The 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe RST Performance Edition made its debut today at the 2022 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Featuring “performance induction and exhaust systems,” the RST Performance Edition’s 6.2-liter V-8 makes more horsepower and torque than the standard RST’s, while also boasting a number of features from the Tahoe PPV police variant meant to give it a handling and braking edge. Additionally, the SUV wears a black RST badge on its exterior and has unique performance pedals inside, while the most likely giveaway should be its lower ride height.
A Little More Oomph
Horsepower from the 6.2-liter V-8 increases by 13 to 433, while torque is up 7 pounds-feet to 467. Chevrolet says the RST Performance Edition can go from 0-60 mph in 5.78 seconds, faster than the base RST’s 5.95-second time. Top speed for the RST Performance Edition is 124 mph, 12 mph higher than the standard RST, and Chevy says its quarter-mile time is 14.2 seconds with a top speed of 97 mph, two-tenths of a second faster than the base model (with the same top speed).
Maximum towing capacity is unchanged from the base RST, remaining a healthy 7,600 pounds. The sole transmission choice remains a 10-speed automatic, and the RST Performance Edition has standard four-wheel drive.
Pursuit-Rated Performance
Borrowing from the Tahoe PPV police vehicle, the RST Performance Edition has police-spec suspension springs and chassis tuning, along with retuned dampers and a larger stabilizer bar. The RST Performance Edition also rides 0.4 inch lower in front and 0.8 inch lower in the rear, giving it the same ride height as the police variant.
Stopping power is provided by Brembo-brand front and rear brakes with rotors that are 25% larger than the base model’s, modulated by a brake pedal with a “performance-calibrated” feel. According to Chevrolet, the RST Performance Edition can stop from 60 mph in 133 feet, 6.4 feet shorter than the standard RST’s 139.4-foot stopping distance.
“We have carefully tuned this vehicle to handle speed with confidence and control that is immediately apparent behind the wheel,” Chief Engineer Dominique Lester said in a statement. “The pursuit-rated driving dynamics inspire excitement and confidence on the road, and we’re proud to have achieved this level of ride and handling in a full-size SUV largely through performance calibration and tuning.”
Pricing and Release Date
The RST Performance Edition Package will cost $8,525 on top of a 6.2-liter-equipped Tahoe RST, which has a starting price of $70,415 (including destination). Chevy says production will begin in the fourth quarter of this year.
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Keyword: 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe RST Performance Edition Turns Up the Heat