GM releases pics of Z71 package on GMT900 SUVs
General Motors released a slew of new images yesterday that show us what the Z71 off-road package looks like on two of the three GMT900 model SUVs. The Avalanche, Tahoe and Suburban are available with a Z71 package that adds, of course, the Z71 off-road suspension, new 18-inch aluminum wheels mounted on combination on-/off-road tires, an automatic locking rear diff, and high-pressure shocks. That’s it for the hardcore mechanicals, though buyers who opt for the Z71 package are as much interested in the image these vehicles project as they are their capability. To that end, Chevy adds the Skid Plate Package, oversized wheel arch flares, tubular assist steps, extra bits of chrome trim, and rectangular fog lamps, along with the requisite Z71 badging so everyone knows you could go off road if you wanted to. The interiors benefit from a Z71-specific gauge cluster and brushed metal look for the dash. The Z71 package certainly adds some cajones to these GMT900 SUVs that will spend most of their lives on smooth pavement, and they also add some serious attitude, especially when ordered in all black.
Comment by Joe on 15 February 2007:
Looks good. Hopefully the Z71 package on the pickups will finally get specific wheels.
Comment by dsponder on 16 February 2007:
i like it now they need to start making the pickups look like a z71
Comment by scrambldcj8 on 3 March 2007:
They need to lose the auto locking rear diff (G80) and add the electric locker. Or, better yet option in a Detroit Electric locker (I think that is the maker) that acts as a limited slip when off and a locker when on. Although, in reality the ‘Hoe and the ‘Burbon are very rarely used in offroad situations. But, it would help in snow conditions. I would like to see less “close to the ground” effects on these vehicles, in mild offroad situations I see a lot of costly body damage.
Comment by ryanlefever729 on 6 March 2007:
I have seen the z71 tahoe, avalance and silverado in person and they are nice!!!!!!!! Way nicer than the standard. About time you can actually tell a differnce.
Comment by texasboy21Z71 on 31 March 2007:
it looks better than stock but its just not totally there .02
Comment by jacobcnc on 7 May 2007:
z71 is just a badge any more for gods sake you can get it on a 2wd
Comment by trav4.8l on 15 May 2007:
Im like yous guys. Before this you could never tell except by the sticker on tha side!!! They are very nice!!!
Comment by bigheavychevy on 8 July 2007:
the z71 package is still not true 4wheel drive. uve got 1 main pulling wheel in the rear and when engaged 1 main pulling wheel in the front.