Chevy Revs Up Special-Edition SUVs

General Motors Co.’s Chevrolet unit is adding performance variants of its Tahoe (pictured) and Suburban SUVs for the 2018 model year.

The Rally Sport Truck (RST) models will be fitted with a 6.2-liter V-8 engine mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission in place of the 5.3-liter V-8 and 6-speed automatic in the standard Tahoe and Suburban. The new V-8 kicks out 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, up 18% and 20% over the smaller mill.

Other RST upgrades include GM’s Magnetic Ride Control active suspension with a special performance calibration and an optional Borla exhaust system that provides a 28% improvement in exhaust flow and as much as a 10-hp gain. The brakes feature 6-piston Brembo front calipers and Duralife rotors coupled with an 84% increase in brake pad area and a 42% increase in rotor area, which boosts thermal capacity and NVH characteristics.

On the appearance side, chrome is eliminated in favor of body-color grille and door handles, gloss-black grille and mirror caps, and black roof rails, window trim, badging and Chevy bowties. The RST trucks also get 22-inch wheels wrapped in Bridgestone P285/45R 22 tires.

GM says the vehicles are designed for people who want a street performance look without sacrificing capability or refinement. The RST models will be launched this autumn.