GM Considering Off-Road Variant for Large SUV Line

General Motors has built a commanding presence in the full size SUV market segment. The Chevrolet Tahoe has outsold its closest competitor, the Ford Expedition, by almost two to one in recent years, and the GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade further enhance the sales domination. GM is hoping that their new full sized SUV models, the first significant update to the bug trucks since 2006, will continue the trend.

The outgoing models all had a heavy duty off-road Z-71 package available. These packages included beefed up suspensions, stronger shock absorbers and larger wheels with all terrain tires. They also included styling enhancements such as wheel flares and additional cladding as well as additional interior amenities. However, these off road packages never really caught on with buyers. The success of competitive models in this area suggests that this may have more to do with branding and marketing than consumer preferences. The Ford SVT Raptor has been an unexpected hit, and production of the pickup cannot keep up with consumer demand. Jeep too can rely on robust sales of their Rubicon models.

This has not escaped the notice of General Motors executives, and Jeff Luke, the executive chief engineer of the truck division, has hinted that an off-road package is in the works for the new Tahoe, Yukon and Escalade. Unlike smaller SUVs and crossover models, GMs full sized SUV lineup are built using traditional body-on-frame construction. This makes them far more capable than their unibody counterparts, and it?s this capability that Luke feels makes them a natural choice for an off-road upgrade.

The redesigned trucks are scheduled to arrive in showrooms in March as 2015 models, and the media reaction to them has been overwhelmingly positive. The trucks feature smooth new aerodynamic shapes riding on top of a strengthened ladder frame. The new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra have been praised for their improved suspensions, and the same refinements in ride and control should be present on the new SUVs. The engines are still large and powerful V8s, but they are now far more efficient thanks to variable valve timing, direct fuel injection and a fuel management system that deactivates cylinders when their power is not needed. Safety will be a huge selling point for the new GM trucks, and innovative features include a center console airbag, lane departure warning system and adaptive cruise control.

The new lineup is expected to anchor General Motors? presence in the SUV market for several years, and Shaw has said that the new models will be continually updated and refined during their production run. An off-road variant would be an early example of this product evolution, and other enhancements may include an eight-speed transmission for even greater fuel economy and improved acceleration.