Driving ICON’s Wild $1.1 Million, 1,000-Horsepower Suburban
Modern cars are becoming highly sophisticated multi-platform systems that use software and electronics, along with mechanical systems, in order to perform their basic functions. As cars grow more complicated with time, the process of repair and maintenance becomes more challenging. Independent shops, dealers, manufacturers, and consumers are all stakeholders in an industry where data access and information control are becoming increasingly important to competition. The long-standing issue of the Right to Repair is one of the biggest debates currently affecting the automotive industry.
The U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce recently approved a new version of the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act as part of the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026 (H.R. 7389). While the repair act version of the bill is generally seen as a positive development, the changes made to it by the committee were met with mixed reactions among various stakeholders. Most notably, while the revised REPAIR Act officially recognizes long-standing agreements that give independent shops access to certain diagnostic information, it does not fully address the issue of wireless access to vehicle data.
While the committee voted overwhelmingly in favor of the bill, the automotive industry is home to a complicated ecosystem in which independent repair shops and manufacturers each have valid concerns. While many shops argue that the repair standards established by the bill do not take modern connected cars into due consideration, automakers point to potential security and consumer privacy risks. As the issue is brought up for debate, the discussion about consumer choice, technological progress, and repair rights will dominate the congressional chamber.
1.Reimagining a 1970 Chevrolet Suburban
ICON has begun its work on an absolutely unique three-door 1970 Chevrolet Suburban. The company did not stop there, however, as the project is the brainchild of a team that wanted to do much more than restore a classic Chevrolet to its former glory. While the automaker certainly has the capability to produce a high-performance restomod, ICON has chosen to take the build in the most interesting possible direction. It managed to stay true to the spirit of the original model while taking things further by introducing various modifications and making the SUV more refined and luxurious in certain places. All the work done by the company has resulted in a build with a modern character that still manages to retain the original 1970 Suburban’s presence.
Highlights of the Complete Redesign:
- Original design carefully preserved
- Custom fourth door engineered
- Factory-quality craftsmanship achieved
- Practicality significantly improved
- Classic character fully maintained
One of the most interesting aspects of this particular build is the fact that ICON went through the trouble of adding a fourth door to the rear left side of the vehicle. While Chevrolet never produced a 1970 Suburban with such a feature, the company was able to fabricate the necessary hardware, glass, weather stripping, handles, hinges, and reinforcement. According to Jonathan Ward, constructing the B-pillar took hundreds of man-hours before suitable factory-looking panel gaps, proper door fit, and overall good function could be achieved.
2. Classic Styling with Modern Precision
Though the build retains its vintage charm, most aspects of the exterior have been improved upon considerably. ICON made the most out of the familiar three-door design by using its own independent chassis and lowering the overall height in the process. The end result is a classic-style SUV with a sportier presence, one that still manages to keep the iconic proportions and general appearance that have become synonymous with the Chevrolet Suburban name.
Exterior Refinements That Stand Out:
- Lower stance enhances presence
- Precision body panel alignment
- Elegant custom two-tone finish
- Billet aluminum grille installed
- Timeless styling carefully refined
If one looks closely enough at the modifications made to the exterior of the 1970 Suburban, one is bound to notice numerous small details that have been tweaked for the better. Various panel gaps appear to be much better than on the original vehicle, with most being completely free of irregularities unlike on factory cars from the 1970s. The two-tone custom paint job that covers the body of the modified SUV is equally impressive, with Drake Gray being complemented by accents of green and gloss black to create a beautiful composition. Every part of the body is the result of thousands of man-hours spent on metal fabrication work, preparation, and painting, showcasing the outstanding craftsmanship that goes into every ICON Reformer vehicle.
3. Engineering a 1,000-Horsepower Powerhouse
Underneath the body of the modified 1970 Chevrolet Suburban lies the heart of the build, a powerful 427-cubic-inch Alien LS V8 sourced from Nelson Racing Engines. The custom engine is fitted with huge turbos and allows the modified Suburban to reach well over 1,000 horsepower while remaining flexible and usable on the street. With the help of racing gasoline, the power of the build can be pushed past 1,500 horsepower, an astonishing figure for a vehicle that originally maxed out at barely 60 miles per hour.
