Chevy Suburban's 85-Year Nameplate Celebrated With Automobile Gallery Feature

The very first Suburban ever rolled off the assembly line in 1935, during the year that the Hoover Dam was built and the first color movies ever were shown on the big screen. Most utility vehicles at the time were known as “Sedan deliveries”, and incorporated a wagon body on a car platform. The Suburban held on to the wagon body idea but employed a heavier-duty commercial truck chassis that added a sense of rugged capability.

After World War II was when the Suburban began to take off with non-commercial buyers, and more passenger-friendly versions became common. It was another few decades  before the Suburban gradually changed into the shape you see here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson today. The cargo-focused versions of the Suburban gradually died off, and the popularity of the vehicle skyrocketed during the late 1980s. The minivan was losing popularity, and those moving to suburbia in droves were loving the Suburban's practicality, as well as cool appearance.

This gallery from Automobile blog begins with an image of the 1992 model, and you can immediately tell what a difference there is between one from this era on up to 2006: the Suburban is a vehicle that became much sturdier and stronger during the mid 2000's. The 2007 Chevy Suburban LTZ was when the front end finally became so distinct you couldn't miss it, almost akin to a Mako shark making its way through the water! There's one shot in the gallery of a 2018 Suburban that really clarifies what a perfect fit it is for a fire rescue vehicle: it appears as if it could make its way through just about anything. The model from 1935 in this gallery is a show-stealer: one of the only similarities it bears to anything current is the extra row of seating, but it still possesses the trademark Chevy charm.

The 1949 model has a very abrupt slope on all rooflines, and looks a bit like a milk jug on its side! If we had to pick a favorite from the past it would most likely be the 1965 Chevy Suburban C10: It is just so oversized, has such a wagoneer vibe, and oozes the true sense of off-road readiness that only a vehicle from the 1960s can. When equipped with the available front bench seat, the current Suburban can hold up to nine passengers and has plenty of room behind its third-row seat for luggage. The base engine is a 5.3-liter V8, cranking out 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. 

Optional with the RST Package is a 6.2-liter V8 that offers up 420 hp, and 460 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic. Don't forget to check out the various features in trim level when you pay us a visit: opting for the top-of-the-line Premier adds magnetic ride control, keyless entry and push-button start, front and rear park assist, power-folding outside mirrors, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, HID headlights, fog lights, perforated leather seating, power-release second-row seats, heated steering wheel, and blind-spot monitoring with lane-change alert!

RST Special Edition Prepares the Tahoe and Suburban to Tremble the Tucson Streets

The Suburban and Tahoe are able and trustworthy vehicles: they are known for their excellent ability to haul, climb and transport anyone from the little league to the debate club in style. The RST is designed specifically for drivers who want the coveted and current street performance look, without having to skimp on the capability or other trusty qualities of this vehicle. You can now come on down to O'Rielly and check out how awesome a few new modifications are: when you opt for the Performance Package, it includes a 420-hp, 6.2L V-8 engine, Magnetic Ride Control with performance calibration and an all-new Hydra-Matic 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission.

The RST will be available on Tahoe and Suburban models during the fall this year, and is heavily inspired by trends prominent in the aftermarket arena. All of the previous chrome trim has been eliminated, part of what gives the vehicle a simplified and able appearance. The bod-color grille surround and door handles have also been changed as well as gloss-black grille and mirror caps, black roof rails, window trim, badging, as well as the trademark Chevy bowties. The RST also includes the very able and sturdy 22-inch wheels for traction, nicely gift-wrapped in Bridgestone P28/45R 22 tires.

Even though these vehicles are perfectly equipped to hit the road on an arid and sun-kissed Tucson weekend, there are also a few other upgrades that will make the RST even more appealing to you. There is an available Borla performance exhaust system that offers a 20 percent boost in exhaust flow, resulting in a 7-10 horsepower gain from the rear wheels. Some drivers are finicky about their braking capabilities and the RST also can be beefed up with a front red Brembo six-piston, fixed aluminum brake caliper package that provides an 84 percent increase in brake pad area. Duralife rotors feature a hardened surface that will allow you to come to a stop more quietly, and with less vibration.

When you come visit us to check out the Performance Package, we'll show you how you can heftily beef up your street presence with a stealth performance calibration Magnetic Ride Control, 6.2L V-8, and the brand new 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission. This is the first time ever that the Tahoe features the 6.2L V-8, and you'll notice right away the difference with delivery of 420-horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.

Don't worry if you're helping out your contractor buddy, or planning a spur-of-the-moment trip to the lake: the Tahoe RST Performance Package will have the ability to tow 8,400 pounds, and get up to 60 MPH in less than 6 seconds. There's even more reason to set your sights on these two popular vehicles this year, and see how excited you'll be to have fun in a brand new one right around the time school is back in session. The Fall brings the promise of abundant change, and the RST will no doubt supercharge your daily schedule.