- Source: Chevrolet Suburban (eighth generation)
The eighth generation, GMT400-based Chevrolet Suburban and its derivatives was introduced in December 1991 for the 1992 model year. The C/K pickup had already switched to the newer platform in 1987 for the 1988 model year. Both 2WD and 4WD models—designated "C" and "K"—were offered, as well as half-ton and three-quarter-ton ("1500" and "2500") models.
The base engine for all variants was the small-block 5.7-liter V8. The big-block 7.4-liter V8 was optional for the 2500 series. The optional 6.5-liter turbo diesel was available for 1994 on 2500 models and from 1995 to 1999 on all models, though rare on the 1500 series. 1500 Suburbans with the 6.5-liter turbo diesel were based on the 2500 series, sharing several mechanical components including the frame, 14-bolt axle, and eight-bolt wheels wearing LT-rated tires. However, their GVWRs were derated from 8600 lbs to 7700 lbs (on 2WD models) and 8050 lbs (on 4WD models). Ground clearance was 6.9 inches (175 mm), the approach angle was 18 degrees for the K1500 (28 degrees for the K2500), and the break-over angle was 18 degrees.
Transmissions included the 4L60 four-speed automatic in the 1500 series, and the heavier-duty 4L80 four-speed automatic in the 2500 series and the 1500 series fitted with the 6.5-liter turbo diesel. The manual transmission option from the previous generation was dropped.
The GMT400 series introduced an independent front suspension. The 2WD models used coil springs and 4WD models used torsion bars in the front suspension. All models used a live axle and leaf springs in the rear.
The 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) time for a 1995 Suburban with the 5.7L engine was 9.3 seconds. The top speed was governed on the engine for fuel economy. A maximum of 98 mph (158 km/h) could be obtained. City fuel economy was 13 mpg‑US (18 L/100 km; 16 mpg‑imp) and highway was 15 mpg‑US (16 L/100 km; 18 mpg‑imp) while the turning circle was 47.8 ft (14.6 m). For 1996, fuel economy had improved to 17 mpg‑US (14 L/100 km; 20 mpg‑imp) highway.
Trim options included a base-level version, the LS, and the LT (the latter two were originally the "Silverado" trim). Interior seating arrangements allowed for either bucket or bench seating in the first row and optional third-row bench. The vehicle could be configured from two- to nine-passenger seating.
Beginning in 1994, GM began making numerous annual changes to the Suburban, including:
Revised front clip and center stop lamp (1994)
Revised interior including a driver-side air bag, revised side mirrors, Silverado trim split into LS and LT (1995)
Revised 350 cu in (5.7 L) Vortec 5700 and 454 cu in (7.4 L) Vortec 7400 engines with increased power and fuel efficiency, electronic 4WD shifting, daytime running lights, illuminated entry, and some new interior features (1996)
Revised transmissions, improved steering system, and added passenger-side airbag (1997)
OnStar, PassLock security system and full-time AutoTrac 4WD option added, next-generation "depowered" air bags, revised steering wheel, transmissions revised again (1998)
No major changes upon introduction of redesigned 2000 models (1999)
Holden Suburban
In Australia and New Zealand, Holden imported the right-hand-drive Chevrolet Suburban built by GM in Silao, Mexico, between February 1998 and January 2001. The Suburban was first previewed in October 1997 at the Sydney Motor Show. In total, 746 were sold (460 petrol and 286 diesel). After 2001, subsequent models reverted to the original Chevrolet brand, which had also been used before 1998. 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.
The Holden's interior differed from that of the American version, as the right-hand drive dashboard of the Blazer was used instead. However, it had to be stretched on the passenger (left) side 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 center seat, the LT has a maximum seating capacity of eight, compared to nine.
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. The second tier LS brought 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.
The Suburban was offered with the choice of either a 5.7-liter Vortec V8, producing 190 kW (255 hp; 258 PS) and 447 N⋅m (330 lb⋅ft; 46 kg⋅m) of torque, or a 6.5-liter turbodiesel V8 outputting 145 kW (194 hp; 197 PS) and 583 N⋅m (430 lb⋅ft; 59 kg⋅m). The former choice was designated the "1500" name, while the turbodiesel saw the "2500" name. The 5.7-liter petrol engine is LPG-compatible, and such systems can be retrofitted if desired. Regardless of the engine specified, the truck 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 four wheels simultaneously, or the rear wheels only, and allows the low range gearing to be engaged.
The vehicle's fuel efficiency has been rated at 19.7 L/100 km (14.3 mpg‑imp; 11.9 mpg‑US) for the diesel specification, with that figure rising to 21.8 L/100 km (13.0 mpg‑imp; 10.8 mpg‑US) for the petrol model. With the hefty fuel consumption comes a 159-litre (35 imp gal; 42 US gal) 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 kilograms (7,500 lb) towing limit for the turbo diesels, with a reduced figure of 2,720 kilograms (6,000 lb) for the petrol models.
The Holden Suburban's run wasn't the first or only time that Holden had sold the GMT400 platform in Oceania. Beginning in 1996, they imported GMC C/Ks for ambulance conversions. Unlike the Suburbans, these vehicles were not available to the general public, nor did they bear Holden badging. They also were not built as right-hand-drives from the factory like the Suburban was; the same company that handled the ambulance conversion (Jakab Ambulance in Tamworth) also switched the steering to the other side.