Test Drive Chevrolet Tahoe 2005 - 2007 SUV

Steps of progress

In 2006, Chevrolet Tahoe made it impossible: the new generation of this big SUV retained its position in the US market, despite the high prices for gasoline.
Over the past few years in America itself, full-size SUVs are increasingly compared with classic sedans and universals of the late 60s of the early 1970s. Such an analogy seems to be quite appropriate: SUVs grow in size, gain weight and get more powerful engines. Even the volume of the eight of these non-compliant cars in its design turns out to be similar: from 4 liters, or rather, at least 4.6 to 7 liters. So far, you have to admit that American manufacturers are trying to remember once again about the sad pages of their history. Then, in 1973, the fuel crisis opened a new chapter in the development of the auto industry, forcing some kind of abandoning powerful multi-line dreadnights. Recently, manufacturers were frankly rejoiced by the love of America to Pikas and SUVs. And this is understandable: on one instance, even the medium-sized SUV like Ford Explorer can be earned several times more than the same Ford Focus.
 
However, the situation has changed in 2005. A significant increase in gasoline prices and the general deterioration of the economic situation in the United States led to a natural result: the sales of such Homadin began to fall in front of her eyes. It seemed some more, and hundreds of thousands of Americans will begin to change their large SUV on compact models, and preferably with hybrid power plants. But representatives of the big three were able to avoid such a revolution in the market. In operational procedure, thoroughly recycled models of SUVs and pickups were presented, designed to keep the drop in sales of their novelty and more advanced technical stuffing. Such a hero was just a new generation chevrolet tahoe. According to some estimates, this Tahoe brought to the US market for six months earlier than the outlined period, trying to stabilize sales in 2006. And it seems that it was possible: in 2006, Tahoe was separated by a circulation of 162 thousand copies against 152 thousand a year earlier. A good result, given that the first months still sold cars of another previous generation, and in addition, this year, less attractive discounts and credit programs are offered for Tahoe in America.
Progress is obvious
Tahoe evolves and varies quite naturally. Save the advantages of the predecessor and get rid of its weaknesses on this path are engineers in all automotive companies. In the case of new TAHOE, the qualitative changes occurred even with a fluid inspection of the body. Especially indicative turns out to be, of course, the design of the front. Now TAHOE suggests a large single shield, which is composed of a radiator grille and front bumper. Another equally significant difference of the novice. The presence of large blocks of the front headlights. Now the bar, laid acrite the radiator lattice, no longer shares the headlights on the part. Undoubtedly, these decisions should make a strong impression on the fans of the model: Tahoe is for the first time in history there are no large gaps between the radiator grille, bumper, wings and headlights. Once a pleasant impression leaves the design of the back of the body with again, a completely modern form of the rear bumper and red verticals of the lanterns. The execution of LTZ Tahoe appears in an even more attractive image, having obtained chrome elements of door handles, rear view mirrors and radiator grille. The only element that on the new model has retained its rustic view, turns out the exhaust system nozzle. By virtue of tradition, he is still the same as on pickups, a lift of the right rear wheel is bred.
 
You can rejoice from the heart and change in the Tahoe salon. First, the design of most elements has become more modern and stylish. Secondly, in General Motors, he had a lot of work on the selection of finishing materials: the interior was undoubtedly better and expensive. Of course, the historically justified identity of the Salon Tahoe remained more memories. However, even in America itself, such evolution is taken with delight. The design of the front panel can be considered almost European if carefully not to notice the sticking on the right behind the wheel of the selector lever of the automatic box.
 
The creators note and the increased dimensions of the car's interior. But this winning in the free space in a large SUV is no longer so obvious. It seems that the landing on the front seats has become even more free and comfortable including due to the refined front panel. But on the two next rows of seats, the place was not noticeable, which is not surprising, because the wheelbase remains the same. On the third row of seats and high people will feel pretty comfortable in not too long trips. Unfortunately, the car's seats of the most recent series are not the optimal manner so that two solid sizes of the cabinet are preserved over the floor line. However, in the case of transportation of bulk cargo, this pair of seats can be completely removed and left in the garage.
Moderation V8.
I remember at the time of my debut at the end of 2001. Chevrolet Tahoe previous generation was able to only strengthen the reputation of a large and powerful SUV with good dynamic characteristics. But over the past five with a small years, much has changed in the world of SUVs, and from the Multiliest American commander subconsciously expect greater energetic. We can say that the General Motors experts themselves who prepared very dynamic versions of Cadillac Escalade are to blame. Since Tahoe is built on one platform with Escalade, it can be considered a more powerful, luxurious and expensive opponent for our hero. But if more than recently, these models could be compared in their configuration and technical elements, now in GM tried to bring the flagship to a new level. As we remember our summer test, the new Escalade received a specially designed 6.2-liter motor capacity of 400 hp And although Tahoe also promised this engine (though, in the 385th strong version), the main bid in America is made on a couple of other motors. Tahoe is most popular with a 5.3-liter engine. And in the past, Tahoe's body was completed the V8 of the same volume, but when changing generations it was subjected to a sufficiently serious refinement, at the same time raising power up to 320 hp.
 
