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Production Models - 2006 Chevrolet Suburban SUV


LTZ MODEL ADDS STYLISH FLAIR TO 2006 CHEVY SUBURBAN LINEUP
Source: GM Media

A stylish LTZ model highlights the changes and enhancements for the 2006 Chevy Suburban – the last model year for the current-generation vehicle. The LTZ includes features such as a standard Vortec 6000 V-8 engine, all-wheel drive and 20-inch wheels, along with exterior and interior enhancements that make it a standout from all other Suburban models – and all other full-size SUVs.

Suburban has earned a strong reputation as North America ’s premier full-size SUV for its unmatched comfort, capability and durability. It has one of the highest loyalty rates in the industry, thanks to uncompromising capability. Suburban offers up to 131.6 cubic feet (3,727 L) of cargo space and can tow up to 12,000 pounds (5,400 kg) when properly equipped. These traits put the industry’s original SUV in a class by itself.

Additional ’06 model year changes are evolutionary yet significant to customer desires and vehicle performance. The most prominent of these is revised camper extendable outside rearview mirror that is available on Suburban 2500 models. This new, vertical mirror has a larger glass area and manually extends outward to provide a greater view when towing a trailer or camper. It includes heated, power-adjustable flat glass and integrated turn signals. A convex “spotter mirror” glass also has been added to the mirror. The vertical configuration and new spotter mirror section answer customer requests for such a configuration.

Other changes for 2006 include:
  • Integrated OnStar/XM Satellite Radio antenna – A single antenna unit replaces the previous two, for a smoother appearance. The new, combined antenna is located on the left-front corner of the roof.
  • Relocated catalytic converters – For Suburban 1500, the catalytic converters are moved closer to the engine to meet improved emissions performance guidelines.
  • Standard tire pressure monitoring system – All Suburban models have a standard GM tire pressure monitoring system, which uses an electronic signal on the driver information center to warn of a low-pressure condition.
LTZ details
The new Suburban LTZ combines the uncompromising capability of the Suburban with a distinctive package of exterior and interior styling enhancements. The LTZ is based on the well-equipped LT model and comes with the following features in addition to or substituting LT content:
  • Vortec 6000 V-8, rated at 335 horsepower (250 kw) and 375 lb.-ft. of torque (508 Nm)
  • Autotrac all-wheel drive
  • Twenty-inch chrome-finish wheels and P275/55R20 tires
  • Z55 suspension
  • Monochromatic front and rear bumpers
  • Chrome grille bar with Z71-style grille insert
  • Chrome tubular assist steps
  • Stainless steel exhaust tip
  • Chrome door handles
  • Black rocker moldings
  • Roof rack with chrome side rails
  • Black, Sport Red Metallic, Bermuda Blue Metallic, Silver Birch Metallic and Summit White exterior colors
  • Specific trim on instrument panel door switch pad bezel and center stack extension
  • Monotone Medium Neutral and Medium Gray interior colors
  • Steering wheel and column color-matched to interior color
As with the LT trim, the LTZ also is equipped with standard comfort and convenience features that include a AM/FM stereo with in-dash six-CD changer, overhead console, floor console, driver information center, power-adjustable pedals, tire pressure monitoring system, dual front auxiliary power outlets, remote keyless entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, power-adjustable front seats, tri-zone climate control and HomeLink remote transmitter system.

Available options include side-impact air bags for driver and front outboard passenger and a sunroof. There also are numerous entertainment and information system options, including XM Satellite Radio, a AM/FM stereo with CD and touch-screen navigation system, a Bose premium sound system with subwoofer and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. The DVD system features a player and flip-down screen, along with a remote control, two sets of wireless headphones, auxiliary audio/video jacks, remote game plug-in and a mute button in an overhead console. An available Sun, Entertainment and Destinations package for the LTZ combines an AM/FM stereo with in-dash six-CD changer (including Bose speakers) and touch-screen navigation system, XM Satellite Radio and power sunroof.

LT and Z71 models also offer an available Sun, Sound and Entertainment package, which includes a premium audio system, sunroof and DVD entertainment system. Many of the uplevel LT and LTZ’s standard convenience features and entertainment systems are available on other Suburban models.

