When it comes to armored passenger vehicles, Cadillac One, affectionately known as The Beast, takes the spotlight as the U.S. president's car. However, the Diplomatic Security Service has its own fleet of attack-proof SUVs, and it's about to receive an upgrade. GM Defense, renowned for its expertise in creating military-grade machines, has secured a $36.4 million contract from the U.S. Department of State to develop the next generation of Large Support Utility Commercial Vehicles, the backbone of secure transportation for diplomats.
In collaboration with Battelle Memorial Institute, which is responsible for creating armored versions of Ford Expeditions, GM's special ops division took on the challenge of developing these next-gen armored SUVs. This move became crucial for GM as it had ceased production of its Suburban HD chassis in 2018—the only chassis capable of handling the weight of the added armor.
Unlike the traditional approach of outfitting stock trucks with bulletproof glass and reinforced panels, GM is rewriting the playbook. In the past, modified trucks often lost their maneuverability, faced maintenance challenges, and struggled with the additional weight of defense gear, particularly in countries with harsh conditions where diplomats often travel. The new design aims to address these shortcomings, starting from scratch to build a better, more agile, and reliable SUV.
Sharing styling cues and some components with Chevrolet's retail Suburban, these new armored monsters are shrouded in mystery regarding their power source. While GM and DSS have remained tight-lipped, a glimpse under the hood suggests a powerful 6.2-liter LS V8 engine, capable of producing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque in stock form. However, intriguingly, GM's own literature hints at the possibility of an electric body-on-frame (eBOF) architecture, potentially incorporating hybrid technology beneath the surface.
“The prototype vehicle had good acceleration, handled better in the turns and the heavy-duty anti-lock braking system was far superior to our aftermarket vehicles. You could really feel the stability and performance in the redesigned chassis,” said Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security, Gentry Smith after sampling the Suburban at Summit Point Raceway late month. Sounds like he’s impressed, and with each of the 10 prototypes working out at around $3.6 million, he had a right to be.
The first of the ten GM prototypes arrived at the DSS for rigorous testing in late June. The remaining nine are set to endure intense trials, including attacks by small arms and explosive devices to ensure compliance with Overseas Security Policy Board (OSPB) standards, as well as grueling durability tests. If these SUVs prove their mettle and successfully clear all hurdles, the State Department plans to award GM a multi-year contract by September 2023, signaling a new era of top-notch security for diplomats and government officials on the move.
Source: GM Defence
