Facing renewed competition from the new Lincoln Navigator, General Motors is taking steps to beef up the market position of two of its most profitable vehicles, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet Suburban.
Chevrolet is expanding the availability of the 6.2-liter V-8 engine within its full-size SUV line-up by introducing the Tahoe and Suburban Premier Plus special editions, GM said.
The available 6.2-liter V-8 produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The engine comes with 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.
The 10-speed automatic transmission offers smaller steps between each ratio to 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.
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The 6.2-liter V-8 was first made available in the Chevy full-size SUV line-up on the 2018 Tahoe RST 6.2-liter Performance Package. The engine recently debuted on the 2019 Suburban RST 6.2-liter Performance Package.
“Our customers have shown strong demand for both Tahoe and Suburban with the 6.2-liter V-8 option,” said Sandor Piszar, director of Chevrolet Trucks Marketing and Advertising.
“Thirty-six percent of all Chevy full-size SUV special edition models are now sold with this engine. Premier Plus gives both Suburban and Tahoe customers another option to choose from with several added premium touches,” he added.
The 2019 Tahoe and Suburban Premier Plus editions feature a unique interior with heated and ventilated Black/Mahogany-colored leather-appointed front seats against a Jet Black trim surround.
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In addition, a premium two-tone interior and 22-inch polished wheels make their first appearance in Chevy’s full-size SUV lineup with the Premier Plus special editions.
Chevrolet is also adding a gold “bowtie” logos, chrome nameplate badging, a head-up display and 8-inch diagonal cluster, cross rails, chrome power steps and exhaust tip and a Chevrolet-branded cargo organizer.
Connectivity is provided by a standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and the Premier Plus package includes a 12-month data plan.
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 10-15 milliseconds. As a result, the suspension delivers improved body-motion control during cornering and a more comfortable ride while cruising.
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The 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier Plus will start with an MSRP of $74,100 plus a $1,295 destination charge, while the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban Premier Plus will start at $76,900 with a $1,295 destination charge.