GMT900

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

GMT900
Manufacturer:	General Motors
Production:	2007–
Predecessor:	GMT800
Class:	Full-size pickup truck/SUV
Body style:	4-door wagon 4-door extended wagon 2-door pickup truck 4-door pickup truck
Engine:	4.8 L Vortec 4800 V8 5.3 L Vortec 5300 V8 6.0 L Vortec 6000 V8 6.2 L Vortec 6200 V8
Transmission:	4-speed 4L65-E automatic 6-speed 6L80 automatic
Front suspension:	Coilover
Rear suspension:	5-link live axle
Wheelbase:	116.0 in (2946 mm)
Similar:	Ford T platform Chrysler DR platform Nissan ZW platform Toyota T200 platform

The GMT900 debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, as the next generation full-size pickups and SUVs, and replacements for the GMT800 vehicles. The first GMT900 vehicle is the next-generation Chevy Tahoe.

GMT900 has been called a "Hail Mary pass" for General Motors — the company needs the revenue from these large trucks to continue operating profitably, and the failure of the series could result in insolvency. The company's resources were focused exclusively on GMT900 development through 2005, delaying other programs like the GM Zeta platform. With the 2005 spike in gasoline prices, some analysts have questioned the wisdom of "betting the company" on a line of large trucks, but initial sales have been brisk with no need to resort to rebates.

The GMT900 series features standard vehicle stability control. Original plans called for American Axle's "I-Ride" independent suspension module in the rear, but this appears to have been cancelled.

Short wheelbase (Yukon/Tahoe) GMT900 production began at GM's Arlington Assembly plant in Arlington, Texas on December 1, 2005, six weeks ahead of schedule. Production of the SWB versions began at Janesville Assembly in Janesville, Wisconsin in early 2006. Production of long wheelbase trucks (Suburban/Yukon XL) begins in Janesville and at Silao Assembly in Silao, Mexico in March. The Avalanche will be produced only in Silao, while the Escalade will be based in Arlington.

The SUVs began to show up at dealers in February 2006. Sales so far have exceeded expectations, with GM asking suppliers to ramp up parts production in advance of the launch of the remaining models.

The related Silverado and Sierra pickups will start production in late 2006. Interestingly, the original Hummer H2 does not appear that it is to be carried over to the GMT900 platform.

2007 Cadillac Escalade

2007 Chevrolet Tahoe

2007 GMC Yukon

2007 Chevrolet Suburban

Basic platform	Years	Model	Notes	Code	Introduction	Production	Sale
GMT900	2007–	Chevrolet Silverado	Regular Cab Extended Cab Crew Cab	GMT901	August 2, 2006	Silao Fort Wayne Oshawa August-September 2006	Fall 2006
	2007–	GMC Sierra	Regular Cab Extended Cab Crew Cab	GMT902	August 2, 2006	Silao Fort Wayne Oshawa August-September 2006
		Chevrolet Silverado	HD	GMT911
		GMC Sierra	HD	GMT912
		Hummer H2	Crew cab pickup	GMT913
GMT920	2007–	Chevrolet Tahoe	4-door SUV	GMT921	NAIAS February 2006	Arlington December 1, 2005 Janesville early 2006	February 2006
	2007–	GMC Yukon		GMT922		Arlington December 1, 2005 Janesville early 2006
	2007–	Cadillac Escalade		GMT926		Arlington January 1, 2006
GMT930	2007–	Chevrolet Suburban	4-door extended SUV	GMT931	GLAAS January 2006	Janesville March 2006 Silao March 2006	April 2006
	2007–	GMC Yukon XL		GMT932	GLAAS January 2006	Janesville March 2006 Silao March 2006	April 2006
	2007–	Cadillac Escalade ESV		GMT936		Arlington March 2006	May 2006
GMT940	2007–	Chevrolet Avalanche	4-door pickup/SUV	GMT941	CAS February 2006	Silao
GMT940		Cadillac Escalade EXT	4-door pickup/SUV	GMT946		Arlington March 2006	May 2006