Nearly a year ago, GM Authority brought you coverage of a prototype Chevy Tahoe running around on public roads with a few interesting features that suggested it may have been a prototype Chevy Tahoe SS performance model. Now, that same Chevy Tahoe prototype has once again been spotted testing, raising questions as to what it could be.
Let’s start by digging into some of the noteworthy features of this particular Chevy Tahoe prototype. The first thing we notice is the front fascia, which bears the same high-clearance bumper and skid plate as the Z71 trim level. In the corners, this prototype is also running the simple black steel wheels equipped by the Chevy Tahoe PPV (Police Pursuit Vehicle). Notably, the Police Pursuit Vehicle package also includes that Z71 front fascia.
The whole thing is draped in black-and-white camouflage, while in the rear, we see a dual-tip exhaust treatment routed behind the passenger-side rear wheel. This latter bit is a little peculiar, as the the Chevy Tahoe and Chevy Suburban typically route the exhaust either under the rear bumper, or directly behind the rear bumper.
A few other notable details include a system shut-off switch mounted inside the cabin, which suggests that this is not just a simple prototype, but rather something a bit more involved. Finally, this particular prototype was loud, which may be a result of an improperly configured exhaust treatment.
Either way, seeing this Chevy Tahoe prototype back on the road and testing again a year after we initially saw it in 2021 simply raises more questions. The prototype’s reappearance a year later suggest continuing development activity, but at this point, it is unclear exactly what this prototype is being tested for.
If this were indeed some sort of high-performance Chevy Tahoe SS model, we would expect it to be equipped the supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4 gasoline engine, similar to the new 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V. But again, it remains unclear at this point as to what this prototype truly is.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevy Tahoe news, Chevy news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
They’re likely testing the new inline 6 gas engine, the public is just learning about.. Been under development for quite a substantial amount of time too.. because it will be perfect.. wait and see.. 😉
What inline 6? GM has confirmed V8’s are on the way, but said they only “considered a turbo 6” meaning “we thought about it and no….” They didn’t even specify if it was inline or V configuration. Probably didn’t even get that far.
More than likely this is a test bed model that was never intended for production. They keep throwing things at it and coming back to it. We’ll probably see it again in 6 months.
it might be an updated version of the 3.0 duramax that they are known to be working on. the current design does not fit into the Z71 model because of the different front end design.
They’re likely testing the new inline 6 gas engine, the public is just learning about.. Been under development for quite a substantial time too.. because it will be perfect.. wait and see.. 😉
You don’t know what I do… that’s all I can say..
That looks like an upgrade off roader…
Bring back the Atlas.
They ought to place 3d Stereograms in the camo that reveals the answer.
My guess is a regular Tahoe but they are using it to test motors, drivetrains, and exhaust systems… You can put all the camo on that boxy body that you want and you can not disguise the fact that it is a Tahoe. I do not think it’s the vehicle itself bout the powertrain we should be interested in… BTW, those are big diameter twin pipes sticking out… why am I thinking diesel???
Easily can be the development mule for the Escalade V or yes a diesel mule. You don’t need Cadillac body to test the frame and all of the connected powertrain and suspension.
I have my exhaust routed the same way in my 21 Tahoe RST. Be nice if its an SS, surely the V is too expensive but an SS may be in my driveway if this comes out!