2018 Chevrolet Tahoe RST Breaches Into The Performance SUV Segment
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When it comes to the conventional offerings of the Tahoe and Suburban SUV models, Chevrolet enjoys an unprecedented 79 percent customer loyalty rate. But to attract different buyers into the fold, the brand had to get creative. To conquest a younger yet affluent audience, Chevrolet has gone to great lengths in providing a myriad of special truck and SUV variants for their customers. But if there’s been anything that’s been missing, it’s more performance from their full-size, body-on-frame best sellers. To change that, the brand has introduced the first-ever 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe Rally Sport Truck, or RST, along with the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe Performance Package.
2018 Tahoe RST Package
The 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe RST delivers various exterior enhancements inspired by current aftermarket trends, including body-color trim work, blackened nameplates and Bowtie logos, and exclusive 22-inch wheels wrapped in Bridgestone P285/45R tires.
The RST package offers two optional features — a set of high-performance front brakes and a Borla exhaust kit, both of which are readily available as official accessories today. Painted in red, the front six-piston Brembo aluminum calipers clamp onto significantly-larger-than-stock 410 mm x 32 mm (16.1 inch x 1.3 inch) Duralife rotors, translating to an 84 percent increase in brake pad area and a 42 percent increase in rotor area to increase system thermal capacity. Chevrolet hasn’t announced the final estimates for braking distance, but we’re sure it’s a significant improvement over models equipped with the stock brake system.
Meanwhile, the dual-tipped Borla performance exhaust system features a offers a 28 percent improvement in exhaust flow for a 7-10-horsepower gain at the rear wheels.
2018 Tahoe Performance Package
The wick turns up with the optional Performance Pack, which adds the 6.2L L86 V8 engine, GM’s new 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission and a specifically-tuned Magnetic Ride Control suspension.
The powertrain announcement is significant, because along with the debut of the 10LXX-based 10L80 in the SUV family, Chevrolet is finally offering the 420 horsepower, 460 pound-feet V8 for the Tahoe in some capacity. The 10-speed keeps the gear ratios closely-spaced for optimal acceleration, while also delivering low engine revolutions at highway cruising speeds for optimal fuel economy.
Without getting too official, the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe with the Performance Package is said to bullrush from a standstill to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds, impressive for something that weights around 5,600 pounds.
Cornering grip is enhanced by a performance-calibrated Magnetic Ride system, which is more aggressive than what is currently offered in topped-out Tahoes.
All of these performance enhancements, coupled with an 8,500-lb tow-rating, should help set new records for those summer escapes to the cabin up north. Look for pricing and full specs at a later date, and expect the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe RST to launch in the fall of 2017.
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And that’s also on the suburban as well?
Just Tahoe was announced.
Kinda wish they do it on the suburban and not just the Tahoe itself
According to the Chevy media website, the Suburban will also be available in RST trim.
But there won’t be 6.2L with 10 speed on suburban
Could we possibly get something we really want from GM a SUV that really has off road capability?
It’s about time Chevy offered some kind of performance outside of Corvette and Camaro! Nice to finally see them going for more than the tacky appearance package only schemes. Unfortunately we’re most likely looking at $75K or more for it.
Yeah it’s a start, at least it get’s the mighty 6.2.
I suggest they add a Flow-Tie, that’s an easy extra 50 HP At Least! lol
So this RST name is a new model line like SS? It sounds too much like SRT from fiat.
I don’t mind it because in the end GM is Superior to fiat.
There used to be a Silverado RST, but I think it was a 3rd party only thing – Regency, IIRC
I still think those side mirrors are way too small ? I’m glad Chevy announced this, now I just need the $$ for one
Having driven the latest Tahoe and Suburban pretty extensively, I can say that I never once felt like I needed more mirror. These things are truly a pleasure to drive. The backup camera and parking sensors made parking a breeze.
I supose if you tow regularly they might be inadequate but I’m sure GM offers an accessory tow mirror that is much larger.