Curiously different: This engine received a system with a typical giant from Detroit with a long speaker name Active Fuel Management, disconnecting half of the cylinders in the absence of large loads. Its creators assure that due to this, as well as good aerodynamics of Tahoe becomes the most economical model in its segment. But on the gearbox for Tahoe in General Motors was frankly saved. While Escalade was gifted by a new 6-range automaton, TaHoe continues to put an old good 4-range ACP. With the overwhelming majority of tasks and such a gearbox copes without problems, but there is a feeling that with a 6-range TaHoe could become a little more and more economical.
 
In her last performance, the 5.3-liter TaHoe engine was surprised. As always, under the hood of a large Chevy SUV, we find the engine belonging to the SMALL BLOCK cult family from General Motors. His architecture has not long celebrated its 50th anniversary. According to factory data, this engine can be promoted up to 6000 rpm. But in practice, the automatic gearbox always quickly switches up by about 5000 rpm. Yes, and the maximum 320 hp The engine is already issued by 5,200 rpm, so there is no particular sense in further promotion if there is not theoretically theoretically. Of course, the torque of such a motor is enough in the entire range of revolutions. And according to the subjective sensations, the second breathing at the motor opens after 3500 rpm. It seems that the speed set becomes more temperamental.
 
Actually, according to behavior on the Tahoe road, as if stuck between the two worlds. It feels that in the new generation, his creators tried to move away from the image of an SUV with Chevy pickup men and made it a little more passenger, comfortable and even with a hint of luxury. At the same time, Tahoe will never become a crossover in the current understanding this guarantee its classical body architecture, dimensions and, of course, V8 under the hood. With the TAHOE chassis, a lot of work has been done when changing generations. And the result is well totable: the newcomer seems much more agreed and even easier to its predecessor. New Rack Steering, Independent Front Suspension and Five-Permage Rear Make a car predictable and fairly rapid in turns. Helps and the fact that the hardness of the body has increased significantly, and the river has become somewhat wider. Changes in TAHOE chassis show themselves well when moving along a typical slightly broken highway at a speed of 120 km / h. On its modest 17-inch wheels, our hero not only easily copes with irregularities, but also gives the driver with confidence in his reactions. It seems that the body began to swing less on the waves and roll into turns. Undoubtedly, an important point is to improve the brake system. The brakes not only increased in size, which it was quite possible to expect, but also transmit some information to the driver as possible for a 2.5-ton SUV for very heavy wheels.
 
But the desire to explore the off-road capabilities of Tahoe with each new generation is becoming less and less. We still remember well what a combat young man appeared an angular Tahoe sample of the mid-90s outside the roads with a solid coating. Its rude appearance and relatively short casualties on the 3-door version, even somehow inspired on off-road feats. In the next generation, an exceptionally 5-door Tahoe has become visually more freeware, and it did not want to damage his lower perimeter, despite the presence of a rather long-weight suspension. And now in General Motors, it has been abused even to non-extremal adventures in the fresh air, providing a special protective pad on the bottom of the front bumper. It is enough to drive up to the harmless slope, as it becomes clear: the risk of tearing this strip of plastic, advanced a few more meters ahead, too large. However, in conditions of tough need, Tahoe is quite capable of breaking through the forest bar of obstacles if it is fearlessly maintaining constant speed of movement.
Market in anticipation
In our market with Tahoe there is a rather strange situation. Although new generation cars have been produced from April 2006, we officially supply only Tahoe in the former body. It is obvious that only when their latest copies will be sold out, official sales of new items will begin in Russia. So far, new Tahoe is imported through gray canals. The price of a well-equipped car is approximately 90 thousand dollars, which is one and a half times more of the official prices on its predecessor. It is possible that even in such conditions, such gray Tahoes could enjoy in great demand. But there is an unexpected rivalry with his new fellow Escalade, which costs about 115 thousand, but has undoubtedly more winning appearance, expensive salon and a powerful engine. And this battle, Tahoe, of course, loses. We are waiting for the start of the official supply of Tahoe, hoping that after the body change, the price will remain at an acceptable level. Then, by the ratio of dimensions and the cost of Tahoe, there will be no equal.
CHEVROLET TAHOE SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions, mm 5130x2007x1955
Base, mm 2946
Pitch in front / rear, mm 1732/1702
Clearance, mm 229
Trunk volume, l 479/3084
Curb weight, kg 2511
Engine type gasoline V8
Working volume, cube. CM 5328.
Max. Power, hp / rpm 320/5200
Max. Moment, nm / rpm 461/4000
Transmission Automatic 4-Range
Corner full
Max. Speed, km / h 180
Tires 265/70 R17
Acceleration time 0-100 km, from 9.0
Tank volume, l 98
 
Leonid Klyuev
Photo by Alexander Vasil
 
 
 
 
 

A source: Magazine "Autopanoram"