First_Suv

Carl Walker 12/16/11 Pd. 1 I did a research paper on the history of the Chevy SUV. Which is today’s Chevy Tahoe and Suburban. (www.blogs). They’ve been through many different models and generations. It all started in 1935, when the first SUV debuted. (www.slosh). 76 years ago a full-size extended SUV was let loose to drive on the roads. (www.4wheel). With its all steel wagon body, the Chevy Suburban Carryall was introduced. (www.blogs). With eight seats and two doors the Carryall had a starting price of $675. (www.blogs). With a cargo area without seats that was 75” by 77” the Carryall was basic, it came with a radio, heater, and clock. (www.blogs). Even the rear chrome bumper cost extra. (www.blogs). The power in the Carryall came from Chevy’s Stalwart “stovebolt” inline six that produced 60 Hp (horsepower) for the half ton chassis. (www.blogs). One of the main uses for the Carryall was with construction workers or for those who had use for the capabilities and heavy duty chassis. (www.blogs). In the 40’s there were a few improvements made to the Carryall. Chevy installed sealed beam Headlights, which sufficiently improved visibility while driving at night. (www.blogs). In 1947 a significant redesign of the Chevy truck line was introduced. (www.blogs). Also an engine tuned was done on the inline six now giving it 174 Ib-Ft of torque at only 1,200 Rpms (rotations per minute). (www.blogs). Around 1955 the second series design was released. (www.blogs). The new design eliminated running boards, but added a wrap around windshield. (www.blogs). Also for the first time fenders were flush with the body. (www.blogs). The second series introduced the small block v-8 as their new engine; that was factory installed. (www.blogs). Also factory installed was the new hydra-matic, automatic, transmission; a 12-volt electrical system; and tubeless tires were all debuted with the new series. (www.blogs). Many things happened with the Chevy industry in the 1960’s. In the 60’s, Chevy institutes the C/K designations to denote models with 2wd(C) and 4wd(K). (www.blogs). New independent front suspension (torsion bars) was introduced in 60’. (Angelo). When 1965 rolled around factory air conditioning was being installed, and rear heaters for the cargo area were offered for the first time. (www.blogs). Two years later in 1967 GM (Chevy) added a third door on the passenger side. (www.slosh). The year 1969 is when a new model was added to the Chevy SUV line-up. (www.slosh). GM brought out a short- wheelbase, two door (topless) model, starting a history for the name Blazer. (www.slosh). The Blazer (K5(for ½ ton)) is represented as a utility vehicle; for hunting and camping and as a fun vehicle for beach trips, and other trips alike. (www.slosh). The base model only came with the driver seat; the passenger seat, rear seat, and top were all optional. (www.slosh). Soft tops were also available, and 4wd was also popular, but so was the 2wd option for those who didn’t need the extra traction. (www.slosh). In the early 70’s both suburban and blazer had undergone upgrades. (www.slosh). In 71’ the Suburban’s engine was tuned to run on unleaded gas, and standard front disk brakes were installed. (www.blogs). For the Blazer in 73’; a new body style was introduced which was a bit larger and more rounded than the previous years. (www.slosh). Along with the change in body style; a fourth door was added to the Suburban, giving it two doors on both sides. (Angelo). Two years later in (1975), GM brought focus to comfort in the Suburban, to bring in more customers to buy it as a personal vehicle. (www.blogs). Other new technology was added; such as rubber control arm bushings, and rear leaf springs, which greatly improved ride quality. (www.blogs). As the 80’s rolled around so did another update of style, and more modifications to the drive train. (www.blogs). 1987 brought on rectangular headlamps. (www.blogs). As for the drivetrain the 4wd system added automatic locking hubs, and the 454 big block for a new engine. (www.slosh). This adds greater towing capabilities, and added new low-drag disc brakes to enhance fuel economy. (www.4wheel). Two major things happened in 1983 for GM. (www.olive). The first mid-size SUV called the S-10 Blazer was released, (www.4wheel) and from 83’-86’ Chevy produced M1009’s, which were known as CUCV’s (Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle) for the military. (www.olive). The M1009 was a blazer given the ¾ ton package. It comes with heavier springs in the suspension and is powered by a 6.2 L Detroit diesel engine which lets out 135 hp at 3600 Rpm’s. (www.olive). Also in 83’ GM dropped the 2wd option on Blazers due to lack of demand. (www.slosh). 1987 brought along an engine upgrade; the engine now came with electronically controlled fuel injection, and a new transmission with a four-speed overdrive transmission was introduced for a greater efficiency. (www.blogs). As another decade passes and more advancements are made to the Chevy SUV line. Early 90’s is when the SUV was really embraced by the mainstream Americans. (www.blogs). Only advancement for the Suburban was in the safety department when airbags were installed on the driver-side in 1995. (www.blogs). But as in this decade the Blazer was undergoing a name change. Chevy’s S-10 was now called the Blazer, while the full-size was given the name Tahoe. (www.4wheel). At this time the Tahoe was also given two more doors, making it rather similar to the Suburban, except the cargo area was still smaller.(www.4wheel). Just a decade ago; in the year 2,000, Chevy launched a model similar to the third generation series. (www.blogs). New motor options are available, such as the Vortec 5.3L and the 6.0L V-8. (www.4wheel). And as a new safety feature low-drag disk brakes were added to all 4 tires, calling for better braking. (www.blogs). In 2007 the latest generation of the Suburban and Tahoe were introduced. (www.blogs). The newest generation featured a wind tunnel-shaped exterior, and elimination of the traditional chrome front and rear bumpers. (www.blogs). It is more comfortable, and capable than ever. (www.blogs). Chevy’s Suburban has been in existence for 75 years. (www.blogs). GM estimates that up to 2.4 million alone have been built over that 75 year span. (www.blogs). That was Suburban’s alone, many more Blazer’s, Tahoe’s, and S-10’s were also built over this time. (www.blogs). Chevy SUV’s are, and always have been top rated. (www.4wheel). Citations "Chevrolet Trucks & SUVs - Chevy Avalanche, Blazer, Colorado, Equinox, Suburban, Tahoe, Tracker, Trailblazer, Astro, Venture, Express." 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