Last week, we brought you new spy photos of Chevy’s 2020 Tahoe undergoing testing. Today, we managed to catch up to another prototype that appears to be a variant of sorts of the next-generation Chevrolet full-size SUV.
Unlike other 2020 Tahoe prototypes from before, this one rides on a set of black wheels with bright accents, much like the wheels of the current Tahoe RST (Rally Sport Truck).
Curiously, this particular prototype eschews the double-tipped dual exhaust setup for what looks like a single exhaust on the right side of the rear bumper cover, despite the cover having sufficient room for the double, dual exhaust setup.
Having considered the possibilities, we believe that one of two things can be taking place here.
Possibility 1: Tahoe RST
The first is simply that we are looking at the 2020 Tahoe RST. The reason for the single outlet exhaust treatment is that an exhaust system for this variant was not ready for testing, so it’s running with a placeholder exhaust outlet. Notably, the current Tahoe RST adds the following features:
- 22″ Gloss Black aluminum wheels with custom silver inserts
- Wheel locks
- Front and rear black bowties
- Unique Gloss Black Sport grille with body-color surround
- Body-color door handles and headlamp accents
- Black mirror caps, belt-line moldings and roof rails
- Black nameplate badging
2018 Chevrolet Tahoe RST
The RST is essentially an appearance package to which customers can add the Tahoe Performance Package that upgrades the engine (from the 5.3L V8 L83 to the 6.2L V8 L86), transmission (from an 8-speed to the 10-speed auto), and a specially-tuned suspension calibration for the Magnetic Ride Control system.
Possibility 2:Â 2.7L Turbo I-4 Engine
The second possibility is that we’re looking at a variant of the 2020 Tahoe with a different engine than models with the quad exhaust configuration – potentially GM’s new 2.7L Turbo I4 L3B mill. Chevrolet introduced the engine for the 2019 Silverado 1500, where it makes 310 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque.
If offered on the 2020 Tahoe, it’s possible that the boosted four could breathe out of a less intricate exhaust configuration, such as the single outlet seen here… and that this model is testing with a rear bumper cover that wasn’t designed for a single exhaust treatment.
Stay tuned as we learn more about what this peculiar 2020 Tahoe prototype is truly about.
2019 Chevy Tahoe Premium Plus Edition
About Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). It is currently Chevrolet's second-biggest SUV, slotting under the extended-length full-size Chevrolet Suburban. The current model was introduced for the 2015 model year and represents the fourth generation of the Tahoe nameplate. The model rides on the GMT-K2 platform shared with the Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL as well as the Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV.
2018 Chevrolet Tahoe RST interior
The 2018 Chevy Tahoe represents the fourth model year of the fourth-generation Tahoe. The vehicle remains highly competitive in its segment and the 2018 model year brings various improvements, most notably the Tahoe RST appearance package and Tahoe Performance Package with the 6.2L V-8 L86 engine and the new GM 10-speed transmission. The 2019 Chevy Tahoe represents the fifth model year of the fourth-generation Tahoe, and offers up a new exterior color, a new Premier badge on the tailgate, and new color availability for the Tahoe RST as well as the rear-closeout feature. In addition, a new Premier Plus model is introduced and includes the 6.2L V8 L86 engine, 10-speed automatic transmission and several premium-level touches.
2020 Chevy Tahoe prototype undergoing testing
An all-new, fifth-generation model is expected for the 2020 model year. The vehicle is expected to be based on the new GM T1 platform while delivering an all-new exterior, interior, powertrains, and styling details.
The Chevrolet Tahoe is built at the GM Arlington factory in Texas operated by GM USA.
Related News & Info
- GM news
- GM forums
- Chevrolet Tahoe information
- Running GM sales results
- Running Chevrolet sales results
- Running Chevrolet Tahoe sales results
- Running Chevrolet sales results
Comments
Since the new Blazer (maybe I should say ‘blazer”) is not remotely close to the namesake, why not take a Tahoe and make a sub Custom level hard core work/off-road vehicle?
The Tahoe Custom is a lot of truck for under $50,000 but why not go a step farther and drop some of the goodies even more and bring a 4×4 at around $39,000 MSRP. Just power windows, locks, A/C, maybe the basic stuff that were options on one of those old K5’s or first Gen Tahoe’s. In short a civilian PPV or Special Service Tahoe aimed at competing price and performance wise with the upcoming Bronco and to some extent the Wrangler. Seems like this would give Chevy a trim level to compete across the utility vehicle range from rugged to luxury!
Chevrolet has sold 79,474 units through September 2018 and on pace to sell over 100,000 units by the end of this calendar year which means only one thing, Chevrolet will treat the Tahoe very much like the Camaro which means it’ll get a couple of nip and tucks only as they’re not going to change the formula that has made the Tahoe successful which means there’s absolutely no chance the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe will look like a big brother for Chevy’s new Blazer.
GM better be careful removing the solid rear axle and truck undercarriage in these vehicles. I know some think that these vehicles especially the Escalade should have a SUV type drivetrain. Just remember the Suburban and the likes are one of the longest lasting vehicles on the road. There is a reason for that. There is also a reason they sell so good and in my opinion they are one in the same. If GM takes the GM truck design and makes it as reliable as a Cadillac design has been I have some concerns. I guess that’s why there is a Denali truck however there is not a 7 seat Denali truck.
Magna-ride suspension in the current generation was a failure and killed the smooth ride Tahoes/Yukon/Suburbans were famous for. Also the struts all wore out at roughly 70,000 miles ($1400 repair, no aftermarket avail) and many of them experienced A/C coolant leaks early on ($900 repair); both very embarrassing needs for any vehicle with less than 100k on the odometer.
Maurizio Gatto
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610-842-0565
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