This week, and following the debut of the Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle 25 years ago, Chevrolet dared with a new member of its police pursuit fleet: it presented the 2023 Silverado Pursuit Vehicle, a pick-up 4×4-drive, short-bed crew cab that arrives factory-engineered for high speeds and the rigors of patrol vehicles.
“We are constantly having conversations with our customers and evaluating how we can best fit their needs,” said Ed Peper, vice president of fleets for General Motors. “Our 25 years of engineering the Tahoe PPV coupled with a century of truck success puts us in a great position to deliver a truly capable police Silverado.”
In practice, this Chevrolet Silverado with sirens is powered by the 5.3-liter V8 engine that develops 355 Hp, that is to say, it is the same block that drives the standard Silverado available from 2019 in Chile. It is always paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and features six-piston Brembo front brakes with 16-inch rotors to ensure greater braking and extended durability. The bowtie mark ensures that the performance it is optimized thanks to the inclusion of a high-demand air filter.
To ensure the fulfillment of its police missions, the Silverado PPV also integrates a certified speedometer, 20″ black steel wheels taken from the aforementioned Tahoe PPV and Goodyear off-road tires. The turning radius has been reduced to 14.2 meters and the pick-up is capable of pulling 9,300-pound (or 4.2-ton) cars.
Other upgrades include shock absorbers borrowed from the Z71 off-road package, a locking rear differential, and skid plates. Optionally, the Silverado Police Pursuit can be ordered with a lift kit of two extra inches, going to have a total of 288 mm of ground clearance, with an angle of attack of 25.9º. Also, to reduce costs and start-up time, the truck comes standard with front and rear flashing lights.
Designed for rough treatment on a day-to-day basis, inside this police Chevy Silverado stands out for its keyless entry, standard ignition button and a shifter on the steering column. The vinyl takes over the floor and the upholstery of the rear seats. To keep electronic equipment always working, a 220-amp alternator and two 120-volt plugs were also integrated.
The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado Pursuit Vehicle -from now on a great rival of la Ford F-150 Police Responder– will be available for Canada and the United States from the middle of this year.