Holden Suburban

Infobox Automobile
name = Holden Suburban


aka = Chevrolet Suburban
manufacturer = General Motors
production = 1998–2001
assembly = Silao, Mexico
class = Full-size SUV
body_style = 5-door SUV
platform = F4 GMT400
engine = 5.7 L "Vortec" V8
6.5 L turbodiesel V8
transmission = 4-speed "GM 4L60-E" automatic
4-speed "GM 4L80-E" automatic
wheelbase = Auto mm|3340
length = Auto mm|5575
width = Auto mm|1948
height = Auto mm|1854
weight = Auto kg|2540–Auto kg|2942

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. [cite web | date = 2001-05-10 | url = http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/RT/CCFB67BA3E9FCE77CA256A480019218D_Overview?OpenDocument | title = Holden Suburban 1500 LT 5-dr wagon - Overview | work = GoAuto | publisher = John Mellor | accessdate = 2007-10-06] The Suburban was first previewed in October 1997 at the Sydney Motor Show.cite web | last = Davis | first = Tony | coauthors = Kennedy, Alistair; Kennedy, Ewan | date = February 2007 | url = http://media.gmcanada.com:8221/aus/holden/en/company/history/HH13Part3.pdf | format = PDF | title = The Holden Heritage - 13th Edition (Part Three) | publisher = GM Holden | pages = 29–30 | accessdate = 2007-05-09] In total, 746 were sold (460 petrol and 286 diesel), an average of less than 250 units per year.cite web | last = Kenwright | first = Joe | date = 2007-06-26 | url = http://www.carpoint.com.au/car-review/2674230.aspx | title = Used Car Advice: Holden Suburban (1998-2000) | work = CarPoint | publisher = ninemsn | accessdate = 2007-10-06] 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". [cite web | url = http://www.redbookasiapacific.com/au/vehicle/vehicles.php?make=HOLD&family=LCSUBURBA&year=19981 | title = Holden Suburban 1998 Jan | publisher = Red Book | accessdate = 2007-10-06]

Features and design

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.cite web | date = 2001-05-10 | url = http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/RT/CCFB67BA3E9FCE77CA256A480019218D_The+Car?OpenDocument | title = Holden Suburban 1500 LT 5-dr wagon - The Car | work = GoAuto | publisher = John Mellor | accessdate = 2007-10-06]

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. 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.cite web | date = June 1998 | url = http://www.mynrma.com.au/cps/rde/xchg/mynrma/hs.xsl/holden_suburban_1998_car_review.htm | title = NRMA Car Review - Holden Suburban | publisher = NRMA | accessdate = 2007-10-06]

Drivetrain

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). The former choice was designated the 1500 name, while the turbodiesel saw the 2500 identify. 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. 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.

The vehicle's fuel efficiency has been rated at Auto L/100km|19.7 for the diesel specification, [cite web | last = Carey | first = John | date = 1999-02-25 | url = http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=7538&vf=1 | title = Worth the weight? | work = The Sydney Morning Herald | publisher = Fairfax Media | accessdate = 2007-08-13] with that figure rising to Auto L/100km|21.8 for the petrol model. [cite web | date = 1999-02-25 | url = http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=664&vf=1 | title = Thirst encounter | publisher = Fairfax Media | accessdate = 2007-10-06] With the hefty fuel consumption comes a 159 litre fuel tank.

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.

References