We’ve tested our fair share of “powerfully engineered automobiles” from Callaway cars, and have always been impressed by the amount of extra go they deliver. But this time around, the folks at Callaway sent us something a little different…actually two somethings. Each of these sport trucks delivers more than just sports car performance. Indeed, they offer performance in a package with the goods that you can deliver with.

As much as we love sports cars, sometimes you need something a little more… useful. But, just because you go practical, doesn’t mean you have to go boring. Case in point, these two hot rods from Callaway, the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado SC540 and 2012 Chevrolet Suburban SC450. 

We haven’t been in a Chevrolet Suburban in a few years, so, it was time for a refresher, if for no other reason than to get some perspective for the new one that is just over the horizon. Recent Suburban updates include standard blind spot monitoring for the LTZ and a heated steering wheel, as well as trailer package with sway control and brake controller. But, on to what Callaway has done to transform the Suburban from errand runner, to SportTruck. 

As is usually the case, there’s a supercharger involved, and here it’s an Eaton TVS1900 bolted on the original equipment 5.3-liter V8. In addition, there are new injectors, a new high flow intake system, and freer breathing exhaust. In sum, those parts boost horsepower from a stock 320 to 450. Torque also comes in at 450 pound feet. That’s plenty stout, so of course we went to our test track to see what it all means. Well, it takes lots of guts to move this much metal in a hurry, and this “burb” certainly has what it takes, launching strongly off the line and hitting 60 in 6.6-seconds. Shifts are firm and quick, and there’s a symphony of V8 roar and supercharger whine as you freight train the 1320 and trip the lights at 15.1-seconds and 95 miles-per-hour. The SC450 package does not include any suspension mods, so through the cones we were singing the stock suspension blues.

Out on the road however, is truly this beast’s domain, and it prowls the streets like it owns the place. It feels just like you want a big truck to feel - big, bold, and powerful, and it sounds great to boot. Like any vehicle, it’s best to keep your eyes on the road at all times, but not because driving the SC450 is all that difficult, it’s just you can get depressed quickly by watching the instant fuel economy readout. 

Callaway has done a great job transforming this old school hauler into a powerful monster, and Chevy has done a good job of keeping the “burb” mechanically up to date. But, inside, most things are way out of date. Old-school navigation with awkward controls was way ahead of its time once, but is now far behind. Around the interior, things are mostly stock, save for Callaway badging and embroidery. Flip and fold rear seats are still a good design, though 3rd row seats must be removed, not folded into the floor like newer crossovers. But, there’s still no better vehicle to take on a vacation than a Suburban, just bring along a full gas card. 

Now if that’s not enough spunk for you, our next Callaway hauler is a Silverado SC540. It gets the same Roots-style supercharger, only it’s mounted on GM’s 6.2-liter V8 and cranks out 540-horsepower and 522 pound feet of torque. With that much power and little weight over the rear axle, hooking up is obviously a tricky task; but eventually we were able to get a decent launch and hit 60 in 6.1-seconds. The quarter mile took just 14.5-seconds to complete, with a speed of 101 miles-per-hour.  There are definitely quicker times to be had, but you’ll need more tire and more time than we had to find them.

This Callaway also featured the optional suspension system which includes upgraded dampers, shorter coil springs up front, and front and rear anti-roll bars. Combined with the optional 22-inch wheels, it makes for a surer trip through the cones.  Turn-in is noticeably quicker than the “burb”, and the Silverado transitions much flatter. 

As for the pricing, the basic Callaway SportTruck package is available for just about every full-size Chevrolet truck or SUV and adds $17,395 on the price of whichever one you chose. Versatility and practicality… not words we usually attach to performance vehicles. So, it’s always a nice treat when we can. And, if you’ve got lots to haul and not a lot of time to do it in, or just want to put a little more of a performance edge on your daily tasks, these Callaway SportTrucks really work. 

Specifications

  • 2012 Chevrolet Suburban SC450:
  • Engine: 6.2-liter V8
  • Horsepower: 540
  • Torque: 522 lb-ft.
  • 0-60 mph: 6.1 seconds
  • 1/4 mile: 14.5 seconds @101 mph
  • 2012 Chevrolet Silverado SC540: