1996 Chevy Tahoe SS

Tahoe SSChevy can hardly deliver an example of Motor Trend's 1996 Truck of the Year to a dealer before customers are kneeing each other for the right to pay more than the sticker value. The Tahoe, especially the four-door version, is a mammoth hit.

Still, competition is on its way in the form of the '97 Ford Expedition, and the imminent conversion of GM's Arlington, Texas, assembly plant to full-size sport/ utility production (there will be a lot more Tahoes to sell) means that Chevrolet won't be able to rest on its laurels. Toward that end, the division showed its idea for a seriously sinister two-wheel-drive Tahoe Super Sport. Without mimicking the blackness of the Impala SS, the Tahoe SS imparts much of that car's high-performance appeal-the result of a six-inch lowering, crossed-flag emblems on each front fender, massive BFGoodrich tires on 17-inch wheels, and enough Emerald Green paint to redecorate Oz.

Beyond the lowering, the suspension has been upgraded with the usual beefy anti-roll bars, better shocks, and bigger brakes. As shown at SEMA, however, the engine and transmission remain standard Tahoe production items. Inside, the seats and doors are awash in tan leather, while a Bose stereo system promises to jellify the inner ears of anyone foolish enough to whack the volume up to full.

A sad fact: In the light of how well the Tahoe currently is selling, Chevy has no real incentive to put the Tahoe SS into production.

Chevy Trucks reign at recent SEMA showJudging by the exhibits at the recent Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in Las Vegas, trucks are the hot ticket in the aftermarket parts industry. Almost every production truck was featured in some modified form or another. Ford made a big push with one of the first displays of its '97 F-150 pickup, but the show's major thunder came from Chevrolet, which featured its new full-size Express van and a solid half-dozen concept trucks.

Rant RavThough the RAV4 is only now appearing at American Toyota dealers, it has been on sale in Europe for months. So the French firm TCA has had an advantage in developing accessories for the mini sport/ute. Among the products the firm is now exporting to the U.S. are stainless-steel side steps, front push bars, and headlight and taillight grilles. That's right-not chrome, but stainless steel. Because these pieces were built for sale in Europe, they pass the stringent tests of the German government and attach using factory mounting points; no drilling is necessary. In fact, the instructions for installing taillight grilles are frighteningly simple:

1. Remove the panel located under the taillight.2. Remove the taillight.3. Place the grilles on the taillight.4. Replace the taillight with the grille in its original position and fasten the screws.

The only tool needed is a Phillips screwdriver. If this process takes you longer than 10 minutes, consult a physician and have him check for a pulse. The front headlight grille is a bit more complex, and you'll need a 12-millimeter Allen wrench in addition to the screwdriver. Think you can handle it?

TCA also offers pieces for vehicles ranging from the Jeep Grand Cherokee to the Kia Sportage. Prices range from $211 for the RAV4 headlight grilles up to $676 for the front bumper. Contact TCA International, 1775 Chestnut Ave., Dept. MT, Glenview, IL 60025; 708/486-0800.