GM Is Building An Armored SUV, But You Can’t Buy It Unless Your Name Is Uncle Sam
GM Defense has scored a $300 million contract to build SUVs for the U.S. State Department.
But not just any SUVs.
The General Motors-owned military contractor has developed an armored vehicle based on its production full-size trucks that will be used by the department’s Diplomatic Security Service.
The heavy duty vehicle has been purpose-engineered for the task with 70% “commercial-off-the-shelf parts” to control production and maintenance costs.
HYBRID FORD RANGER 6X6 IS A WAR MACHINE
A illustrative image supplied with a news release on the contract depicts one with the body of a Chevrolet Suburban and a GM Defense spokesperson told American Cars And Racing that it will be delivered with multiple seating configurations.
The truck rides on a unique frame and suspension to handle the weight of the armor, which has been integrated into the original design, rather than added on.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE AMERICAN CARS AND RACING YOUTUBE CHANNEL
GM delivered 10 prototype trucks for evaluation under a preliminary contract announced in 2021, at which time the contract called for approximately 200 trucks per year. The final 10-year agreement is for “Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity” under the $300 million ceiling.
“This is a very important program for GM Defense as it showcases our ability to leverage the proven commercial platforms and world-class engineering and manufacturing processes of GM to provide a first-of-its-kind vehicle for the Department of State,†GM Defense president Steve duMont said in a press release.
THE CANOO AMERICAN BULLDOG IS A ‘LOYAL AND COURAGEOUS’ ELECTRIC PICKUP
“Everyone on our team has committed to partnering with the State Department to ensure we deliver the best vehicles to support their mission. We look forward to continuing this partnership and bringing this exciting new platform to other U.S. government and allied defense and security customers around the world.â€
Chevrolet this week unveiled the redesigned 2025 Tahoe and Suburban, but GM Defense has not said if the State Department vehicles will adopt their styling.
Read This Next
