Holden Suburban

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Holden Suburban
Manufacturer	General Motors
Also called	Chevrolet Suburban
Production	1998–2001
Assembly	Silao, Mexico
Class	Full-size SUV
Body style(s)	5-door SUV
Platform	F4 GMT400
Engine(s)	5.7 L Vortec V8 6.5 L turbodiesel V8
Transmission(s)	4-speed GM 4L60-E automatic 4-speed GM 4L80-E automatic
Wheelbase	3340 mm (131.5 in)
Length	5575 mm (219.5 in)
Width	1948 mm (76.7 in)
Height	1854 mm (73 in)
Curb weight	2540 kg (5600 lb)–2942 kg (6486 lb)

The Holden Suburban is a full-size SUV built in Silao, Mexico between February 1998 and January 2001. The vehicle was a right-hand drive, badge engineered version of the 1992–1999 Chevrolet Suburban, available in North America.^[1] The Suburban was first previewed in October 1997 at the Sydney Motor Show.^[2] In total, 746 were sold (460 petrol and 286 diesel), an average of less than 250 units per year.^[3] It was sold in Australia and New Zealand as a Holden, but subsequent models reverted to the original Chevrolet brand, which had been used before 1998, too. Over the model's lifetime there were three trim levels: a base model, the LS and the LT. Not to be confused with the trim variants is the model code, designated K8.^[4]

[edit] Features and design

On the LS (pictured), "barn doors" are used to access the rear, whereas the LT utilises a two-part tailgate.

The Holden's interior differed from that of the American version, whereby the dashboard of the Chevrolet Blazer was used instead. However, it had to be stretched to fit in the larger Suburban. A bench seat came standard on the entry-level variant as well as the LS, but the more expensive LT received bucket seats. With the omission of the centre seat, the LT has a maximum seating capacity of eight, compared to nine.^[5]

Creature comforts standard in all models included a LCD compass in the rear-view mirror, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, a driver's airbag, ABS brakes, and dual-zone air conditioning.^[5] An extra AU$5,000 would buy the second tier LS, bringing alloy wheels, power windows and mirrors among some features. To further up the ante, the LT gained electric front seats, leather trim, and a horizontally slated, two-part tailgate. This came as opposed to the "barn doors" found on the other specifications.^[6]

[edit] Drivetrain

The Suburban reaches over 5.5 metres (18 ft) in length, making it longer than many long-wheelbase luxury sedans.

The Suburban was offered with the choice of either a 5.7 litre Vortec V8, producing 190 kilowatts (255 hp) and 447 newton metres (330 ft·lbf) of torque, or a 6.5 litre turbodiesel V8 outputting 145 kilowatts (194 hp) and 583 newton metres (430 ft·lbf).^[5] The former choice was designated the 1500 name, while the turbodiesel saw the 2500 identify.^[6] The 5.7 litre petrol engine is LPG-compatible, and such systems can be retrofitted if desired. Regardless of the engine specified, the car was equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission. However, what differed was the type of transmission. Petrol motors were fitted with the GM 4L60-E transmission, with the GM 4L80-E reserved for the diesel.^[3] A dashboard switch allows the vehicle to power all the wheels simultaneously, or just the rear-wheels, and even allows for the low range gearing to instigate.^[5]

The vehicle's fuel efficiency has been rated at 19.7 L/100 km (12 mpg U.S.) for the diesel specification,^[7] with that figure rising to 21.8 L/100 km (11 mpg U.S.) for the petrol model.^[8] With the hefty fuel consumption comes a 159 litre fuel tank.^[5]

To combat the extra payload and towing capacity of the diesel, an improved braking package, as well as super heavy duty axles and suspension were fitted. Holden recommends a maximum 3,400 kilogram (7,496 lb) towing limit for the turbodiesels, with a reduced figure of 2,720 kilograms (5,997 lb) for the petrol models.^[5]

[edit] References

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Holden Suburban