I was thinking more from a design and proportion standpoint, you have this giant SUV with tiny mirrors. They remind me of the arms on a T-Rex. Not trying to knock GM, just my observation 🙂
I agree that the mirrors could be bigger, for the sake of looks and practicality. Its funny how GM just spent money to build something that few people asked for, but after many years and thousands of requests, GM still will not put a diesel engine in the Suburban/Yukon XL/Escalade. Think about it, GM will probably sell >1,000 units a year compared to a diesel that would most likely sell 5,000+ units a year. Also, why would someone pay $75,000+ for a Tahoe when they could buy a Yukon with the 6.2L for less money? It looks cool, but IMO this was not one of GM’s brightest moves.
The Police departments would probably jump on this model as well?
No, police will be stuck with the 5.3 for the foreseeable future.
Now just migrate that over to the Silverado and I’ll be in business or just build a RSC that they entire GM line-up lacks. Rally Sport Crossover. BMW, MB, Audi, Infiniti, Ford, Dodge all have sport crossovers
Finally! Thanks to everyone else that expressed their desire for a 6.2 Suburban. I know I wore GM out with my comments! Been waiting 2 years…come on L86!
Hold you horses hoss…no 6.2 for the Suburban yet. For now it’s reserved for the Tahoe. The Suburban RST comes with the 5.3 only. If you want a 6.2 Suburban your only option remains the Yukon XL.
Thanks Charles, I see that now. Back to thinking it sucks again that I can’t buy a L86 Suburban ! Unreal…..
I think it sucks there’s no Suburban HD/2500 with a Duramax. That’s how I’d like a Suburban.
^^^ What he said ^^^
Giving customers performance options for the Tahoe was long overdue. This looks like a great package with every key component upgraded to performance spec.
MPGs will also be good with the new 10 speed trans.
I wonder if 2018 will also include a mid cycle exterior/interior refresh?
I’d like to know what gear ratio they’re using with the 10 speed. 6.2 8 speed was 3.23, hopefully this isn’t taller.
There’s a 7.39 overall gear ratio spread.
I think they are on the right track installing the 6.2 and 10 speed. Not sure about the wheels though-probably have to see them in person to determine……………..
I’m not an SUV fan but I like it. Any changes in the interior like more supportive seats?
WTH why would they not offer this in the suburban?????????????????? The 5.3 is weak.
This should help put an end to all of the rumors that GM is going to move away from the big V8 motors.
Yes, it should. GM isn’t moving away from big V8 motors. Quite opposite. They retooled Tennessee engine plant last year to produce the 6.2 motor in addition to NY and Ontario plants that build them already.
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/general-motors/2016/02/19/gm-invest-million-increase-engine-production/80595264/
Actually they will transition over time to the DOHC V8 for all applications.
Plants can be changed in the matter of weeks.
The added line may be here to help as the transition over time and make two different engines at one time.
Are you saying GM is moving away from push rod engines?
His statement has no basis whatsoever. None.
Well that is what a GM drive line engineer stated not long ago. He said it was all due to future emissions standards that they could only reach with multi valves.
This is a true statement that has already killed most push rod engines. Even at GM.
We already have on Corvette DOHC v8 coming and GM did not do it for only a limited number of cars.
Over time it will trickle Dow to the trucks and Camaro. Note it is not the same engine Cadillac is working on.
Man oil you had better do some real home work.
This is not going to be an over night change. It will happen much like the V6 did in most models where both are offered and then one goes away one day.
Every mfg did not go to multi valves just for fun. They did it to clean up the engines and make them burn more efficiently. GM has gone farther than anyone but there is a limit.
Magnolia even you should know this. They do it only because they have to or all engines would be push rods ad carburetors today.
I hope it’s not the same person who told you that there’s a RWD midsize SUV coming for the North American market to slot between the Traverse and Equinox. It carries the same levels of false authenticity.
