Goodness. Gracious, even. It ain’t pretty or subtle but it is tough and full of sense. In this week where GoodCarBadCar and much of the auto press – mainstream or not – will pay attention to Toyota (read about GCBC’s week of honouring Toyota here), many will pay too much attention to the overstated appearance of environmentalism.
Toyota can play the ‘green’ card and play it well, but they also make some fine sport-utility vehicles. With those Toyota and Lexus sport utes General Motors must compete. In the case of the Chevrolet Suburban 2500HD Z71 diesel (the name takes up half the article), GM has one-upped all competitors, including Toyota.
This SEMA debut showcases a new 4.5L diesel. Details on that powerplant are yet to be fully discovered and ironed out. The traditionally handsome brute has been marred somewhat by over-the-top fender flares and side-steps that are in direct conflict with a vehicle built to be capable off-road. However, this Suburban certainly grabs the attention of passers-by, onlookers, and The Good Car Guy. You can read The Good Car Guy’s review of the Tahoe Hybrid that was showcased at a blogger’s event at GM’s Milford Proving Grounds, and while reading it you’ll probably be able to hear the groans as the GCBC Nation wishes that Tahoe Hybrid was this Suburban diesel.
Chevrolet talks about a two-way remote start, trailer hitch close-out, concept-only roof rack, fuel filler door and wheels, as well as the heavy-dutiness of the vehicle. The ‘burban’s front end assembly and rear axle are built tougher. But most people are interested in the engine, what it can do; what it could save; and which vehicles might see fitment of the 4.5L.
http://www.autobloggreen.com is reporting that there will be “virtually no price premium” for the hybrid versions of GM’s large suv’s. EPA mileage estimates show 21/22mpg for the city and highway, respectively. Towing capacity will be 6,000 pounds. Non-hybrid versions of this vehicle aren’t rated any higher than 14 city or 20 highway mpg.