2015 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV will look mean in your rearview mirror

We weren't particular surprised by Chevrolet's unveiling of a Tahoe Police Concept Car at SEMA, as it seemed a perfectly natural use for the truck, and we weren't surprised today when news broke that the Tahoe was going to be offered in law-enforcement spec to police agencies around the country. With stiff competition from the Dodge Durango and the tremendously popular Ford Explorer PPV, a cop-spec 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe, makes perfect sense.

The Chevrolet Tahoe PPV will debut with the new fuel-efficient 5.3-liter direct-injection V8 engine, which produces 335 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. Backing it is a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission, which has been specially calibrated for pursuit performance and heady-duty use. The same basic interior and exterior dimensions will allow for an easy transfer of special police equipment from existing Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles that are nearing the end of their service life, and the same sturdy body-on-frame architecture will ensure that the new 2015 Tahoe is just as rugged as ever for police functions. Granted, the Tahoe won't be as quick or as flashy as the Brabus B63S - 700 Widestar, but it'll be easier on police budgets.

Chevrolet
The 2015 Tahoe PPV will come with all the heady-duty police equipment you may expect, including an extra battery to run the electronics equipment when the engine is off.

"The Tahoe PPV's versatility and low lifecycle cost have made it a leader among police agencies," said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president of Chevrolet Fleet and Commercial Sales. "The enhancements to the 2015 model have further refined an already great vehicle to give police officers the performance, speed and safety they need to help keep their communities safe."

Chevrolet
The interior options are up to the individual department, though the car will be set up for easy installation of electronic gear.

Chevrolet also promises that the 2015 Tahoe PPV will offer improved braking and steering performance, which is always a plus for a vehicle of this size, especially given the tasks that it'll be carrying out during the course of a shift. Chevrolet credits the increased use of high-strength steel, increased body stiffness, and a wider track for improved ride and handling. Seventeen-inch steel wheels fitted with V-rated P265/60R17 Goodyear tires, and an extra battery to power all the police gear round out the package. Options will include a Safety Alert seat, a lane departure warning system, and forward collision alert. As for all the other equipment, like lightbar and siren systems, the latest gear could be seen at the Whelen booth at SEMA as well.

SEMA -- short for Specialty Equipment Marketing Association -- is the biggest aftermarket auto event in the world, held in Las Vegas each fall. The show fills multiple convention halls and shows off everything from high-performance OEM specials to custom wheels and graphics from local shops. Get the full rundown on what automakers and suppliers are up to at the industry's biggest trade show at our SEMA Show home page.

By Jay Ramey