Yes, GM is working on a new DOHC engine family. No, it’s not going to replace the Small Block anytime soon. Even in 10 years. GM isn’t planning on scaling such a program to that kind of level.
By any foreseeable product plan, trucks will continue to have pushrods, Camaros will continue to have pushrod V8 engines, SUVs will continue to have pushrod V8 engines.
Their not done yet.
There was no V6 Regal either till it leacjked.
Go back and look at the coming regulations and you will see there will be little choice if the plan to remain in all 50 states emission wise.
You of all people here should grasp that.
Actually the way trucks are built and sold will radically change after this next gen.
With the addition of the mid size and the growth of the 3/4 ton segment also adding in the major fuel mileage issues the 1/2 ton is facing we will see segments changes. In about 10 years.
It can not continue and it is. How many more cylinders can you drop?
Hell my Canyon now drops to 4.
Nobody here said there wasn’t going to be a V6 Regal.
There are other avenues to achieving corporate emissions requirements without killing the power dense, lightweight, and extremely lucrative small block. I’m willing to place bets.
Well i used to believe in pushrod activated magic… until I drove an ecoboost, especially at altitude. But don’t take my word for it, You KNOW Scott3 likes pushrods (wink wink) , so when HE foresees the coming of 80 tech for for GM (DOHC V8) then you know it is true.
If by “over time” you mean within the next 10 – 15 years, you might be right.
Ford did that almost 20 years ago.
And GM has made better v8s for more than the last 20 years.
No doubt Ford and Jaguar guys would have a differing opinions.
Ford and GM make good products but not all is excellent. In fact, they’ve made plenty of crap over the years.
True. However, the V8 is not part of the crap group.
The same cannot be said of Fords triton series on dohc engines.
This is a good thing and easy for them to do with some simple bolt on parts.
This will lead to some add on sales similar to the Denali at GMC.
But we need to be realistic that this will account for 5-9 percent of sales at best.
Many here will say about time but really ask yourself once you see the price will you really be buying one? I would wager if there is one sale here we are doing good.
This is not a police package or a fleet package. But at the high price it will make money even at low volumes and that is key.
I expect now with the ZR2 on the Colorado we will see some kind of package for the next full size truck.
Now that GMC looks to be the luxury division with the Denali line Chevy will become the performance division for the trucks.
Note the woman in charge of the Colorado, Denali and Trailblazer globally was asked if we would see a GMC ZR2 and she said NO! But when asked about a RWD SUV with a ZR2 like package she smiled and said that would be very interesting. That is GM speak that we may have or may be considering such a model. GM people say no when it is a no and avoid a yes and no when it is a possibility.
Ok all you people who cried for a model like this and a Buick wagon. Well GM has given it it to you so buy up. If you do not buy then do not complain if they last a short time.
This vehicle is an attempt to go after a completely new and evolving customer. The German brands are working on a full assault in multiple segments in performance SUVs. Sales of cars and performance cars are slowing rapidly. Performance SUVs are the new sports cars. The entire world is moving away from dirty diesels.
This vehicle makes perfect sense and GM need many more of them.
BTW. The mirrors are the perfect size for a sport SUV. If you want massive mirrors, get another truck.
US diesels aren’t dirty.
This applies to all passenger light vehicles. Diesel is on the way out in the civilized world.
http://www.carscoops.com/2017/04/european-lawmakers-want-to-kill-off.html#more
Offer it with the Z71. I actually use mine off road and I can’t stand the large diameter wheels with low profile tires. At least give the option.
yes, the z71 option with the 6.2l engine is exactly what I would want.
This is truly awesome. This adds another vehicle to my gm/mopar list. Big cubic inch high performance in block cam v8 engines are the only way to go
For me the biggest improvement is the deletion of the side chrome around the doors. I always thought that chrome around the doors on both the Suburban and Tahoe looked ungainly compared to the previous generations black trim around side windows.
7-10 HP increase from the exhaust? That’s sick. Dude, I’m gonna add a K&N filter for another 3.5 HP.
Is this ED men anonymous?