DETROIT – General Motors introduces its all-new, 2007 full-size SUVs – comprehensively redesigned vehicles that incorporate new powertrain, chassis, safety and interior systems. These integrated systems are captured within refined, distinctly designed packages that lead the segment in performance, safety, efficiency and capability. They offer more power and better fuel economy than the vehicles they replace – vehicles that already were the segment leaders in fuel economy.

The rollout of the new SUVs is led by Chevy Tahoe, the industry’s best-selling full-size SUV; the professional grade GMC Yukon and Yukon Denali, and Cadillac Escalade – the cultural king of ultimate SUV luxury. All have distinct identities yet share fundamental traits that support segment-leading capability, quality and performance.

“With a dramatic level of refinement and performance, our next-generation full-size SUVs have what takes to sustain their dominant position in the industry,” said Gary White, General Motors North America vice president and vehicle line executive for full-size trucks. “Our objective was to improve upon the segment-leading qualities of our current vehicles – capability, safety, quality and fuel efficiency – and raise the bar to new levels of exterior style, interior execution, power, ride and handling smoothness, quietness and comfort. The results are vehicles with segment leadership in all of these attributes.”

Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon/Yukon Denali and Cadillac Escalade are available early in the first quarter of 2006. Extended-wheelbase versions, including Chevy Suburban and Avalanche, GMC Yukon XL and Yukon XL Denali, and Cadillac Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT are scheduled for introduction in the second quarter of 2006. In all, the new SUV platform supports two wheelbase lengths – 116 inches (2,946 mm) and 130 inches (3,302 mm) – three bodystyles and 12 different models, including light- and heavy-duty versions. Production of the new SUVs is shared among three North American assembly plants: Arlington , Texas ; Janesville , Wisconsin and Silao , Mexico .

The range of configurations and models – particularly the heavy-duty models, which most competitors simply do not offer – give SUV customers tremendous choice when selecting a vehicle to suit their needs. The strengthened chassis of 1500-series models (short wheelbase) enables towing ratings of 7,200 pounds (3,266 kg) for most 2WD models and 7,700 pounds (3,492 kg) for most 4WD models. Long wheelbase models continue to offer segment-leading towing capacities of up to 9,800 pounds (4,445 kg).

“There are no peers when it comes to the capability of GM’s full-size SUVs,” said White. “The breadth of products means customers don’t have to compromise when accommodating their lifestyle choices, and vehicle-wide improvements increase the capability of the new vehicles in exactly the ways that drive customers to full-size SUVs.”

Along with segment-topping capability comes enhanced efficiency. Refinements that characterize the new Gen IV small-block V-8-based powertrains, including Displacement On Demand technology and variable valve timing, advance GM’s full-size SUVs as the most fuel efficient in the segment. The new SUVs provide more horsepower and better fuel economy than previous models, which were the segment leaders in fuel economy. The sleeker, more aerodynamic styling of the new SUVs also contributes to their more efficient performance.

Exterior design and features

The new SUVs have distinct brand identities with unique styling cues. All vehicles are characterized by a sleeker, cleaner and athletic form that is more aerodynamic and appear smaller in stature. Attention to detail found in elements, such as wraparound fascias, styled mirrors and integrated running boards, enhance the vehicles’ flowing design and bolster the feeling of refinement.

All major sheetmetal and body components of the ’07 models are new and feature crisp, taut lines that convey the capabilities expected from full-size SUVs. Distinctive styling creates a unique look for each brand’s models, with differentiated front-end sheetmetal, lamps and fascias helping to create wholly different appearances. Cadillac Escalade models also are distinguished by prominent front fender vents and specific front and rear doors that are shaped to fit the unique bodyside contour created by the front-end sheetmetal.

A sleeker, toned look on all models is created with faster windshield angle of 57 degrees, which flows gracefully into the roofline. This also improves aerodynamic performance to a segment-best 0.363 cd (short-wheelbase models), which helps improve fuel economy and reduce wind noise. The more aerodynamic bodywork encapsulates interior systems that offer increased roominess and cargo space, while measuring only approximately 3 inches (76.2 mm) in increased length when compared to the previous-generation models. (Vehicle length varies slightly between models.)