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The next-generation 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe police vehicles will be using some technology from the Chevrolet Camaros to make the police vehicles faster and more powerful. Chevrolet has a history of building Tahoes for law enforcement and the two new versions will have specific functions.
Two New 2021 Chevrolet Tahoes Designed for Law Enforcement
The bad news for bad guys is that the 2021 Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle is designed for high speeds while still giving officers the added room and amenities necessary for an everyday patrol vehicle. The 2021 Tahoe Special Service Vehicle is designed for off-road and towing needs where high-speed operations are not required.
“Tahoe is the most aspirational vehicle in the law enforcement industry,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president, GM Fleet. “By listening to the needs of officers from around the country, we have built the best Tahoe ever.”
Using Camaro High-Performance Technology
Both PPV and SSV packages will ride on the SUV’s completely new design. Both the PPV and SSV models are powered by the Tahoe’s 5.3L V-8 engine. The PPV engine borrows high-performance rocker covers from the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 LT4 engine. These rocker covers improve ventilation in the engine block, allowing the 2021 Tahoe to perform better under high speeds. The speedometer is certified at 140 mph. Engine oil and transmission fluid are cooled by heavy-duty cooling systems specific for law enforcement applications.
Chevrolet also worked with Bridgestone to develop a pursuit-rated all-season tire. According to Chevrolet, “The Firestone Firehawk Pursuit tires, mounted to 20-inch steel wheels, were tested by Chevrolet at multiple race tracks and play a large role in the PPV’s improved stopping distance.”
Chevrolet is also lowering the ride height of the police versions compared to civilian Tahoes for better high-speed aerodynamics and improved vehicle stability. Chevy is also retuning the police vehicles with coil springs and stabilizer bars to make the Tahoes more stable. The police vehicles will also have heavy-duty braking systems with large front Brembo aluminum calipers on 16-inch rotors.
More Interior Room For Passengers and Cargo
The new Tahoe police-specific front seats provide additional hip room, allowing officers’ utility belts to fit more comfortably. 2021 Tahoe police vehicles 70 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second-row seat, giving more room for passengers or cargo. Rear door openings are now 3.5 inches wider to make it easier to load handcuffed passengers.
Both versions are loaded with all of the latest safety technology including the available Rear Camera Mirror. The rear camera mirror provides a less obstructed view behind the vehicle compared to a traditional rearview mirror. It is especially helpful with police cabin obstructions like cargo partitions, passengers and K9 kennels common in police vehicles.
The Tahoe’s police vehicle electrical system has been greatly improved to support aftermarket equipment like lights and sirens and department radios. The electrical system is powered by an upgraded dual battery system with emergency equipment isolation to meet the unique needs of police. To avoid excessive engine idling, a 760-amp auxiliary battery will allow video systems, department radios, mobile data terminals, emergency lighting and more to operate without running the engine. A new high-output alternator is 47 percent more powerful than the 2020 model to support the continuous running of electrical equipment.
While the Tahoe pursuit vehicle is offered in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations, the SSV is exclusively 4WD. Special Service Vehicles also offer an available Max Trailering Package with a max-tow rating of 8,200 pounds.
More Than 20 Years of Police Vehicles
Chevrolet has been offering law enforcement packages since 1997 when the first Pursuit-Rated version was introduced. Over the years, Chevy has added new features and options with officers’ needs in mind.
The 2021 Tahoe Police Pursuit and Special Service Vehicles will be assembled at General Motors’ Arlington Assembly in Texas in late 2020 with delivery beginning early 2021.
Follow Mary Conway at @maryconwaymedia and send her car news tips for future stories.
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