Batch of six units from 2019 brings heavy armor of 5.4 tons, special axles and V8 engine with mechanical compressor
Official vehicles modified for the American government almost never reach the civilian market, but a rare exception put six units of the Chevrolet Suburban HD, year 2019, on sale to the general public. The large SUVs were originally leased for the exclusive use of the Secret Service and Capitol Police in Washington, D.C., and were eventually purchased by private dealers directly from an armored vehicle manufacturer.
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With the exception of one basic unit (LS version) used as a civilian support model, the other five units bring extreme technical specifications designed for the safety of authorities. They are equipped with a 6.0-liter V8 engine, which received improved cylinder heads and a powerful mechanical compressor (supercharger) signed by the Lingenfelter preparer.
Unlike conventional Suburbans, which use a standard Silverado 2500 structure, these units employ one-ton reinforced axles, eight-hole wheels and run-flat tires, capable of rolling even after a puncture. In addition, the full ballistic armor brings the weight of the high-security SUV to almost 5.5 tons. According to the sellers, the vehicle behaves similarly to a boat, presenting enormous difficulty in braking or making turns and prioritizing movement in a straight line.
The fleet was divided between two independent dealers. Ben Kelsey, based in Texas, put up for sale the unit with the lowest mileage (21 thousand miles driven) for US$ 139,000 (about R$ 708,900).
Northeast Auto Imports retailer Derek Griffith made available a batch of four SUVs (with about 35,000 miles) for $105,000 each (about R$535,500). Griffith points out that one of these four units has white paint, a configuration considered extremely rare by government patrol standards. Due to the high demand and rarity, the vehicles already accumulate proposals even before the official announcements.
