Retro Revival: The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban Gets a Stylish Upgrade from Paxpower Performance
The nostalgia for retro designs in trucks and SUVs has led major manufacturers like Ford, Nissan, and Toyota to draw inspiration from their 1980s models. Recently, vehicles like the Bronco, Frontier, and 4Runner have debuted with vintage aesthetics. Although aftermarket shops were the pioneers in modifying Chevy, Ford, and Ram trucks with throwback styles, a new creation from Texas stands out: the retro-themed 2024 Chevrolet Suburban.
The Houston-based custom shop Paxpower Performance is behind this innovative Suburban, dubbed the "Jackal." They have expertly merged the classic appeal of earlier models with contemporary performance features, including a distinctive hood ornament inspired by the Chevy C/K Series.
Paxpower’s version begins with a 2024 Chevy Suburban High Country, featuring a striking gold vinyl wrap that extends just below the beltline—a nod to the popular two-tone finishes prominent in Chevy trucks from the ’70s through the ’90s. Such designs were still present until the ninth-generation Suburban (GMT800) in the early 2000s, but faded from style thereafter. In recent years, there’s been a resurgence in classic liveries for new trucks, rekindling fond memories of the GMT400s and K5 Blazers.
The retro enhancements continue with a uniquely designed front bumper that emphasizes chrome detailing, incorporating a light bar. While some may prefer a design with protective bumper guards reminiscent of older Chevy models, the Suburban’s additional spotlights on the A-pillars are already a standout feature. The exterior modifications also include robust 35-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tires mounted on 17-inch wheels, echoing the chrome rims found on late seventh-generation Suburbans. Although Ultra supplies the wheels, many enthusiasts still appreciate the timeless appeal of bright Mickey Thompson Classics paired with BFG tires.
However, the charm of this build is not solely in its looks. Beneath its nostalgic exterior lies significant performance upgrades. The Suburban’s stock 6.2-liter V8 now sports a Whipple supercharger, boosting output from 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque to an impressive 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the original exhaust system has been replaced with a dual-tipped Borla system, crafted in chrome for that perfect aesthetic touch. The stock adaptive air suspension has also seen a change, replaced by a more rugged coil-over setup.
While Paxpower has yet to disclose the added cost for these enhancements, the base price for a 2024 Suburban High Country starts at $81,895, including delivery. Potential buyers can include the cost of these upgrades into their financing for a new Suburban or Silverado. Paxpower also offers custom Silverado Jackal models, designed to compete with the likes of the F-150 Raptor and the Ram TRX, but this retro Suburban certainly makes a statement in their lineup.
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