Powertrain Engineering Highlights:
- Twin-turbo LS V8 engine
- Massive horsepower and torque
- Reinforced automatic transmission installed
- Independent rear suspension upgraded
- Performance meets everyday reliability
Performance modifications were necessary for a build of this magnitude, and ICON sourced a high-output powerplant in order to fulfill its requirements. The company’s preferred choice was a twin-turbo LS V8 measuring 427 cubic inches, and the power from it is utilized to the maximum in the modified Suburban. In order to handle the increased torque figures, a reinforced Gearstar-built GM 4L85-E four-speed automatic transmission was used, and a five-speed independent rear suspension with the Dana 60 center section was added for improved performance and control.
4. A Million-Dollar Build with No Shortcuts
In addition to the drivetrain, numerous other elements of the modified 1970 Chevrolet Suburban were customized extensively in the process of turning it into the refined luxury restomod ICON envisioned. From the chassis and the body to the interior and the drivetrain, every single component has been tweaked and modified to make the build better than stock. Essentially, the entire vehicle has been rethought from the ground up, with every detail being made to the highest standard. As a result, the final product is one of the most expensive custom SUVs of all time, as ICON was willing to invest millions of dollars into perfecting every little thing in order to achieve the desired outcome.
What Makes the Build Exceptional:
- Extensive custom engineering throughout
- Handcrafted components replace originals
- Premium materials used everywhere
- Countless hours of skilled craftsmanship
- No compromises during construction
Every aspect of ICON’s modified 1970 Chevrolet Suburban has undergone extensive customization, to the point where it is difficult to identify individual details that have been changed. Parts that may seem simple at first glance have been fabricated or modified in order to look and function better than their factory counterparts, and components that appear identical to the original are completely different underneath. Instead of merely modifying an existing vehicle with aftermarket parts, ICON put in thousands of hours of hard work in order to perfect a build that turned out to be a million-dollar machine. While such an outcome may be far too extravagant for most enthusiasts, the custom 1970 Chevrolet Suburban represents an incredible amount of effort, technical expertise, and high-quality components that have been utilized in its construction.
5. Surprisingly Civilized Behind the Wheel
When it comes to the driving experience of the modified 1970 Chevrolet Suburban, it is not as intimidating as one may expect at first glance. Instead of introducing numerous complicated modifications that would make the power of the build unusable on the street, ICON has managed to retain the comfort and accessibility the original vehicle was famous for. The familiar metal key is all it takes for the driver to unlock the door and prepare the powerful SUV for launch, and the experience of driving it is surprisingly approachable despite the tremendous power on tap.
Features That Improve Drivability:
- Smooth idle despite massive power
- Comfortable city driving experience
- Predictable throttle pedal response
- Balanced suspension and steering
- Everyday usability carefully maintained
As soon as the driver gets behind the wheel of the modified 1970 Chevrolet Suburban, they are greeted by the familiar sight of the instrument cluster. With a few simple commands, the powerful V8 is brought to life and ready to deliver the driver an astonishing performance, but the modifications made to it allow the modified SUV to deliver its power in a controllable, flexible manner. The throttle response of the modified build is equally impressive, with its massive powerplant being able to provide decent power at low RPM while being predictable and easy to manage in the city.
6. Explosive Performance with Modern Handling
The performance characteristics of the modified 1970 Chevrolet Suburban are best experienced once the throttle is mashed to the floor, an action that causes the enormous turbochargers to roar to life. The power from them is sent to the independent rear suspension, providing an astonishing power-to-weight ratio for a vehicle that weighs well over 6,000 pounds. The driver can expect an unbelievable acceleration from such a powerful combination, and the sheer sound of the engine being utilized to the maximum is an experience in and of itself. With a power output of over 1,000 horsepower, the modified Suburban is capable of reaching a ludicrous 0-60 mph speed in just a matter of seconds.
Performance Upgrades That Stand Out:
- Twin turbos deliver rapid acceleration
- Independent suspension improves handling
- Brembo brakes provide strong stopping
- Stable performance at high speeds
- Balanced engineering enhances confidence
The modifications made to the powertrain and drivetrain are responsible for some of the most interesting aspects of the modified 1970 Chevrolet Suburban. With massive twin-turbochargers breathing life into the 427-cu.in LS V8, the power output of the build is nothing short of astonishing. The power from the engine is transferred to the independent rear suspension, and the modifications made to it have allowed ICON to provide a truly spectacular driving experience. The modifications made to the braking system are equally noteworthy, with big brakes and a hydroboost master cylinder from Wilwood providing the necessary stopping power to harness the power of the modified V8.
