Tahoe and Suburban buyers are about to have the option to purchase a major ‘bragging rights’ SUV, as Chevrolet is bringing in a special edition RST package for their two full-size SUVs. This package is themed in performance, and has appearance and mechanical upgrades throughout — all inspired by the aftermarket.
The Rally Sport Truck (RST) is lacking any sort of interior changes, and the special edition will be available on the LT and Premier trim levels of the Tahoe and Suburban only. Originally shown in white, they will be offered in silver, black, and tungsten. The changes that set the RST apart from other Tahoes and Suburbans begin with a sportier look, created by the absence of chrome plus the addition of a color-matched grille surround and door handles. The grille itself, running boards, exhaust tips, roof rails, window trim and mirror caps are all black, and it rolls on 22-inch wheels with Bridgestone P285/45R22 rubbers.
Amongst the available upgrades is a Borla exhaust with 28% improvement in exhaust flow — or about a 7-10 RWHP horsepower gain. The brake package brings a set of six-piston Brembos, fixed aluminum calipers, and larger Duralife rotors. Included with the performance package is a Magnetic Ride Control suspension that’s calibrated for performance vehicles so they respond to the road for optimal control.
The standard engine will still be the 5.3L V8 that makes 355HP/383 lbs.-ft. of torque, but the Tahoe can be had with a 6.2L with the RST package. For the first time ever, the SUV will get the 420HP/460 lbs.-ft. of torque power plant, the engine also has direct-injection, active fuel management, and continuously variable valve timing. With this package, the Tahoe also becomes the second vehicle to get GM’s 10-speed automatic transmission that made its debut in the ZL1 Camaro. For the Tahoe, the transmission was customized to handle the large SUV while still offering crisp sports car shifts.
The RST package is not meant to bring on a horsepower war in the SUV segment, but more so to give buyers more sporty options. It’s perfect for the family man or woman who needs an SUV, but doesn’t want to get stuck driving around a bring commuter, either.
Elizabeth is a hardcore horsepower enthusiast with unmatched intensity for making things faster and louder. She wakes up for power and performance and only sleeps to charge up for the next project that’s heading to the track. From autocross to drag racing, Elizabeth is there with you, so stay tuned for her unique perspective on horsepower news, builds, tech info, and installs — with her, it’ll never be boring!
