Chevrolet News:Spying: 2020 Chevrolet Suburban Is Hiding Something

[William Maley]

The lengths that automakers go to with camouflaging vehicles continues to amaze us. Case in point, the first spy photos of the next-generation Chevrolet Suburban has hit the internet. General Motors has covered up every surface, including the underside. That's because the new Suburban appears to be ditching the solid rear axle for an independent setup. We know this as a spy photographer found the right spot where there was minimal camouflage and captured it.

Why is Chevrolet switching to an IRS setup? It might have to do with the new Ford Expedition which moved to independent rear suspension. A source told Autoblog that Chevrolet wouldn't have fit IRS because it was expensive, but plans changed when the Expedition made a big splash with it. Of course, IRS could have been in the cards for some time. Nevertheless, this setup will help improve ride quality significantly.

Engines are expected to mirror the new Silverado, which might include the new turbocharged 2.7 four-cylinder.

Source: Autoblog, CarScoops

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[Drew Dowdell]

Chevy absolutely needs to catch up with Ford on this one. They needed to go IRS on the current generation.

[ccap41]

They dominated sales though.. It was smart of hold off a generation to save the R&D cash for anything else. 

[David]

This kind of pictures screams IRS. They could have done a far better job if they really wanted to keep it less noticable.

Very cool as you know this will go into the Yukon and Escalade.

[riviera74]

Q: What is the advantage of a solid rear axle vs. an IRS other than cost?

[Robert Hall]

2 hours ago, riviera74 said:

Q: What is the advantage of a solid rear axle vs. an IRS other than cost?

IRS allows for a lower rear frame and lower rear floor--more legroom for 3rd row passengers, lower cargo area floor.  Compare the Expedition vs the GM full sizers. 

[balthazar]

Solid axles generally have higher weight capacities... but that's not really a factor in SUVs. Pickups are unlikely to ever go IRS.