Full-size truck capability
Suburban’s powertrain lineup includes a choice of three powerful V-8 engines to cover almost all towing needs. GM’s Vortec 5300 5.3L V-8 is standard on all half-ton models, delivering 295 horsepower (220 kw) and 330 lb.-ft. (447 Nm) of torque. This flexible-fuel engine is capable of running on either unleaded gasoline or a blend of up to 85 percent ethanol. New programming in the engine control module recognizes the amount of ethanol in the fuel system, eliminating the need for a physical fuel sensor.

GM’s Vortec 6000 6.0L V-8 is standard on all three-quarter-ton Suburban models, and generates 335 horsepower (250 kw) and 375 lb.-ft. (508 Nm) of torque. For those with exceptional requirements, GM’s Vortec 8100 8.1L V-8 is available on 2500 series 3/4-ton models, providing 320 horsepower (239 kw) and 440 lb.-ft. (597 Nm) of torque. Three transmissions, all four-speed automatics with electronic controls and tow/haul modes, are available, depending on engine choice.

Introduced in ’05, Suburban’s all-electric cooling system helps improve fuel economy through reduced parasitic loss on the engine – there is no engine-driven fan. It also enhances air conditioning performance and has the capability of idling with the air conditioning engaged for extended periods in very high ambient temperatures. Also, the electric cooling system is very quiet during operation.

Backing the Suburban lineup’s Vortec engines is a trio of proven Hydra-Matic electronically controlled automatic transmissions. Half-ton models receive the Hydra-Matic 4L60-E, while three-quarter-ton Suburbans equipped with the Vortec 6000 engine are equipped with the Hydra-Matic 4L80-E. Vehicles powered by the robust Vortec 8100 feature the heavy-duty Hydra-Matic 4L85-E transmission. All transmissions feature a tow/haul mode that enhances driving on steep grades while towing.

Suburban can be equipped with two- or four-wheel drive and several steering and electronic stability control systems. GM’s StabiliTrak system is available on half-ton 2WD or 4WD models with the Vortec 5300 5.3L V-8 engine (not available with Z71). In addition, 2WD Suburbans with a locking rear differential can be equipped with electronic traction assist.

StabiliTrak helps the driver maintain control in sudden maneuvers, particularly in low traction conditions, in emergency lane changes and during avoidance maneuvers. StabiliTrak assists the vehicle in maintaining the driver’s intended path by applying a brake force at any corner of the vehicle independent of the driver’s use of the brake pedal.

As for suspension systems, half-ton models feature an independent front suspension with torsion bars and a five-link rear suspension with coil springs. Three-quarter-ton Suburbans use a similar independent front suspension with torsion bars, along with a dual-stage multi-leaf spring rear suspension.

Interior flexibility, comfort
Suburban has a full complement of safety and security features, starting with dual-stage frontal air bags for supplemental protection for front seat passengers. Dual-stage frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of air bag-induced injury. When the air bag system’s control unit detects an impact, it determines whether the crash is severe enough to trigger a deployment and whether the primary amount of inflation is sufficient. The primary stage alone will deploy in most frontal impacts requiring the supplemental protection of an air bag, while a secondary stage is designed to deploy in more severe frontal collisions.

The Suburban also has GM’s Passenger Sensing System (PSS). PSS uses the latest sensing technology to turn the front passenger air bag on or off. If the sensor system detects an unoccupied front passenger seat or the presence of a smaller occupant, the front passenger air bag is deigned to automatically turn off so it would not deploy in the event of a frontal collision. A status indicator on the instrument panel alerts occupants that the passenger air bag is on or off. Even with this system, GM strongly recommends restraining child passengers in an appropriate child seat placed in the second or third row of the vehicle. Never install a rear-facing infant seat in front of an active air bag. GM also recommends that all children 12 and under ride in the rear seat when possible.

Side-impact air bags for the driver and front outboard passenger are available.

Other standard safety and security features include the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child-seat attachment system in the rear seats, and GM’s PASSLock II theft deterrent system. The LATCH system provides two lower anchors and a top tether anchor to be used to secure a child seat to the vehicle seat structure. These anchorages are designed to make it easier to properly install compatible child safety seats.

Also standard are four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Hydroboost, a feature that provides more reserve power assist for braking under specific conditions.

All Suburban models come with the OnStar system, including a one-year subscription to the Safe & Sound plan. OnStar-equipped Suburbans feature OnStar dual-mode (analog-digital) equipment. OnStar’s digital equipment also includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada . Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Hands-Free Calling that allows drivers to make and receive voice-activated phone calls using an externally mounted antenna for greater reception.

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