Chevrolet News:Chevrolet Gives In, Drops the 6.2L V8 Into 2019 Suburban RST

[William Maley]

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When Chevrolet unveiled the Suburban and Tahoe RST last year, the Suburban seemed to get the short end of the stick. It didn't have the option of the 6.2L V8 that was available on the Tahoe. Chevrolet is fixing that for the 2019 Suburban RST.

Available later this summer, the RST Performance Package for the Suburban brings the 420 horsepower 6.2 V8, 10-speed automatic, and magnetic ride control. We don't have a 0-60 mph time for the Suburban, but we're expecting to be a few tenths slower than the Tahoe RST with the same powertrain. Chevrolet does say the Suburban RST with the 6.2 can tow up to 8,100 pounds.

“The RST Performance Package made its debut on the Tahoe RST last spring, and the response from our customers was overwhelmingly positive. In fact, Tahoe RST with the Performance Package is the fastest-turning Tahoe model, and we’ve received customer requests to offer the same performance and power to Suburban RST. Delivering on those requests with the Suburban RST Performance Package is another example of how Chevrolet has continually invested in the segment, developing models with combinations of capability, technology and performance to meet the needs of different customers,” said Sandor Piszar, director of Chevy Trucks Marketing and Advertising in a statement.

Source: Chevrolet

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2019 SUBURBAN RST PERFORMANCE PACKAGE BRINGS V-8 POWER AND STYLE TO CHEVROLET FULL-SIZE SUVS

DETROIT — Chevrolet today announced the new Suburban RST Performance Package. Featuring a 420-hp, 6.2L V-8 engine, Magnetic Ride Control with performance calibration and a new Hydra-Matic 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission, the Suburban RST Performance Package brings a seamless blend of style and performance to Chevy’s portfolio of full-size SUVs.

“The RST Performance Package made its debut on the Tahoe RST last spring, and the response from our customers was overwhelmingly positive,” said Sandor Piszar, director of Chevy Trucks Marketing and Advertising. “In fact, Tahoe RST with the Performance Package is the fastest-turning Tahoe model, and we’ve received customer requests to offer the same performance and power to Suburban RST. Delivering on those requests with the Suburban RST Performance Package is another example of how Chevrolet has continually invested in the segment, developing models with combinations of capability, technology and performance to meet the needs of different customers.”

Available later this summer, this is the first time Suburban will offer the 6.2L V-8, which boasts 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The engine delivers 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.

Suburban RST will also feature a new 10-speed automatic transmission. Smaller steps between each ratio 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.

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 5 milliseconds. As a result, the suspension delivers both improved body-motion control during cornering and a more comfortable ride while cruising. The new performance calibration included in the Suburban RST Performance Package increases body control for even higher levels of responsiveness and comfort.

“When you want to hustle, the Suburban RST with the Performance Package offers high levels of acceleration, braking and road-holding grip,” said Eric Stanczak, chief engineer for Chevrolet full-size trucks. “When you want to relax, it is very refined, with exceptional ride comfort and interior quietness.”

Available performance accessories for Suburban RST include a custom tuned Performance Dual-Side Exit exhaust system designed, engineered and backed by Borla, with sleek exhaust tips that improve exhaust flow by 28 percent for enhanced performance and decreased fuel consumption. Borla, and not GM, is responsible for the safety, quality and warranty for this exhaust system.  An available performance brake package designed, engineered and backed by Brembo features massive front red six-piston, fixed aluminum calipers with brake pads clamping on larger-than-stock 410 x 32mm (16.1 inch x 1.3 inch) Duralife™ rotors coupled with an 84 percent increase in brake pad area and a 42 percent increase in rotor area to increase system thermal capacity. Duralife™ rotors feature a hardened surface to reduce corrosion.

The Performance Package is available as an upgrade to the Suburban RST, which was introduced last year. Styling is based largely on trends in the aftermarket space — virtually all chrome trim has been eliminated for a sporty, street appearance. Changes include body-color grille surround and door handles; gloss-black grille and mirror caps; and black roof rails, window trim, badging and Chevy bowties. RST package also includes 22-inch wheels wrapped in Bridgestone P285/45R 22 tires.

The Suburban RST is expected to boast a towing capacity of 8,100 pounds. Full performance metrics will be announced closer to launch.

Chevrolet has been the best-selling full-size SUV brand for 43 consecutive years. Today, Tahoe is the top selling vehicle in the segment, and Tahoe and Suburban account for nearly one out of every two Full-Size SUV sales when combined. Tahoe and Suburban customers are also the most loyal owners in the segment, with 77 percent of owners replacing their full-size SUV with another Tahoe or Suburban.

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[G. David Felt]

Sweet  Power is always good!

[Drew Dowdell]

So this is the Escalade power train in a sport package. I dig it. Not everyone needs the lux of Cadillac but would still like the performance.

This may become a modern classic. With the next generation of big SUVs so close at hand, this is a 2 year model a best on this platform. The take rate will likely be low.

[ocnblu]

Encouraging that it is the fastest-turning Tahoe model... yes the RST is a small percentage of production, but it does not sit on the lot very long.

[Robert Hall]

Too bad they didn't call this trim level 'SS'. 

