The Chevrolet Tahoe is a classic American full-size SUV. Being brand-new for the 2015 model year, GM Authority is keen to checking one out and seeing if the bar was raised. Car and Driver recently had the opportunity to test one of the first ones available to the press, and they left the first drive with some interesting speculations.
Back in November 2013, Chevrolet rolled out a Tahoe Black concept at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. The Tahoe Black concept was lowered on dark gray, 22-inch Chevrolet Accessories wheels, accented by blacked out exterior trim, and tinted windows and headlights, inside, the interior is trimmed in black leather with Carbon Flash Metallic trim accents. C&D is reporting that Chevy spokesman Michael Albano claims they are “developing variants of existing products that appeal to consumers and build on our performance heritage,” with a possible RS trim level that would use the Tahoe Black’s trim pieces but without any bump in horsepower. Any validity to C&D‘s speculation of a Tahoe SS is not supported by Chevrolet.
Before you start to groan at this rumor, let’s pause for a reminder:
- The RS, or Rally Sport, was originally a Camaro trim level that had nothing to do with performance.
- The SS, or Super Sport, was a buckets-and-console package for the Impala, Nova, and Chevelle that didn’t require performance motors. Only starting in 1966 did the Chevelle come standard with a performance motor, but plenty of Chevy Super Sports were tame 283 and 327 cars (and even a six!).
Extra horsepower for the latter won’t be a problem, however, as Chevrolet has a 6.2-liter V-8 with 420 horses and 460 lb-ft of torque that remains untapped for its full-size Chevrolet SUV models.
Comments
GM should take the opportunity to use this concept of adding a RS and SS package to the Tahoe and run with it. That will drive up sales and possibly make up for the lack of the Z71 trim. And they shouldn’t stop there either: they should make that a package option for the Suburban, too.
This might be fine for the cars, but probably not so good for the trucks(suv’s).
I don’t support the idea of an SS for the sake of having an SS. Malibu SS, Malibu Maxx SS, and Equinox SS come to mind, and not favorably so.
If the truck or suv hauls ass and looks good in the process then I have zero issues with it
With the new engines already making good power , an RS trim package makes the most sense simply due to the cost? I can’t imagine a Tahoe SS coming to market at less than $60K, which is ,in my opinion, well beyond the grasp of the “real” target audience. Sure, it may get some people to come the dealer, and some of those will end up driving away in a Tahoe LS, but doesn’t Chevy have enough expensive halo cars already? Corvette, Camaro ZL1 and Z/28, SS sedan.
At what price?
If they are to do this as a Chevy how much in the way of performance and trim can they add and still not get the price too high.
The last SS pick up had too much price and too little offered in the way of performance.
This would be a difficult one to do. Now as a GMC they can add all the goods and people will pay it. The trick will be for Chevy to do it but not step on the Denali.
At last a Tahoe that looks 100% right! If this concept makes it into production as I see it here, I will seriously consider buying one!
If produce an Tahoe SS! GM Please!!!! V8 6.2 LT 460 HP!