'06 Chevrolet Tahoe Z56 Police Package
The two-wheel-drive Tahoe has the distinction of being the only SUV given a pursuit rating by the manufacturer. Other SUVs, such as the Ford Explorer and Escape and four-wheel-drive Tahoe, are available to the law-enforcement community as a Special Service Package, and not necessarily intended for high-speed pursuit. Though Chevrolet developed the Tahoe police package to fill the gap in the market left by the Caprice, it was never nearly as popular. Its initial cost is higher than the Caprice or Crown Victoria, and, at an estimated 15 mpg, it's not the most fuel-efficient choice available. However, Sergeant Robert Killeen of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department says that the Tahoe's advantage is its interior space-63.6 cubic feet of cargo area, and, as such, most of his Tahoes are assigned to K9 units or to a field supervisor, who can use the car as a mobile command post at the scene of an accident or other emergency. The cargo area can be fitted to carry an array of equipment or weapons.
Compared to a regular Tahoe, the police version loses its center console and trades the carpeting for a rubber floor mat. It is also available with auxiliary interior lighting and additional power points. Mechanically, the police Tahoes are equipped with 160-amp alternators, a high-capacity air cleaner, transmission-oil and power-steering coolers, a 4-inch balanced aluminum driveshaft, skidplates, police-specific springs, and 3.73 final drive with a limited-slip option.
If you're looking for a police Tahoe at the auctions, try to find a two-wheel-drive version. Its lower center of gravity and upgraded suspension offer better handling than the 4x4 versions. These vehicles are relatively rare versus the CVPIs, so be prepared to pay more for exclusivity. We've seen clean, relatively low-mile units sell for upward of $8,000.00.
Engine: 5.3L OHV V-8
Horsepower: 295 @ 5,200 rpm
Torque: 335 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Curb weight: 5,079 lbs.
Brakes
Front: 12-inch ventilated disc
Rear: 13-inch ventilated disc
Acceleration
0-60: 8.91 seconds
Quarter-mile: 16.80 seconds @ 85.80 mph
Braking: 60-0: 157.48 feet
Top speed: 124 mph