2007 Chevrolet Suburban Preview
Chevy updates its popular family hauler

For decades the name Suburban has been synonymous with people-toting, camper-towing, ski trip transportation. In that regard, the 2007 model is an exact replica of those that came before it. But that's about all that's remained unchanged. 2007 ushers in a Chevrolet Suburban with a fresh, sporty new look, improved build quality, powerful engines, and an aggressive attitude that aims to keep the bowtie at the front of the super-sized SUV pack.

Billed as the largest of the brand's family of SUVs, the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban is a nine-passenger truck much like the popular Tahoe, with the added bonus of 137.4 cubic feet of cargo room. Buyers can choose from three trims - LS, LT, and LTZ - and either rear- or four-wheel-drive capability.

Motivation for the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban comes from one of two powerful engines. The entry-level motor is a 5.3-liter small block V8 with 320 horsepower at 5,300 rpm and 340 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. Slated to roll out after the initial launch is a 6.0-liter V8 pushing 355 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and twisting out 365 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. Both engines feature Active Fuel Management, the new name for what most know as displacement-on-demand, a system that deactivates four of the engine's eight cylinders when less power is needed. Chevy representatives claim that this technology allows the new Suburban to achieve fuel economy in the low 20s on the highway at 60 mph.

Also noteworthy is the flex-fuel status of these engines. Either can operate on gas, ethanol, or a mix of both.

The 2007 Chevrolet Suburban features a widened wheel track for a more aggressive stance and better stability. The front end features a bold new fascia, bodyside cladding has been removed, the lower door sills now overlay the rocker panels for a cleaner profile, and the tailgate handles have been replaced with hidden release buttons. Standard wheel sizes have increased to 17 inches with optional rims as large as 20 inches, and smoked, horizontally-stacked headlights add a sporty appearance. Inside is a completely redesigned dash, now featuring smooth shapes and tight tolerances.

With a 62 percent share of the market, GM obviously knows how to build and sell large SUVs. It may be true that gas prices are rising and plenty of people are at least considering smaller cars. But the fact remains that neither Americans nor their families are getting any smaller, which will continue to fuel the demand for spacious, powerful SUVs, at least to some degree. For those folks, or anyone who requires an impressive towing capacity or commanding view of the road, the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban fits the bill perfectly.

Edited from autobytel.com

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