7. Thoughtfully Modernized Interior
Inside the modified 1970 Chevrolet Suburban, the driver and the passenger can enjoy the comforts of a luxury SUV without sacrificing the familiar appearance of the original vehicle. Most interesting about the interior modifications made by ICON is the fact that none of them detract from the appeal of the vintage design. Rather, the improvements made to the interior of the modified Suburban serve to enhance it, allowing it to look and feel even more special than before.
Interior Features with Modern Comfort:
- Vintage design carefully preserved
- Premium materials throughout cabin
- Hidden technology enhances convenience
- Excellent sound insulation installed
- Rear visibility significantly improved
As ICON refined the driving dynamics of the modified 1970 Chevrolet Suburban, it also focused its efforts on improving the comfort of the build. Sound-deadening components were added to the interior, and the modifications made to it resulted in a noticeable decrease in road and engine noise. With the powerful twin-turbo V8 under the hood, the modifications made to the modified Suburban allow the occupants to communicate clearly while on the highway without being bothered by excessive noise from the engine. In addition, some of the modifications made to the interior were subtle yet effective, with components such as traditional-looking window crank mechanisms being utilized to operate the power windows.
8. Blending Everyday Comfort with Extreme Performance
One of the most impressive characteristics of the modified 1970 Chevrolet Suburban is its ability to provide the best of both worlds. While the powertrain modifications allow the driver to utilize the insane power of the 427-cu.in V8 to the maximum, the drivetrain upgrades ensure that the power is delivered in a controllable, accessible manner. The modifications made to the powertrain and the drivetrain result in some of the best driving dynamics ICON has to offer: a modified build that offers excellent comfort while providing a spectacular performance.
Balanced Engineering for Daily Driving:
- Smooth and predictable handling
- Comfortable on everyday roads
- High-performance without compromises
- Stable driving at any speed
- Practicality meets impressive power
The ability to deliver a spectacular performance in a truly spectacular manner is something that few builds manage to accomplish, and the modified 1970 Chevrolet Suburban does it effortlessly. It is easy to drive and provides excellent everyday manners, but it is also capable of delivering an insane power-to-weight ratio that few vehicles of this size and weight can rival.
9. Homage to a Historic Full-Size SUV
Since 1934, the Chevrolet Suburban has been in continuous production, making it one of the oldest automaker models in the world. Throughout its long history, the full-size utility vehicle has been one of General Motors’ most popular and recognizable models, with its rugged character and versatile functionality providing inspiration for decades. The modified version of the 1970 Chevrolet Suburban is no different, as it serves as a tribute to one of the most iconic automobiles in automotive history. The modifications that ICON has made to the vintage build allow it to be truly special, a modified automobile that has been enhanced in every possible way.
Honouring a Legendary Heritage:
- Classic identity carefully preserved
- Timeless styling respectfully maintained
- Modern engineering thoughtfully integrated
- Heritage remains central focus
- Iconic design continues evolving
The modified 1970 Chevrolet Suburban represents one of the most intriguing builds in automotive history, one that pays homage to the long-standing legacy of the iconic full-size utility vehicle. ICON’s take on the vintage build is a masterclass in modification, as it manages to enhance nearly every aspect of the modified automobile while still keeping its familiar appearance. The modifications made to the powertrain and the drivetrain are especially fascinating, as they allow the driver to experience some of the best performance modifications money can buy. On the other hand, ICON has also paid close attention to the details of the vintage automobile, utilizing high-quality components in order to ensure that the modified build offers an unforgettable driving experience.
10. A One-of-a-Kind Restomod Masterpiece
The modified 1970 Chevrolet Suburban represents one of the most fascinating builds in the automotive world. From its custom-fabricated doors and its high-performance powertrain to its exquisite drivetrain and interior enhancements, it has been modified in ways few people would expect. ICON managed to create a vehicle that appears somewhat modest on the outside, yet its incredible performance capabilities are absolutely astounding, and the modifications made to it offer the best possible balance between performance and comfort.
What Defines This Masterpiece:
- Handcrafted design throughout vehicle
- Extraordinary engineering meets craftsmanship
- Classic styling with modern performance
- Unique build beyond comparison
- Timeless restomod without compromise
Driving the modified 1970 Chevrolet Suburban is an experience few people would be able to repeat, with the performance characteristics of the build representing the best possible balance of power and comfort. Most interesting about the ICON creation is the fact that it barely appears to be more than a stock automobile at first glance, yet its power capabilities are absolutely mind-boggling. Very few builds are as unique as this particular modified build, and its best aspects include the handmade modifications, the exceptional performance characteristics, the outstanding power-to-weight ratio, as well as its fantastic appearance.
