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CHEVROLET TAHOE SS PUTS SUV SPIN ON CHEVY LEGACY


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CHEVROLET TAHOE SS PUTS SUV SPIN ON CHEVY LEGACY OF FOUR-DOOR, REAR-DRIVE PERFORMANCE VEHICLES

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Blending the performance of a traditional muscle car with the versatility of a contemporary full-size SUV, the Tahoe SS concept vehicle utilizes production-ready components to build on Chevrolet's legacy of four-door, rear-wheel-drive performance vehicles.

 

Tahoe SS joins concept versions of the TrailBlazer SS and Silverado Regular Cab SS, along with production versions of Silverado Extended Cab SS and SSR roadster, at the 2002 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas to showcase interpretations of the new family of Chevrolet SS performance vehicles.

 

"Chevrolet has a strong history with rear-wheel-drive, four-door performance vehicles - most recently, the Impala SS of 1994-96," said Chevrolet General Manager Kurt Ritter. "Tahoe SS builds on that history by delivering a four-door, rear-driven performance vehicle that meets the popular demands of today's SUV customers."

 

Although Tahoe SS has a look all its own, its content doesn't vary much from a regular-production Tahoe. A lowered, performance suspension system includes 20-inch wheels and tires taken from the Silverado SS production model. An SS family appearance was created with styling cues similar to the Silverado SS, including a revised grille, Sylvania High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and a revised front bumper with large brake ducts. Along with subtle rocker moldings, Tahoe SS also boasts TrailBlazer exterior mirrors, deletion of the roof rack, a new rear bumper and a rear spoiler.

 

"We didn't have to change much to create the Tahoe SS," said Ritter. "The foundation was already there - the new police package suspension lowers the vehicle with shorter torsion bars in front and shorter springs in the rear. The production Silverado SS wheels and unique styling cues not only complete the SS family look, but are relatively simple additions that can be introduced into production with minimal investment."

 

Production simplicity is also found inside the cabin. The Dark Pewter leather upholstery is the same found in 2003 Tahoe LT models. SS seat embroidery and an SS white-faced instrument cluster add distinction, but are all that differentiates this concept vehicle from production models rolling off the assembly line.

 

Under the hood of the Tahoe SS resides the same Vortec 6000 6.0-liter V-8 found in the production version of the Silverado SS. Rated at 345 horsepower and 380 lbs.-ft. of torque, this versatile V-8 provides useful power in almost any condition, whether stepping quickly away from a stoplight or towing a ski boat to a favorite lake. And to let others know this bad, black SUV is special, a performance exhaust system (and polished stainless steel tip) gives it a knowing rumble.

 

"The Vortec 6000 is a great performer in the Silverado SS and it's a natural in the Tahoe SS," said Ritter. "By incorporating so many production parts, the Tahoe SS is more than a concept; it's a glimpse of how Chevrolet can quickly move from a great idea to the assembly line."

 

Although a concept vehicle, Tahoe SS provides a unique interpretation of the new family of Chevy SS production vehicles. The 2003 Silverado Extended Cab SS is the first production vehicle. Chevrolet will announce additional SS production models in the coming months and model years.

 

CHEVROLET TAHOE SS VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS:

 

Vortec 6000 6.0-liter V-8 engine

 

345 horsepower @ 5200 rpm

 

380 lbs.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm

 

10:1 compression ratio

 

Hydra-Matic 4L60-E automatic transmission

 

Limited-slip differential with 3.73 gears

 

SLA torsion spring front suspension

 

Five-link coil spring rear suspension

 

Performance exhaust with polished stainless steel exhaust tip

 

Police pursuit package suspension

 

Front suspension lowered two inches

 

Rear suspension lowered four inches

 

Silverado SS 20 x 8.5-inch cast aluminum wheels

 

Goodyear GT II 275/45HR-20 tires

 

SS body enhancements

 

Grille

 

Front bumper with brake ducts

 

Sylvania XeSighting Systems HID headlamps

 

APC clear front corner lamps

 

TrailBlazer exterior mirrors with clear puddle lamps

 

Specific rocker moldings

 

Roof rack removed

 

Rear bumper fascia

 

Rear spoiler

 

SS badging

 

Onyx Black exterior color

 

LT trim level Dark Pewter leather upholstery with SS embroidery

 

SS-specific white-faced instrument cluster

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