Chevrolet->ke199 has already introduced a handful of SEMA->ke216-bound vehicles for a handful of its models. Now it's the big boys' turn to get their share of the spotlight.
The 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe was only revealed a few months ago and expectations for the SUV are high, especially for a model that has received a surge in popularity in recent years.
At the 2013 SEMA Auto Show, the all-new Tahoe showed off its law-enforcement abilities with the Tahoe Police Concept, and just days later, GM released the production model. Unsurprisingly, the production version is literally identical to the concept.
As the name suggests, this SUV was treated to a full-on law-enforcement makeover, complete with a massive bull horn, emergency lights, police badging, and a new set of 17-inch steel wheels. Take a look inside and you'll see a full gadgetry of police paraphernalia, including those mobile laptop computers, a police transmitter, and somewhere that we can't see, we assume there are some firearms, or at least, firearm holsters in there, too.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV
2015 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV
- Make: Array
- Model: 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV
- Engine/Motor: V8
- Horsepower: 355
- Torque: 383
- Transmission: Hydra-Matic 6L80 6-speed auto
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Exterior
On the outside, it is what it is: a Tahoe in police garb. GM added a set of red and blues up top for pursuit or when racing the SUV to the next important call. There is also a hefty push bar up front for when things get a little crazy out there.
The high-strength steel that GM added to its new Tahoe makes things even better, as the body is now more rigid, allowing the Tahoe to handle a little better.
Standard equipment includes a rearview camera, security-enhanced door locks and side-milled keys.
Interior
On the inside, the Tahoe PPV gets the typical police makeover, and the standard features include: OnStar. Bluetooth, steering column lock, lane-departure warning, a 110-volt outlet and rear park assist.
Drivetrain
Under the Tahoe PPV's hood, it gets the 5.3-liter, EcoTec3 V-8 engine that produces 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, which is plenty to run down most bad guys. The engine mates to a Hydra-Matic 6L80 specially tuned automatic transmission.
The uprated 770 cold-cranking-amp battery allows all of the necessary gadgets and gizmos inside the police cruiser to operate without robbing other systems of their much-needed power.
The Tahoe PPV is available in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
Suspension and Brakes
Being a police cruiser will require a lot more high-speed corners and quick stops than the normal Tahoe would endure. To help in this area, GM installed a heavy-duty braking system that boasts discs on all four wheels, ABS and special, police-only calibration.
StabiliTrak stability control and Proactive Roll Assistance help keep the Tahoe on track, while P265/60R17, V-rated Goodyear RSA tires keep it glued to the asphalt.
Competition
The Durango SSV checks in prepped for police of fire work. Most police forces will likely opt for the HEMI V-8 that pumps out 375 horsepower to help it catch up with bad guys. We don't know about you, but we think that Tahoe just looks meaner than the Durango.
For 2014, Ford added the EcoBoost 3.5-liter, V-6 engine to its Explorer PPV lineup. This 365-horsepower beast will give the Tahoe a real run for its money, plus the Explorer's 0-to-60 sprint should be far better than the Tahoe, given the Explorer Sport can hit 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds.
Conclusion
There's nothing worse than seeing red and blues in your rearview mirror, but it's even worse when it is coming from an SUV that you would never expect to be a cop car. The Tahoe definitely comes in looking to do battle with Ford and Dodge for police supremacy, and we are willing to bet that it does pretty well for itself.