GMT900

Main article: List of GM platforms
GMT900
Overview
Manufacturer General Motors
Production 2007–2013
Body and chassis
Class Full-size pickup truck/SUV
Layout FR/AWD
Body style(s) 4-door SUV
4-door extended SUV
2-door pickup truck
4-door pickup truck
Powertrain
Engine(s) 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(s) 4-speed 4L65-E automatic
6-speed 6L80 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 116.0 in (2946 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor GMT800
Successor GMT K2XX

The GMT900 truck platform debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, as basis for the next generation of General Motors full-size pickups and SUVs, and replacements for the GMT800 vehicles. The first GMT900 vehicle introduced was the next-generation Chevrolet Tahoe.

GMT900 had been called a "Hail Mary pass" for the General Motors Corporation — the company needed the revenue from these large trucks to ensure their financial solvency. 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. Sales were initially brisk, but later dropped off as the market moved to more fuel-efficient unibody vehicles.[1]

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, Guanajuato, 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 January 2006. Sales initially exceeded expectations, but by 2008, General Motors announced they were significantly cutting back production. GM has closed the SUV plant in Janesville, Wisconsin, consolidating SUV production in Arlington, Texas.

The related Silverado and Sierra pickups started production in late 2006. The HUMMER H2 was meant to move to the new platform in the next few years, but has since been cancelled.

Due to a long-lasting downturn in sales of full-size trucks and SUVs in the United States (up to a 30% down through the first nine months of 2008), General Motors cancelled the next-generation CXX truck program in May 2008. Along with it, the replacements for the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban and their siblings at GMC and Cadillac.[2]

The automotive press has speculated that some GMT900 SUV models may move to the GM Lambda platform.[3]

On January 14, 2010, General Motors announced that they will resume development of full-size trucks and SUVs.

Applications

Basic platformYearsModelNotesCodeIntroductionProductionSale
GMT9002007-2013Chevrolet SilveradoRegular Cab
Extended Cab
Crew Cab
GMT901August 2, 2006 at The Texas State FairSilao
Fort Wayne
Oshawa August–September 2006
Flint
Fall 2006
GMC SierraRegular Cab
Extended Cab
Crew Cab
GMT902
GMT9102007-2014Chevrolet SilveradoHDGMT911
GMC SierraHDGMT912
?-2009Hummer H2Crew cab pickupGMT913
GMT9202007-2014Chevrolet Tahoe4-door SUVGMT921NAIAS  January 2006Arlington December 1, 2005
Janesville early  2006
January 2006
GMC YukonGMT922
Cadillac EscaladeGMT926Arlington January 1, 2006
GMT930Chevrolet Suburban4-door extended SUVGMT931GLAAS  January 2006Janesville  March 2006
Silao  March 2006
April 2006
GMC Yukon XLGMT932
Cadillac Escalade ESVGMT936 Arlington  March 2006 May 2006
GMT9402007-2013Chevrolet Avalanche4-door pickup/SUVGMT941CAS  February 2006Silao
Cadillac Escalade EXTGMT946 Arlington  March 2006 May 2006

References

  1. "General Motors Death Watch 69: Running Out of Gas". The Truth About Cars. April 27, 2006. Retrieved 2009-06-01.
  2. Vlasic, Bill; Bunkley, Nick (October 25, 2008). "General Motors, Driven to the Brink". New York Times. Retrieved 2009-06-01.
  3. "Cadillac Escalade to go Lambda". Left Lane News. September 9, 2008. Retrieved 2009-06-01.

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to GMT900.
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