2021 Police Tahoe Detailed During GM Virtual Solutions Summit

The digital event included a short video presentation that provided an in-depth look at the Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV) and Special Services Vehicle (SSV) models.

During the GM Virtual Solutions Summit held online on Aug. 25, Howard Smith, performance variant manager of the 2021 police Tahoe, provided a detailed look at the newest generation vehicles: the 2021 Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV) and Special Services Vehicle (SSV).

Built on the 2021 Chevy Tahoe chassis, it features all the performance of its predecessor, but with a smoother ride, greater interior space, larger load capacity, and new towing technology.

The vehicle includes a new independent rear suspension, which helps enhance overall driver control, and comes standard with 20-inch steel wheels and all-season Firestone Firehawk pursuit tires.

The vehicle is powered by a 5.3 liter V8 engine paired with a 10 speed automatic transmission. It delivers 355 horsepower and 383 pound feet of torque, and offers up to 130 miles per hour projected top speed with two-wheel drive, and 124 miles per hour for the four-wheel drive model when properly equipped. The engine includes dynamic fuel management, which offers 17 different cylinder deactivation modes. It also includes direct injection and variable valve timing.

The PPV has a push button start that includes keyless entry. This allows officers to keep their key fob fastened to their duty belts during the entire shift without searching or fumbling for a key. In addition, the protected idle feature allows the vehicle to be unlocked and idling, but unable to be driven without a key in the vehicle.

The PPV also has a push pull button electronic shift with key features made especially for police work. For example, if the vehicle is sitting or rolling slowly in drive and the driver exits the vehicle by undoing his or her seatbelt and opening the door, it can stop the vehicle, set the parking brake, and shift to park at speeds under five miles per hour.

The 2021 Tahoe is available in two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. With the available four-wheel drive, officers can leverage the autotrac electronic transportation in terrain mode, which helps them stay on track when the pursuit leaves the pavement.

Six piston front Brembo brake calipers have been added with 16-inch front rotors, which have increased three inches in diameter from the previous model. In addition, e-boost antilock brakes reduce driver effort and improve control. Trailer capacity has been increased up to 6,000 pounds to help eliminate the need for a dedicated towing vehicle in police fleets. Max payload is up to 1,610 pounds.

The PPV is available with automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, front pedestrian braking, and a rear camera mirror.

Chevrolet's law enforcement SUV lineup also includes the special services vehicle, the SSV. It comes in the four-wheel drive configuration only, and offers 8,200 pounds of max trailering and 1,745 pounds of payload.

New for the 2021 model year is a certified speedometer with a projected top speed of 112 miles per hour and a brake light monitor, both of which are visible in the driver information center. The Tahoe SSV is available with the same driver assistance technologies provided in the PPV model.

Ordering opens Sept. 24.