Chevrolet's Special Service Tahoe allows law enforcement an alternative vehicle for the various types of services that do not require high-speed driving, although utility, cargo room, and visibility are a must. It is available in either two- or four-wheel drive.
"Thanks to our close relationship with law-enforcement entities across the country and their continued feedback, we have been able to continuously provide fine-tuning to our products, which make them even more valuable to our customers by providing them the special enhancements they need to do their jobs safely and more easily," said Bruce Wiley, GM law-enforcement program manager.
The Hummer H1 Tactical Unit offers extreme off-road and tactical application for police, search, and rescue operations. Capable of negotiating 30 inches of water, climbing 22 inch ledges, and scaling extreme 60-percent inclines, declines, and 40-percent side slopes, the H1 provides law enforcement the ultimate in maneuverability regardless of terrain. Built to military specifications, the H1 can traverse severe weather conditions and rugged terrain carrying a full payload of 12,100 pounds.
"Since 9/11, the operating methodologies of police and fire municipalities have changed. They are looking at new and innovative ways to utilize police and emergency response vehicles, how to carry more equipment, expand communication capability, and address issues created by tactical and hazardous-material gear," said Wiley. "The Chevrolet Police Tahoe is capable of meeting the rigors of all these needs."
Chevy And GMC Offer 1/2-Ton Crew Cab Pickups In 2004
GM is finally offering 1/2-ton Crew Cabs for Chevy Silverados and GMC Sierras. These new models combine the driver- and passenger-friendly features of light-duty trucks with the roomiest cab on a wheelbase length that gives owners more maneuverability as well as the potential to fit the vehicles in a garage. The '04 Silverado and Sierra Crew Cab's 5-foot 8-inch pickup beds allow the shorter wheelbase.
All have a standard Z85 handling and trailering package, and their performance, trailering, and hauling capabilities seem to be very competitive. The new models come with the potent Vortec 5300 V-8, with 285 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, backed by the Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission as the standard powertrain. GVWRs are 6,800 pounds for 2WD and 7,000 pounds for 4WD, and the base payloads are rated at 1,934 pounds for 2WD and 1,825 pounds for 4WD. Trailer ratings as heavy as 8,500 pounds for 4WD models and 7,800 pounds for the 2WD models are available. The 1500 Series Crew Cabs are available as Silverado Fleetside LS and LT and Sierra Wideside SLE and SLT models. All come with a choice of two- or four-wheel-drive configurations.
Night Vision For The Masses
Well, At Least The Upper Middle Class Masses
Civilian Hummer H1 owners can now buy a night-vision system very close to the system used on military Humvees.
Raytheon Commercial Infared offers a $5,000 system, dubbed Nightdriver, that some Hummer dealerships offer as a dealer-installed option. General Motors already uses a Raytheon night vision system in the Cadillac DeVille. That unit sells for $2,750, so presumably it's not quite as effective as the one offered for the H1, and certainly not as good as the military-spec unit. You'll have to check French, Russian, or German sources for a gray market military-spec thermal imaging system.