[smk4565]

They should put a Corvette ZR1 engine in the Suburban to challenge the future Demon Grand Wagoneer full size 800 hp Jeep. And it should come with 2nd and 3rd row seat delete to save weight. 

[riviera74]

1 hour ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

Too bad they didn't call this trim level 'SS'. 

Good thing they did not name this trim level SS.  That belongs on high-performance cars (e.g. Camaro and Corvette) --- not a BOF SUV.  Ever.

58 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

They should put a Corvette ZR1 engine in the Suburban to challenge the future Demon Grand Wagoneer full size 800 hp Jeep. And it should come with 2nd and 3rd row seat delete to save weight. 

NO.  Just NO.  Bad idea period.  It is a rebodied truck, not a street-legal race car.

[Robert Hall]

6 minutes ago, riviera74 said:

Good thing they did not name this trim level SS.  That belongs on high-performance cars (e.g. Camaro and Corvette) --- not a BOF SUV.  Ever.

Nonsense.  It's been used on the Silverado and TrailBlazer, and what do you think the older SS Impalas, Chevelles, and Monte Carlos were--BOF design. 

Edited May 5, 2018 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[balthazar]

Being BOF or UB is immaterial here, despite it's mention above. A "Silverado SS" with a 6.2L is not going to be in the same high performance ballpark as a Camaro SS.

IMO, the SS nameplate should be kept to truly well-rounded Hi-Po vehicles (this, despite the fact that the first SS was merely a trim package and could be had as an anemic I6).

[Robert Hall]

We've become pretty jaded if a 420hp V8 doesn't constitute high performance... 

1 hour ago, smk4565 said:

They should put a Corvette ZR1 engine in the Suburban to challenge the future Demon Grand Wagoneer full size 800 hp Jeep. And it should come with 2nd and 3rd row seat delete to save weight. 

They should..and in the Tahoe also.  FCA has the GC SRT and Trackhawk, and Durango SRT.   GM needs to have more high performance SUVs.  And an Escalade V-series. 

[daves87rs]

Man, that would be a fun trip car (truck in this case)....

[ocnblu]

I would be constantly "in it" just to hear that 6.2L speak loudly and carry a big stick.

[Drew Dowdell]

The RST performance package adds $5,400 to the price of a Premier trim Tahoe, bringing the base price of a Tahoe RST 4x4 to $70k

Assuming similar package prices for the Suburban, that puts the base price for a Suburban RST 4x4 at minimum $73,595.

And if we wander over to the GMC page and take a look at a Yukon XL Denali 4x4 which has essentially the same hardware......

 

So the RST is just Chevy's version of Denali with more of a sport flare than a luxury flare. I think it's a good move and helps differentiate the brands. I won't be surprised if RST expands similarly to every Chevy that has a Denali trim on the GMC version.

[ccap41]

On 5/5/2018 at 9:31 PM, Drew Dowdell said:

So the RST is just Chevy's version of Denali with more of a sport flare than a luxury flare. I think it's a good move and helps differentiate the brands. I won't be surprised if RST expands similarly to every Chevy that has a Denali trim on the GMC version.

I like that idea as well but what do they do with things that already have the same engine, which is pretty much everything else? 

[Drew Dowdell]

49 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

I like that idea as well but what do they do with things that already have the same engine, which is pretty much everything else? 

On the Traverse, they're doing the 2.0T, but no AWD.... not sure what the logic is on that one. Still, they're only calling it an RS rather than RST.  I have a Cruze RS Hatchback this week as a press car and it looks really good.

They could offer sport RST packages of the Blazer and Equinox by giving them a mild turbo tune and magnride.  I'm not sure what they'd do for Colorado. They already do the Trail Boss package there. 

[G. David Felt]

IF GM cannot seem to read the bones, crystal ball or what ever else you need to call it, then they need to wake up as Performance in SUVs needs to happen across all lines. GMC needs to bring back a Syclone AWD Truck and Typhoon AWD SUV just as Chevy has the RST line. Cadillac needs a V edition of the Escalade and XT line as does Buick need a Grand National or GS edition of their CUVs.

These all need to be TRUE Performance not just badging.

[ocnblu]

Well if you study the order guide, GMC is offering a sport trim package with the 6.2L on the '19 Yukon.

[Drew Dowdell]

18 hours ago, ocnblu said:

Well if you study the order guide, GMC is offering a sport trim package with the 6.2L on the '19 Yukon.

CAn you link me to where you're seeing that? I can't find it on the VIN site. 

[ocnblu]

3 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

CAn you link me to where you're seeing that? I can't find it on the VIN site. 

https://www.gmfleetorderguide.com/NASApp/domestic/proddesc.jsp?year=2019&regionID=1&divisionID=2&type=0&vehicleID=21505&section=oi_def&page=4&butID=3

[G. David Felt]

37 minutes ago, ocnblu said:

https://www.gmfleetorderguide.com/NASApp/domestic/proddesc.jsp?year=2019&regionID=1&divisionID=2&type=0&vehicleID=21505&section=oi_def&page=4&butID=3

Wonder if this is above the Denali or below it or equal?  Pricing will be interesting.

[Drew Dowdell]

1 hour ago, dfelt said:

Wonder if this is above the Denali or below it or equal?  Pricing will be interesting.

GMC Yukon Matching Chevy's RST with Graphite