Chevrolet debuted its first factory-installed police packages for the 1955 Chevrolet 150 sedan and the 210 station wagon. These vehicles were available with police-ready equipment straight from the factory and featured modifications such as heavy-duty chassis components, reinforced brakes, radio equipment, and lighting.
These vehicles also featured the most powerful Chevrolet engine available for police 70 years ago: the 265 cid Super Turbo-Fire V8, according to General Motors. The police version of 265-cu.-in. engine offered 205 horsepower, compared to the retail version that offered only 162 horsepower, according to the Museum of American Speed.
General Motors and Chevrolet still provide pursuit vehicles to police fleets, although these vehicles are much more powerful these days.
In 1991, Chevrolet modified its popular Camaro sports car for police use, adding features such as “advanced safety systems, enhanced infotainment interfaces, and improved powertrains,” General Motors said in a release.
The B4C Camaro featured “a performance exhaust system, four-wheel disc brakes, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a heavy-duty battery/electrical system, 3.23 gears, an additional oil cooler, Z28 suspension, an exterior spotlight and a 145-mph speedometer,” according to a post on the blog site, GM Authority. A quick web search generates multiple pages of information about the Camaro cop car, and how, in those days, it was quite difficult to outrun.
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2025 Chevrolet Police Pursuit Vehicles
Chevrolet’s collaboration with law enforcement has continued throughout the decades, and now with GM Envolve, the auto manufacturer hopes to further that collaboration. That collaboration brought a few changes to Chevrolet’s PPV lineup for the 2025 model year.
“The changes and enhancements in our model year 2025 police vehicle lineup are a result of feedback from our law enforcement customers,” Yuri Tello, manager of government sales for GM Envolve, said. “With a focus on sustainability and performance, Chevy and GM Envolve aim to help law enforcement operations meet their sustainability goals while enhancing safety and efficiency.”
Here’s what’s new with Chevrolet’s PPV lineup:
Chevrolet’s law enforcement lineup for 2025 includes three models: the Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle, the Silverado PPV, and the brand-new Blazer EV PPV.
The 2025 Tahoe PPV is equipped with a 5.3L V8 engine, producing 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. of torque. It has a maximum payload capacity of 1,780 lb. and can tow a maximum of 6,000 lb. It also features a 17.1-inch infotainment screen and comes with standard HD Surround Vision technology. It also features safety and driver assistance technology, including a rearview camera mirror.
The 2025 Silverado PPV features the same 5.3L V8 engine, offering 355 hp and 383 lb.-ft. of torque. It has a maximum payload capacity of 1,990 lb. and can tow a maximum of 9,300 lb. The Silverado PPV “is the only pursuit-rated pickup with an optional 2-inch suspension lift,” General Motors states.
The Blazer EV PPV features a range of an estimated 297 miles and has a projected top speed of 130 mph without extra equipment or modifications. The Blazer EV is packed with features, such as multi-view cameras, rear park assist, safety alert seats, and a TPMS with tire fill alerts. Its police-specific features include 20- to 50-amp relays throughout the vehicle, police-rated suspension, performance calibrations, and underbody skid plates.
If adding an electric vehicle to its lineup of Police Pursuit Vehicles is an indication of innovation within its collaboration with law enforcement, there’s no telling what will debut from Chevrolet’s PPV lineup 70 years from now.
