For 2019 the Chevy Suburban gets an upgrade: the RST Performance package.
For the past 43 years, Chevrolet has been the leader in one of the most lucrative segments in the automotive business — full-size sport utility vehicles.
Combined Chevy Suburban, the granddaddy of all full-size SUVs, and the Chevy Tahoe account for nearly one out of every two full-size SUVs sold. Tahoe and Suburban customers are also the most loyal owners in the segment, with 77% of owners replacing their full-size SUV with another Tahoe or Suburban.
Now Chevrolet is planning to bolster its claim by offering the new Suburban RST Performance Package. Featuring a 420-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 engine, Magnetic Ride Control with performance calibration and a new Hydra-Matic 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission, the Suburban RST Performance Package brings a seamless blend of style and performance to Chevy’s portfolio of full-size SUVs, according to Chevy executives.
“The RST Performance Package made its debut on the Tahoe RST last spring, and the response from our customers was overwhelmingly positive,” said Sandor Piszar, director of Chevy Trucks Marketing and Advertising.
(New Chevy Silverado HD to debut as a 2020 model. Click Here for the story.)
The RST Performance package features a 6.2-liter V8 putting out 420 horsepower.
“In fact, Tahoe RST with the Performance Package is the fastest-turning Tahoe model, and we’ve received customer requests to offer the same performance and power to Suburban RST. Delivering on those requests with the Suburban RST Performance Package is another example of how Chevrolet has continually invested in the segment, developing models with combinations of capability, technology and performance to meet the needs of different customers.”
Available later this summer, this is the first time Suburban will offer the 6.2-liter V-8, which boasts 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The engine delivers three state-of-the-art technologies — direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing — to make the most of power, torque and efficiency across a broad range of operating conditions.
Suburban RST will also feature a new 10-speed automatic transmission. Smaller steps between each ratio maximize engine power under acceleration. With a wide 7.39 overall gear ratio spread and lower numerical top gear ratio, the transmission also reduces engine revolutions at highway speeds.
Magnetic Ride Control is an active suspension that “reads” the road every millisecond, triggering damping changes in the electronically controlled shock absorbers in as few as 5 milliseconds. As a result, the suspension delivers both improved body-motion control during cornering and a more comfortable ride while cruising.
(Click Here for more on the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado.)
The 2019 Suburban and Tahoe are available with the RST Performance Package.
The new performance calibration included in the Suburban RST Performance Package increases body control for even higher levels of responsiveness and comfort.
“When you want to hustle, the Suburban RST with the Performance Package offers high levels of acceleration, braking and road-holding grip,” said Eric Stanczak, chief engineer for Chevrolet full-size trucks. “When you want to relax, it is very refined, with exceptional ride comfort and interior quietness.”
Available performance accessories for Suburban RST will include a custom tuned Performance Dual-Side Exit exhaust system designed, engineered and backed by Borla, with exhaust tips that improve exhaust flow by 28% for enhanced performance and decreased fuel consumption.
An available performance brake package designed, engineered and backed by Brembo features massive front red six-piston, fixed aluminum calipers with brake pads clamping on larger-than-stock 410 x 32mm (16.1 in x 1.3 in) Duralife rotors coupled with an 84% increase in brake pad area and a 42% increase in rotor area to increase system thermal capacity. Duralife rotors feature a hardened surface to reduce corrosion.
(To see more about our first drive in the GMC Sierra, the Silverado’s sibling, Click Here.)
Styling is based largely on trends in the aftermarket. Virtually all chrome trim has been eliminated for a sporty, street appearance. The Suburban RST is expected to boast a towing capacity of 8,100 pounds. Full performance metrics will be announced closer to launch.