Chevy Suburban's Star-Studded Journey From Do-It-All Hauler To Hollywood Squares

The longest-running nameplate in automotive history now boasts its own star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. After seeing a steady transition from a utility vehicle for fleets into a luxurious family-friendly model loaded with safety and other features, it is now a well-established staple of the large-sized SUV category. The staff at FleetLogging took on the task lately of putting together a few useful infographics that convey just how far it has come during its 85 years of existence. The very first Suburban roared to life in 1935 known as the "Carryall Suburban".

Seating up to 8 and boasting 115 cubic-feet of cargo space, the first engine eagerly generated just 60 horsepower, still ample enough for the buyers of the time it was built for. It resembled the likes of a heavy-duty station wagon more than the current SUV and saw availability with side-hinged rear panel doors or a rear tailgate. Immediately after it was introduced, commercial buyers heavily embraced the Suburban, and the choosiest of private customers were eagerly making repeat purchases. During the 1940s the Chevrolet versions were equipped with a 216 cubic-inch 6-cylinder engine and shared a majority of its parts with the AK Series trucks. 

The Hydra-Matic 4-speed automatic transmission was available in GMC models beginning in 1953, and also in the 1954 Suburbans. These versions saw the front bench seat split with two seats on the drivers's side and a lone seat on the passenger's side that could slide forward to access the rear two rows. The last series to feature "Canopy Express" models, there was still a lot of true character shining through here, with very recognizable grilles and a friendly while powerful vibe. 

During the late 1950s, Suburban engines included both the I-6 and the small block V8, which both eventually evolved in the future to the 283 cubic-inch version. The 4-wheel-drive unit in 1957 added the numbers "3156" for panel-doored models, and "3166" for those sporting tailgates. Styling during the early 1960s boasted a brand-new front independent suspension as well as wrap-around windshields and panel door rear openings. Available transmissions were a 3-speed and 4-speed manual, the automatic Powerglide with GMC models toting the dual-range Hydramatic.

The Seventh Generation of Suburbans were produced from 1973 until 1993, and now had two doors on each side. Appropriate for many families and businesses that were in the market to purchase a serious and powerful hauling machine, they also featured front-and-rear air conditioning, heating under the third seat, and a very useful baggage rack. During 1982 the powerful Detroit Diesel V8 became available and was then the engine of choice until seeing its discontinuation in 1988.

The Suburban was ranked third among the top affordable SUVs and fifth among affordable SUVs with 3-row seats by U.S. News and World Report and also celebrated attaining "Best SUV with a third row seat" after thorough review from Consumer Reports. The twelfth generation Suburban saw its introduction at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit last year boasting a lowered vehicle floor and more room and second-and third-row seats as well as the cargo area. Come down to see us at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse of Linn, Missouri where the 2021 Suburban is bigger and better before, boasting a newly-adopted independent rear suspension and more third-row space! 

2021 Chevy Suburban Caught in the Wild Via Motor Authority Spy Shots

The season is bearing down upon us here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse where there may be good reason for even more outings in numbers than summer: crisp temps, the promise of high-octane sporting events, and the festive holidays that come up quick in November. The Suburban is a great choice for carting friends and loved ones around in numbers, and a prototype for the 2021 model was just spotted in camouflage by the Motor Trend blog staff revealing clues about what the upcoming SUVs appearance.

Chevy's full-size fleet will now be redesigned around the T1 body-on-frame platform for SUVs and pickups, and will be instrumental in helping the new Suburban ultimately shed close to 300 pounds. The 2019 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 was where the T1 platform made its debut last year, and we have been notified by numerous sources that after the redesigned Suburban arrives at dealerships as a 2021 model, it could be followed shortly by a redesigned version of the smaller Tahoe. Even with the task at hand of peering through the heavy camo gear on this Suburban prototype, it looks like many elements of the front including the headlight treatment have been borrowed from the latest Silverado, the front-running and most capable heavy-duty truck in the nation.

We know that the engineers were hunkered for some time over technical documents in the break room discussing how to take extreme measures to hide the rear axle, and we applaud the desire to hide as much as possible when it comes to a future model. But in these shots, it is evident that there is an independent rear suspension unlike what is situated in the current model. This will most likely make a noticeable difference in comfort, and exist as a direct response to Ford's latest setup in their new Expedition.

It may come as a shocker to a few, but there is a good chance that the new model line could consist of a 2.7-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder deactivation fitted... YES: that boils down in all bold-faced reality to a 4-cylinder Suburban! We fully understand that many will choose the 5.3-liter V-8 offered with the advanced Dynamic Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology, that can alter the engine's firing between just one and all eight cylinders on its own high-tech whim.

Poised at the top of the range will most likely be the 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, currently available in Suburban RST trim. The Suburban is the longest continuous use auto nameplate still in production, seeing its  beginnings in 1935. Three rows of seating and a full pickup frame bring about quite a vibe go-anywhere prowess, and we have high hopes for the incoming model as reports about release continue!

Mid-Missouri Horde on Horsepower: 2018 Chevy Tahoe Rally Sport's Truck Package

The Suburban has long been the vehicle of choice for those who crave a rugged ride that will simply not back down to any challenge. It's not just for those who want to venture into the wilderness: the Suburban as well as the Tahoe have been loyal workhorses for those in the telecommunications, broadcasting, and construction industries. If you are now looking for a durable vehicle that can serve you well with an awesome appearance, look no further. Buyers interested in either of these supreme vehicles have the option with the Rally Sport Package to do some awesome upgrading, and see just how fun their new purchase can be in the very near future.

You can add a Borla performance exhaust to the vehicle for starters, which drastically adds to the pleasantly gruff growl. It can even increase engine horsepower and torque throughout the RMP range, which allows for quicker acceleration when suddenly needing to pass another vehicle. Creators of the "Cat Back" performance exhaust, this is a brand whose name has been held in very high regard since 1978. Working hard to improve the performance of the vehicle, this upgrade will make those who love to roar through the streets with a bit of muscular boost behind them.

You can also acquire the 6.2-liter V8 found in the Silverado with the Tahoe's RST, which boisterously belts out 460-lb of torque alongside 420 horsepower. Having a towing capacity of 8,400 lbs is sure to inspire those out there who are needing to secure anything from timber to to giving a tow, and you can even opt for the V-8 package for the Tahoe. When you make the choice to select the V8, you are opting for the same version of the 10L80 10-speed automatic that is under the hood of the Camaro ZL1, and the Ford F-150 Raptor.

The driver will enjoy taller gear ratios that provide more space between the speeds, and you will notice the drastic difference right away in shift tuning. The 6.2-liter also brings into use the GMs magnetorheoligoical suspension: a technology that goes hard to work to help the driver by adjusting the shock absorbers of said vehicle in real-time. There is actually a monotube damper filled with magentorheological fluid, located on each single wheel, and an electronic control unit responsible for the job of coordinating the entire system.

By choosing either of these awesome upgrades, you are assuring that you have a highly precise and extremely fast response ride. Your vehicle will truly have the potential to "draw" force-velocity curve, and the poise and control you will notice as a result is guaranteed to have you excited to get behind the wheel every single day. Here on the lot in Linn, we can show you how to utilize these upgrades to the best of your ability, and how to get behind the wheel of an awesome new ride right away. There are many trails off the beaten path to be explored, and many outdoors projects that have your name written all over them: the mountains and valleys of Missouri are always waiting to be conquered.