Diplomats can look forward to a new ride as the U.S. Department of State has awarded GM Defense a contract for the next-generation armored Heavy-Duty Sport Utility Vehicle.
The HD SUVs, as they’re known, will be used by the Diplomatic Security Service and have protective armoring incorporated into their original design and manufacturing process. This stands in contrast to the traditional method where the vehicle is built and then taken to an aftermarket company, who tears it apart, adds armoring, and then reassembles everything.
GM Defense says their approach “provides superior vehicle performance while improving efficiencies in build and lead-time, resulting in faster vehicle delivery to the end user.” The company also noted the model will come with a “robust manufacturer’s warranty” as well as a longer lifespan than traditional aftermarket armored vehicles.
More: America’s New Armored Chevy Suburban Is Almost Ready For Government Service
While the HD SUV looks like a run-of-the-mill Chevrolet Suburban, the model rides on a unique body-on-frame chassis and sports a hardcore suspension designed to “support the increased vehicle weight and performance requirements” of protection work. Despite that, the model uses a “high percentage of commercial-off-the-shelf parts” including the body, interior, and powertrain.
The 10-year full-rate production contract is valued at up to $300 (£238 / €276) million. It follows an earlier development and validation contract, which resulted in the creation and delivery of prototypes for testing and evaluation.
GM Defense President Steve duMont said the HD SUV showcases their “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.” He added the company looks forward to “bringing this exciting new platform to other U.S. government and allied defense and security customers around the world.” While he didn’t mention names, the Secret Service would seem like a natural candidate.
