heavy-duty models equipped with the Vortec 8100 V-8 or Duramax Diesel engines.

    SSR – After receiving an influx of enhancements for 2005, including a new LS2 6.0L V-8, Chevy’s heritage-styled roadster pickup is back for ’06 with even more power. The LS2 V-8 engine is rated at 400 horsepower (298 kw)* with the six-speed manual transmission, an increase of 10 horsepower (7.5 kw) compared to the ’05 model. Automatic-equipped models are rated at 395 horsepower (294 kw).* Also new is a pair of two-tone exterior color schemes.

    TrailBlazer – The new TrailBlazer SS delivers sports car performance combined with the functionality expected of a utility vehicle. 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, enabling the powerful SUV to reach 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The TrailBlazer SS is available in two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.

    Additional TrailBlazer changes for the ’06 model year include new front and rear fascias, rocker panels and body side moldings for uplevel LT models; an enhanced Quiet Package, including acoustic laminated windshield and additional sound insulation; and a single antenna unit replaces separate antennas for OnStar and XM Satellite Radio.

    Also in model year 2006, the Vortec 5300 5.3L V-8 with Active Fuel Management technology is available in TrailBlazer models – it was previously available only in TrailBlazer EXT models. StabiliTrak, GM’s electronic stability control system, is standard on every model. The standard Vortec 4200 six-cylinder engine also receives a horsepower increase, to 291 horsepower (217 kw).*

    Uplander – Chevrolet Uplander added new dimensions of style and versatility to the mid-van segment with its introduction for 2005. A crossover sport van for those who want it all, the Uplander delivers the bold styling of an SUV, the passenger room and interior versatility of a van, and the smooth ride of a sedan. Safety features including dual-stage frontal air bags with GM’s Passenger Sensing System are enhanced for 2006 with available side-impact air bags for the first- and second-row outboard seating positions.

    Uplander is powered by the 3500 3.5L V-6, rated at 201 horsepower (150 kw) and 216 lb.-ft. (293 Nm) of torque.* A new 3900 3.9L V-6 becomes available later in the model year. The Versatrak all-wheel drive system is available on LT models.

    Express – The segment’s ultimate people- and cargo-carrier delivers more performance for 2006, thanks to the Duramax 6600 turbo-diesel engine. Available on G2500 and G3500 series cargo and cutaway models, the Duramax 6600 delivers 250 horsepower (186 kw) and a 460 lb.-ft. of torque (624 Nm). It is teamed with the Hydra-Matic 4L85-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission, which is specially tuned for diesel-engine compatibility, giving Express exceptional towing and grade capability.

    Express delivers a host of safety features, including standard StabiliTrak on all one-ton passenger vans, available all-wheel drive and the available OnStar safety and security system on passenger and conversion models. The safety of the Express 1500 Series is validated by its five-star federal government frontal crash test safety rating for the driver and front seat passenger.

    Express provides its owners four engine and two transmission choices. These vehicles are available in half-ton, three-quarter-ton and one-ton configurations, in two- and four-wheel drive. The Express also is available in regular and extended wheelbases.