Chevrolet is adding some style, some brakes, and some more power to the Tahoe and Suburban with a new RST package. Tahoe models will be able to get a bigger V8, 10-speed automatic, and magnetic ride suspension.
The Rally Sport Truck package will be an option on 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban models. It starts out as an appearance package, with 22-inch alloys wearing enormous 285/45 tires. It has a body-colour grille surround and door handles, with gloss-black trim replacing the usual chrome trim and gold bowtie.
Upgrades to that package mean that you can add a Borla performance exhaust that adds up to 10 hp, and there is an optional Brembo six-piston front brake setup with large 16.1-inch rotors. The new brakes nearly double the brake pad surface of the trucks for better braking and less fade.
Exclusively on the Tahoe is a Performance Package that gives buyers GM's Magnetic Ride Control dampers, a 6.2L V8 in place of the usual 5.3L, and GM's new 10-speed automatic transmission.
The 6.2L V8 puts out 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. That's an improvement of 65 hp and 77 lb-ft over the 5.3L that is in other Tahoe trims. It's the first time for that engine in a Tahoe, and Chevrolet says that combined with the also-a-first 10-speed automatic, it can hit 100 km/h from a standstill in under six seconds and tow up to 3,818 kg. But probably not at the same time.
To help hustle that weight and power on the road, the Performance Pack RST has Magnetic Ride Control with a performance calibration. It uses sensors to read the road and can adjust suspension firmness in as little as five milliseconds. That lets the truck be smooth and comfortable when cruising but limit roll and control body motion in corners. You'll probably want those bigger brakes too.
The Tahoe and Suburban RST models will arrive this fall, with pricing and full specifications closer to the on-sale date.
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