Enhanced powerplant
The Vortec 5.3L V-8 engine delivers 320 horsepower (238 kW)* and 340 lb.-ft. of torque (470 Nm)*, along with enhanced fuel economy, thanks to GM’s Active Fuel Management™ technology. The technology shuts off half the engine’s cylinders when full power is not needed. When combined with other vehicle-wide features, including improved aerodynamics, the small-block V-8 helps give the Tahoe the segment’s best fuel economy.
The 5.3L Vortec 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.
Fully integrated electrical system
Tahoe Special Services features a fully integrated electrical system. It’s designed the same as the Impala police vehicle 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.
“The new electrical system on Tahoe Special Services makes it easier for upfitters to install such police-specific equipment as light bars and police radios. It reflects our commitment to designing police vehicles with the needs of law enforcement agencies in mind,” Wiley added.
Built for offroad
For underbody protection, Police Tahoe 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.
A 26-gallon fuel tank, 160-amp alternator, a heavy-duty 730 CCA battery with run-down protection and extended-life spark plugs are standard.
Superior ride and handling
Tahoe Special Services is built on GM’s full-size SUV platform, redesigned for the 2007 model year, and incorporates such features 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 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 that reduces vibrations transmitted to the passenger cabin. The strength and accuracy of the fully-boxed frame also enable more precise mounting and tuning of chassis and suspension components, which also help 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.
Modern exterior
The recently refreshed exterior design is leaner and more agile looking, with large wheels and the wider track enhancing Tahoe’s powerful, capable stance. The improved aerodynamics also contribute to the sleek look, with a more steeply raked windshield and smoother roofline accentuating the exterior length. Complementing Tahoe’s sporty appearance are the standard 17-inch wheels with P265/60R17 tires.
Comfortable, no-nonsense interior
Inside, Tahoe Special Services provides comfort and convenience in a no-nonsense package. Air conditioning is standard, as are power, programmable door locks with lockout protection and an auxiliary switch in the cargo area; AM/FM stereo with seek and scan; tilt steering wheel; frontal air bags and PassLock II. Highly durable cloth seats (40/20/40 up front, 60/40 in back) and a vinyl-wrapped steering wheel are also included.
Plenty of options
Law enforcement agencies also have a myriad of available options for customizing Tahoe Special Services. For example, they can have their entire fleet of Tahoe vehicles coded alike, enabling one key to start any Tahoe. For greater cold cranking amperage performance, two 730 CCA batteries may be ordered. Daytime running lamps and the automatic headlamp feature may be deleted, ideal for situations where vehicle obscurity is desired. Also available are power, cloth front bucket seats, cloth/vinyl seats and a roof console with reading lamps.