GM Defence, a subdivision of General Motors, has reported signing an agreement with the U.S. Department of State according to which it will design a special version of the Chevrolet Suburban SUV for the diplomatic security service.
The first production batch will consist of 10 cars priced $36.4 million total. This makes the new diplomatically inclined Suburban the most expensive in the recorded history. According to GM Defence, the cars need to be largely designed from the ground up in accordance with new requirements – hence the exorbitant costs.
Just how different the diplomatic Suburban is from its stock counterpart remains largely unexplained. We know that modifications will be made in the frame, the chassis, the bodywork, the interior and the powertrain, and that state-owned car fleet has to meet the highest requirements. It also tends to weigh more and have greater weight capacity.
Does this mean armoring? Once again, there is no official answer. The company claims ‘special technologies’ will be used in production without providing any further information.
The first deliveries are set to be made next spring.