New for 2013
- Single or dual 660-CCA batteries with 80 amp hour rating
- Exterior colors: Champagne Silver Metallic and Blue Ray Metallic (late availability)
The Chevrolet Tahoe Special Service SUV expands what law enforcement officers can do and where they can go. Tahoe Special Service is similar to the Tahoe PPV, but is offered in four-wheel drive, making it an ideal vehicle for various non-pursuit applications where four-wheel drive and versatility are a high priority.
Tahoe Special Service is powered by the Vortec 5.3L V-8 engine delivering 320 horsepower (238 kW) and 335 lb.-ft. of torque (452 Nm). The Vortec 5.3L features Active Fuel Management technology, resulting in improved fuel economy, and can operate on fuel that contains up to 85 percent ethanol. The 5.3L V-8 is mated to a fuel-efficient, heavy-duty six-speed automatic transmission.
An available heavy-duty cooling system, including a higher capacity radiator and engine oil cooler, as well as heavy-duty four-wheel-dic brakes with ABS, is one of the Tahoe Special Service’s features that make it well-suited to a variety of severe-duty demands.
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with traction control is standard. The system also incorporates electronic trailer sway control and hill start assist.
Additional standard equipment on Tahoe Special Service includes a 26-gallon fuel tank, 160-amp alternator, a 660 CCA battery with run-down protection and extended-life spark plugs. Dual 660 CCA batteries are also available. A fully integrated electrical system makes it easier for upfitters to install such police-specific equipment as light bars and police radios. This helps save time and money associated with vehicle upfits.
Two new exterior colors are available for 2013: Champagne Silver Metallic and Blue Ray Metallic (late availability).
Tahoe Special Service exterior features
Tahoe interior standard and available features
With its second-row seats fully upright, Tahoe Special Service delivers 60.3 cubic feet (1,708 liters) of cargo capacity for such items as gun cases, hazardous materials equipment and other gear and materials that law enforcement officers may require to perform their tasks. With the second-row seat folded, Tahoe Special Service delivers 108.9 cubic feet (3,084 liters) of cargo capacity.
Additional interior features include:
Tahoe Special Service powertrain
The Tahoe Special Service is powered by the Vortec 5.3L V-8 that balances power and efficiency. Variable valve timing helps the 5.3L optimize performance, efficiency and emissions, while GM’s Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivating technology helps improve fuel economy in certain light-load driving conditions. It is also E85-capable and matched with GM’s Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission.
The variable valve timing system allows linear delivery of torque, with near-peak levels over a broad rpm range, and high specific output (horsepower per liter of displacement). It also helps reduce exhaust emissions. Because it manages valve overlap at optimum levels, it eliminates the need for an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system.
GM's Active Fuel Management technology increases fuel economy approximately 6 percent under the federal government's required testing procedure and potentially more in certain real-world driving conditions. AFM temporarily deactivates four of the engine’s cylinders under light load conditions and seamlessly reactivates them when full power is required. The transition takes less than 20 milliseconds and is virtually indiscernible.
E85 is a clean-burning, domestically produced alternative fuel composed of 85 percent ethanol alcohol and 15 percent gasoline. Ethanol is renewable and produces fewer greenhouse gases during the combustion process.
Tahoe Special Service chassis and suspension
The Tahoe is built on GM’s full-size SUV platform, incorporating a fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension, multi-link with coil springs rear suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. The stiff frame reduces vibrations transmitted to the passenger cabin, while the strength and accuracy of the fully boxed frame also enable precise mounting and tuning of chassis and suspension components.
Wide front and rear tracks – 68.2 inches (1,732 mm) front/67 inches (1,702 mm) rear – enhance handling and vehicle stability for a more confident road feel. A heavy-duty four-wheel disc brake system is standard.
Additional features include:
Tahoe Special Service safety and crash avoidance features
Chevrolet Tahoe has a strong body structure designed to absorb crash energy and provide a protective “safety cage” around occupants. Head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for both seating rows are standard, as are seat-mounted side-impact air bags for driver and right-front passenger that provide thorax and pelvic protection. The roof-mounted head curtain air bags include design features that provide increased rollover protection and occupant containment.
Additional safety features include: