mod@tech

Normally, we bring you reviews of new cars that manufacturers send us to drive for a week. This is also a new vehicle review, but it’s a little different. Four of my Collector Car Network colleagues and I recently traveled to South Florida for the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Palm Beach Auction, which meant we needed a rental car that could carry all of us and our luggage and camera gear. We ended up driving away from the Alamo lot in a Black 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe LT with a Jet Black leather interior. Since we all spent several days and nights in it traveling to the South Florida Fairgrounds, our hotel, and various dinner spots, I thought I would incorporate everyone’s perspective into this review.

Chevrolet rolled out the fifth-generation Tahoe as a 2021 model, which incorporated some major updates, such as a futuristic exterior design, an all-new chassis with an independent rear suspension, an optional Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six, and the upscale High Country trim level. Consider the 2025 model a mid-cycle refresh. Exterior tweaks include new front and rear lighting, a redesigned front fascia, two additional paint colors, and available 24-inch wheels.

Inside, Chevrolet lowered the instrument panel, redesigned the steering wheel, and dropped the outgoing model’s push-button transmission shifter in favor of a column-mounted stalk. All trim levels come standard with an 11-inch driver information display and a 17.7-inch infotainment screen.

According to Chevy, “The multilink independent rear suspension design introduced on the current Tahoe and Suburban has been updated to provide more refined ride-and-handling dynamics. Additional steering calibration improvements offer a confident drive experience across conditions.”

The more refined 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel I6 received new pistons, a retuned turbo compressor, and higher-flow fuel injectors, as well as cooling improvements. Thanks to the new hardware, output is up to 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, which is channeled through a 10-speed automatic.

Our rental LT had the base EcoTec3 5.3-liter V8, which generates 355 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 383 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm, paired with a 10-speed automatic. Every time the Tahoe started up, its nasty snarl made me glad that V8s are still alive in this age of hybrids and EVs. From my shotgun seat, the Tahoe certainly seemed to have enough grunt to get me and the rest of the Palm Beach crew up to speed quickly enough. There was also plenty of space behind me, so I never had to move my seat up to give the person behind me enough legroom. When we had to load all of our backpacks, suitcases, and equipment into the rear, it was a different story: The space behind the third row wasn’t quite enough, so we had to lower part of it and use the cubic feet it freed up to fit the rest of our stuff.

I served as the navigator for most of our five days and nights in Palm Beach, which was much easier to do with the wireless Apple CarPlay. The massive center screen made it almost impossible to miss the next turn in the navigation system’s directions. The touchscreen also allowed me to set the temperature for my climate zone, but if I didn’t feel like tapping my way to comfort, I could use the dial on the center stack. Touch controls are modern and slick, but there’s a reason why dials, switches, and buttons have been around so long: they work.

So what did my colleagues think of the revamped Tahoe? I’ll let them tell you.

The engine has a satisfying growl—especially at cold-start or under throttle. It sounds powerful but not too loud. The throttle responds quickly for a full-size SUV. Power delivery is smooth and confident, with strong acceleration that doesn’t feel strained. Despite its size, the Tahoe doesn’t drive like a boat. Steering is responsive, and body roll is well controlled.

The second row feels like first class: Generous legroom and headroom, reclining seats, and individual climate controls make it a very comfortable place to ride. Taller passengers will find the second row roomy and supportive, with great visibility and plenty of space to relax. Even with the third row up, the Tahoe has impressive cargo space—plenty of room for gear, suitcases, or work equipment.

Jordan Muscarella, Business Manager

The middle and third-row seating was extremely comfortable, with great airflow from the rear vents and plenty of legroom. Being able to recline the middle row is great for adding a little more comfort on long drives. I also appreciate how easy it was to get in and out of the third row.

The car sounded great with plenty of power but still had a smooth and luxurious feel. Its the exact SUV I would want to be chauffeured in.

Jared Costello, Senior Business Analyst

I did not expect that kind of power from the back seat! One second I was just riding along, and the next—boom—the engine let out a deep groan and pushed me into the seats like the new TRON ride at Disney World. This thing moves. And it’s not just quick—it feels premium, too. From the back, it gave off this armored-luxury vibe, like I was some kind of executive being chauffeured in a bulletproof tank. There was tons of legroom back there, and the USB-C ports kept my devices charged before and after long workdays. It’s rare that the second row leaves such a strong impression, but this ride nailed it.

The real star of the show? The suspension. It was buttery smooth. Every pothole, crack, or bump just disappeared under us. It was so well dialed in that I couldn’t help but think, Man, I wish my Lexus rode like this.

Luke Lamendola, Social Media Content Creator

Right off the bat, I noticed how comfortable the third row is. I’m on the shorter side (about 5’6″), so legroom usually isn’t a huge issue for me, but even so, I didn’t feel cramped or stuck in a “kids only” section. The extra space made longer rides much more tolerable than I expected. I was also able to recline the seat slightly, which made a big difference in comfort. I wouldn’t want to spend hours back there every day, but for short trips and even decent-length drives, it’s genuinely comfortable.

The ride itself is smooth. Even from the rear, I could tell the suspension was soaking up bumps pretty well, and I didn’t feel tossed around like I usually do in the back of three-row vehicles. The cabin stays surprisingly quiet too, even at highway speeds.

I also got a short turn driving the Tahoe, and even though it was just for a few miles, I came away impressed. Despite its size, it doesn’t feel bulky or hard to handle. Acceleration felt strong. That big V8 just screams and it becomes addicting.

Dustin W. Johnson, Media Supervisor

I can still remember the moment when I completely understood the allure of muscle cars. I was a sophomore in high school and my daily driver was a 1968 Porsche 912 Targa I had purchased from a neighbor for $2,000. I was a big European car fan and even had a job after school at an independent Porsche shop. I thought muscle cars were uncivilized and basically the kind of car bought by people who preferred torque over quality.

Then one day during lunch, my friend Frank from photography class drove us to lunch in his uncle’s 1970 SS 396 Chevelle. We got in the car, he started it and let it warm up a bit and then looked at me and told me to hang on. We burned rubber in first and second gear, and the incredible power and torque from that big-block Chevelle slammed me back in my seat. I had never been in a car that felt that powerful. Combined with the awesome sound of the cowl induction sucking in air to feed the four-barrel carb, this was a serious car. From that moment on I understood just how awesome muscle cars were.

Today’s AutoHunter Spotlight is a slightly earlier model than the one that led to my epiphany: a 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396.

The seller describes this SS Chevelle as being powered by a 396ci V8 backed by a three-speed Turbo Hydra-matic 400 automatic transmission. The car is painted in Light Blue Metallic paint over a black vinyl interior, and this true SS 396 is offered by the selling dealer with a clear title.

The word “true” used above is important to note, as there are a ton of “made-up” SS Chevelles out there on the market. According to the seller, this car is the real deal, and that statement is backed up by the second and third digits of the VIN (38), meaning this is indeed a real-deal SS 396.

The exterior of this Chevelle features paint that looks to be in excellent condition with a black side stripe. The car has its correct twin-domed hood, twin chrome side view mirrors and chrome bumpers, all of which look to be in excellent condition. The car is riding on staggered-width black U.S. Mags wheels – 18 inches front and 20 inches rears – clad in 225/45 front and 275/35 rear tires.

The interior of the car looks to be correct and appears to have typical modifications, such as a modern aftermarket stereo. The seats look to be in the correct vinyl, and the dash, carpets, headliner and door cards all look correct and in excellent condition. The only add-on, which I would call a period add-on, are the auxiliary gauges for water temp and oil pressure.

Under the hood is the magic Chevy 396 big-block with a four-barrel carb on a Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold. I like the very clean overall condition of the engine compartment. It looks like the brake booster is brand-new, and all hoses and such also look very new. This car also has a 12-bolt rear – and I actually like that it has an automatic, as it has plenty of torque to go fast. I also love the look of the shifter in this era of Chevy muscle cars.

To me, the SS 396 Chevelle is the premier GM muscle car, and one this nice I would happily park in my own garage. It looks good enough to show and would be a blast to drive. I am not a huge fan of the wheels, but I am sure they provide a lot of traction for the 396. I would ask the seller if the engine is numbers-matching to this car. If it isn’t, I wouldn’t make that a sticking point but just factor that into what my high bid would be.

With that being said, if you like this car half as much as I do, then you might want to get ready to bid soon, as the auction for this 1968 Chevy Chevelle SS 396 ends on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

What looks like a Chevelle, features Pontiac styling, was sold by Pontiac dealerships, but wasn’t a Pontiac? Our Pick of the Day, of course! And this hybrid of sorts could have only come from Canada, the land of Tim Hortons and Chiliwack! Currently listed for sale on ClassicCars.com, this 1968 Beaumont SD 396 hardtop can be bought from a dealership in Clarkston, Michigan.

The story has been told many times, but it bears repeating: Canada is its own country with its own autonomy, though it’s a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. While the 1960s were rocking and rolling in America, Canada was still a bit of a developing nation. The difference with total population and median income at the time was much larger than it is now, which was reflected by its automobile industry and the cars that were available.

Additionally, Canada had somewhat strict tariffs to protect its automobile industry. Several American manufacturers had assembly plants in the Great White North, so they were able to bypass any tariffs. But the market was limited due to the country’s population size, and since the population’s buying power skewed towards the cheaper side of the market, manufacturers combined brands into single dealerships. Hence, Pontiacs could often be found sold alongside Buicks and GMCs. To give Pontiac more appeal to the Canadian population, Canadian Pontiacs were based on Chevrolets for entry-level appeal and economies of scale.

This would become even more apparent with the introduction of the Chevy II in 1962, which was called the Acadian—not a model, but its own brand that looked like a Chevy II but featured Pontiac design elements like the split grille. The top trim level was called “Beaumont.” When the Chevelle was introduced for 1964, Canada called its version the “Acadian Beaumont.” The top trim level was called “Sport Deluxe,” which was akin to the Malibu Super Sport.

Beaumont was spun off from Acadian for 1966, itself becoming its own marque. Midyear 1967, the Sport Deluxe package required the 396, thereby becoming analogous to the Chevelle SS 396. So, when the A-body was redesigned for 1968, the performance Beaumont became the Sport Deluxe 396 (aka “SD 396”). Standard was a 325-horsepower Econo-Jet 396 V8, with a 350-horse version available (the 375-horse L78 396 was never available on Canadian-built cars). Again, hallmarks from Pontiac styling were used, like the split grille (with a Canadian variation of the Pontiac arrowhead), while the dashboard would have been more familiar to Pontiac folks in the U.S.

Thanks to the Auto Pact that was instituted in 1970, the raison d’être for the Beaumont no longer existed, so 1969 was the final year for the Beaumont and the SD 396 package. A history like that makes this 1968 Beaumont SD 396 hardtop quite a novelty—even in Canada. Painted in Tripoli Turquoise, this SD 396 features the standard 396 backed by the optional TH400 automatic. Other features include Parchment vinyl interior with optional front bucket seats and console, white racing stripes, 3.31 gears, plus updates like an HEI distributor, headers, Vintage Air, updated stereo, and more. Staggered-width Ridler wheels complete the picture.

Vintage Vehicle Services (which has invoices of Canadian-sold GM vehicles going back 80 years) has determined that 702 Beaumont SD 396 hardtops were built in 1968. In some ways, the Beaumont was ahead of its time because a decade later, it would not be unusual to find Chevy engines in Pontiacs stateside, but remember: Don’t call this $65,900 car a Pontiac if you wish to reside in the good graces of Canadians—we really need it at this moment!

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com

Last week, we told you about the six cars that would be auctioned off for charity at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Palm Beach Auction. Altogether, they raised $992,000 for a variety of organizations; $425,000 of that went to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation thanks to two well known car enthusiasts who put their money down on the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse with VIN 001.

You read that correctly: two gentlemen opened their wallets to help others. Hendrick Motorsports owner and Hendrick Automotive Group chairman Rick Hendrick bid $325,000 on the 500-horsepower high-performance Mustang with Brembo brakes and unique chassis tuning. Arizona businessman and car collector Ron Pratte got in on the action by donating another $100,000 to the total, 100 percent of which will help the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in its mission to “honor the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001.”

Fittingly, members of the FDNY (New York City Fire Department) were present when the Dark Horse crossed the auction block, then posed for photos with T2T CEO and chairman Frank Siller and Barrett-Jackson CEO and chairman Craig Jackson (as well as actor and comedian Adam Ferrara).

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation also participates in or hosts several international and national events, such as New York City Marathon, to raise funds that support members of the military and first responders. In addition, the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization runs several programs that provide housing for the families of those who paid the ultimate price while protecting others and serving our country. Those include the Fallen First Responder Home Program, which “aims to pay off the mortgages of fallen law enforcement officers and firefighters who lose their lives in the line of duty, or to 9/11 related illness, and leave behind young children,” and the Gold Star Family Home Program, through which the foundation “will provide a mortgage-free home to surviving spouses with young children.”

To learn more about the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, check out its website here. To see more cool cars Barrett-Jackson has auctioned off for charity in the past, click this link.

What happens when one British icon merges with another? Some very pricey garments!

Over in Warwickshire, Aston Martin has teamed up with The Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World to produce the Aston Martin F1 x Rolling Stones Collection. This limited-edition collaboration features Andy Warhol’s best work—the Rolling Stones tongue logo—blended with the iconic Aston Martin wings. Logical, innit?

“Ultra exclusive, limited run, co-branded merchandise collection fusing the speed and precision of Formula One with the rebellious spirit of rock and roll,” says the RS No. 9 Carnaby website. What’s that? The website for Rolling Stones’ “flagship retail experience” that brings together music and fashion in the uber-fashionable Carnaby Street in London. (In case you need a reminder, that’s the home city of the Rolling Stones, not that wimpy Liverpudlian foursome.)

Currently, the RS No. 9 Carnaby website features three items of collaboration: T-shirt, hoodie, and baseball cap, all worn by two sullen young adults who were not alive when Tattoo You was the Stones’ latest and greatest. If you fancy yourself as both an automotive and music enthusiast, you can inspect the “wears” at rsno9.com and see if they meet your fashionable standards.