The Dominator (or Dominator 1) is the first in the series of Dominator storm chasing vehicles and one of the most successful interceptors ever made. Partially inspired by the Tornado Attack and TIV 1, construction started in 2008 with the vehicle debuting for the 2009 chase season. It is prominently featured in the Discovery show Storm Chasers alongside the TIVs. During the 2011 chase season, Dominator 1 suffered several mechanical failures and was soon after largely replaced by Dominator 2. After being repaired to working order, it saw little use until 2018 when it was left in the parking lot of Tornado Safe, a storm shelter company, where it sat until 2022, when it was moved to a different storage location where it was refreshed and saw limited use in the 2023 chase season. Specs: Base vehicle: 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe Engine: Vortec 5300 LY5 (320 hp @ 5200 rpm, 340 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm) Transmission: 4L60-E 4-speed automatic Drivetrain layout: Front engine, 4-wheel drive Weight: ~8,000 lbs (3,628 kg) Armor: Bedliner, sheet steel, & kevlar composite Lowering system: Hydraulic ram Anchoring system: N/A Build cost: ? Total intercepts: 12-18* First intercept: May 13, 2009 Notable intercepts: June 17, 2010, Wadena, Minnesota
