Some of those changes are readily apparent. Tahoe PPV is lower to the ground than its retail counterpart, delivering improved handling, especially at high speeds. The front and rear suspensions feature stiffer springs and shocks, and there’s also a stiffer jounce bumper that is more ideally suited for police loads. Tahoe PPV also features a fully integrated electrical system, making it easier for upfitters to install such police-specific equipment as light bars and police radios.
“When we say we design our police vehicles with the needs of law enforcement agencies in mind, we really mean it. Take Tahoe’s electrical system, for example. It’s designed the same as the Impala and both vehicles now function and upfit the same and can share some wiring harnesses. The result is easier upfits and lower costs to law enforcement agencies,” Wiley added.
Vortec 5.3L V-8 engine
Tahoe PPV is powered by the Vortec 5.3L V-8 engine delivering 320 horsepower (238 kW)* and 340 lb.-ft. of torque (470 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. E85 reduces our nation’s reliance on fossil fuels and it’s a clean, renewable resource that benefits our farmers, since it’s derived from corn.
The 5.3L V-8 is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.
Built for speed
Because of the high speeds typically encountered by law enforcement vehicles, Tahoe PPV gets H-rated, P265/60R17 blackwall Goodyear RSA steel belt radial tires (compared to S-rated on production models). These are mounted on 17-inch, steel wheels. Tahoe PPV also receives heavy-duty cooling – thanks to a higher capacity radiator and engine oil cooler – and heavy duty brakes with ABS, providing added safety for braking under specific conditions. For an additional level of safety, security and peace of mind, all Tahoe PPV models feature a tire pressure monitor, alerting the driver if any of the tires begins to lose air pressure. A tire pressure monitor is also included in the spare tire and must be activated prior to being placed on the vehicle.
For underbody protection, Tahoe PPV features a Skid Plate Package that includes a front underbody shield that starts behind the front bumper and runs to the first cross-member. The Skid Plate Package protects such vital vehicle components as the oil pan and other key drivetrain components.
Additional standard equipment on Tahoe PPV includes a 26-gallon fuel tank, 160-amp alternator, a heavy-duty 730 CCA battery with run-down protection and extended-life spark plugs. Dual 730 CCA batteries are also available.
Superior ride and handling
Tahoe PPV is built on GM’s full-size SUV platform, which incorporates features such as a fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and a premium interior system that bolster the vehicle’s comfort, quality and capability. Wide front and rear tracks (68.2 and 67 inches, respectively) enhance handling and lower the center of gravity for a more confident road feel.
Tahoe’s engineers paid extensive attention to detail to ensure a quiet driving experience. It starts with a stiff frame to reduce vibrations transmitted to the passenger cabin. The strength and accuracy of the fully-boxed frame also enables more precise mounting and tuning of chassis and suspension components, which also helps reduce vibration.
Enhanced safety and security
Chevy Tahoe is designed to be among the industry's safest and most secure vehicles, with a 360-degree perimeter safety system of occupant protection and crash-avoidance technologies. Features include a standard dual-stage driver's front air bag; available roof-mounted head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for all seating rows; and front-seat safety belt pretensioners that are linked to the vehicle's sensing system to provide segment-exclusive deployment in rear-end crashes.
Enhanced utility
Even with its second-row seats fully upright, Tahoe PPV delivers an incredible 60.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity for such items as gun cases, haz-mat equipment and other gear and materials that law enforcement officers may require to perform their tasks. The second-row seats may be individually folded forward, adding even more cargo capacity. Second-row seats come with inboard headrests and reclining seatbacks. With both second-row seats folded, Tahoe PPV delivers a cavernous 108.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
Fiscally responsible
A number of municipalities are turning to vehicles such as the Chevrolet Tahoe PPV because it’s a fiscally responsible proposition. Although their initial cost is higher than if they purchased a sedan, they actually come out ahead financially in the long term.
“A vehicle such as our Tahoe PPV has a longer lifecycle and is more durable than a conventional sedan because it’s engineered to better handle the day-to-day situations that law enforcement agencies impose on their vehicles. Plus, Tahoe PPV will return a higher residual value (than a police sedan),” explained Wiley.
The Tahoe PPV joins the Chevrolet Impala Police Vehicle, Chevrolet Tahoe Special Services and Chevrolet Express Prisoner Transport Van in GM’s 2008 lineup of law enforcement vehicles. Every vehicle GM offers to law enforcement agencies is “road ready,” meaning they can be delivered completely equipped and ready for use.