Chevrolet has launched the Tahoe RST model, a street-performance rally sport truck edition of the Chevrolet Tahoe, in the Middle East market.

The model was showcased today (January 18) at the Kuwait Motor Show Auto Moto 2018, following the overwhelming response at its regional premiere during the 2017 Dubai International Motor Show.

Packing the potent 6.2-litre V-8 that also powers the iconic Corvette Stingray, the Tahoe RST boasts 420 hp channeled to all four wheels via General Motors’ all-new Hydra-Matic 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission, said a statement.

To ensure exceptional handling without sacrificing ride quality or comfort, the Tahoe RST comes equipped with magnetic ride control suspension, it said.

Plucked straight from Chevrolet’s sports cars, Magnetic Ride Control is an active suspension system that constantly scans the road surface every millisecond and triggers damping changes electronically in as little as 5 milliseconds to give the Tahoe RST’s driver confident handling with minimal body roll and enhanced ride quality.

The 6.2L V-8, which is being offered in the Tahoe for the first time, develops an estimated 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Not only is the engine suitably powerful, it also features state-of-the-art technologies such as direct injection, active fuel management, including cylinder deactivation and continuously variable valve timing. This allows for the optimal use of the engine’s power, torque and efficiency across a variety of operating conditions.

Cosmetically, the RST is differentiated from the standard Tahoe with its aftermarket cues, which give it a decidedly more aggressive appearance, it added.

The exterior chrome elements are almost entirely eliminated for a street-performance look and replaced by gloss-black appointments. Exclusive to the RST are body-colour grille surround, headlamp eyebrow and door handles; gloss-black grille, mirror caps, roof rails, running board accent, window trim and RST badging and illuminated black Chevrolet bowties.

Finally, to ensure an imposing stance to complement the design enhancements, the Tahoe sits on exclusive 22-inch wheels.

Other standard features to differentiate the Tahoe RST include a Borla performance exhaust system, which not only gives it a more sonorous aural characteristic, it also liberates extra horsepower, thanks to 28 per cent improvement in exhaust flow.

To reign in the power, the Tahoe RST gets sizable front Brembo six-piston, fixed aluminium calipers finished in red, with brake pads clamping on bigger 410 x 32mm (16.1 inch x 1.3 inch) Duralife rotors.

The new braking system increases the brake pad area and the rotor area by a substantial 84 per cent and 42 per cent respectively to boost system thermal capacity.

The new Duralife rotors feature a hardened surface to reduce corrosion and provide quieter braking with less vibration.

Ahmed Soudodi, head of brand at Chevrolet Middle East, said: “The Tahoe is one of the most loved large SUVs in the Middle East and the outstanding response the RST edition received at its regional unveiling during this year’s Dubai International Motor Show cemented this fact.”

“The Tahoe RST was undeniably one of the star attractions on our stand — a clear indication of how much our customers want this vehicle. And now their wishes are being fulfilled as the most powerful Tahoe is officially launched at the 2018 Kuwait motor show,” he said.

“With its street-performance look and increased power, the RST is the most performance oriented Tahoe yet. Its exceptional styling is backed by equally impressive performance, all the while retaining the presence, and capability that make the Tahoe a firm favourite in the large SUV segment,” he added.

The first Tahoe RSTs will arrive to Chevrolet showrooms across the Middle East by Q3/Q4 2018, it stated. – TradeArabia News Service