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Spy Shots May Show A Potential Chevrolet Silverado ZR2

While most of the future Chevrolet truck news has surrounded the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, new spy shots have thrown a curveball. We won’t get our hopes up just yet, but these photos may show a Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 prototype.

Two things here. One, the ride height is much higher than any other 2019 Silverado we’ve spotted testing. Ditto for any 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 prototype as well. Clearly, something is different about this truck and it has more rugged aspirations.

Two, the tires. The Goodyear Wrangler Duratec tires can’t do anything to hide from the camera’s eye and this is the first time we’ve seen a Silverado prototype with this tire as well.

Additionally, this truck is a crew cab variant and sports the same dual exhausts we’ve seen on other 2019 Silverado prototypes. The one thing that doesn’t seem to add up here is the front fascia. Peering through the camouflage looks to be nearly identical headlights to the current Silverado. It’s possible Chevrolet is simply testing this truck with parts bin items, but it doesn’t look like we’ve seen from other spy shots thus far.

It’s likely Chevrolet will pull the wraps off of the 2019 Silverado next year, but if a ZR2 variant is coming to compliment the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, it’ll likely be further down the line.

Spy shots: TFL Truck

Former GM Authority staff writer.

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Comments

  1. About time.

    Though GM needs to get away from using production codes as model names. Bring back the Apache, Spartan or Viking nameplates back when they had the Task Force series of pickups

    Reply
  2. The ZR2 package brought a lot of excitement to Chevrolet’s Colorado and it will no doubt be able to do the same for the Silverado; but Chevrolet should consider throwing a curve ball in the form for the 400-horsepower LGW twin-turbocharged 3.0L DOHC-4v V6 and give almost the same power of the L86 6.2L V8 while getting an increase in fuel mileage.

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    1. For the next gen trucks they should be pushing to 500HP for this potential ZR2 Silverado.

      The V8s in the next gen need 30+HP bumps. And they are easily good for it.

      Reply
    2. Just bought a Zr2 didn’t think I’d like it .so far very impressed more take off speed than my 2014 gmc with a 5.3 ,the colorado drives like a dream my gmc drove like a tank . I put a k/n air filter and changed the exhuast now pushing out about 350 hp don’t need twin turbos like ford to get power

      Reply
      1. Sorry bud, you aren’t pushing 350hp. You would need exhaust+headers and a good tune to get close, even then it would still be a stretch. Whatever someone told you about your exhaust and drop in filter is a lie.

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      2. Well the major issue is the lack of aftermarket parts for this engine.

        42 HP gains could be easily done with better aftermarket support.

        Adding air filters and intakes even with a tune would gain only 15-18 hp at best. They don’t add on to each other as some assume.

        The only tunes that see large gains are supercharged or Turbo when you tap in more boost.

        Now this engine already in the Camaro has 330 hp and I suspect GM could easily pick up another 20 hp with no turbo use. But they are playing a game of economy and try to keep the engine as a regular fuel recommended.

        I do expect more turbo engines as time goes on but the engines will continue to shrink in size.

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    3. The 6.2 already gets better miliage than a twin turbo. I have an EcoBoost and the 6.2di. the 6.2 wipes the floor with the EcoBoost when it comes to fuel economy, horsepower and pulling capability. Never mind the reliability. I am a fan of turbos but this 6.2 is fantastic.

      Reply
      1. How much difference are you seeing in the km/ltr @ the 650km option on the dash? My 2014 ,5.3 with a bed full of tools & 3 occupants is brutal on fuel.

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      2. Enjoy the carbon buildup us di diesels get…

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    4. Think they should put the 3.0 into the Colorado and go with an enhanced 3.6 TT with about 135 HPL for the Silverado.

      Reply
  3. This is why I do not expect a V8 in the Colorado ZR2. It has been widely speculated that GM was waiting for this truck to do it right.

    It is either that or we will see a more able Z71.

    I do expect more special models on this truck as GM this time around is in a better financial place to address this than last time.

    I do not see the limited TT 3.0 coming here due to cost when the V8 can do it all for much less.

    I am a little excited as I think we may have som suprised on this truck we have yet to see.

    Reply
  4. Gm seems to have a better product than dodge or ford and ford has exaggerated its specs forever which you discover after u have purchased it

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  5. Stay away from twin turbo v6 in any 1/2 ton pickup. These engines are fine for a car , but are seriously over worked in a truck that is used as a truck. Fuel economy , or lack of , will be the first thing you notice. Next will be durability , as these engines are seriously over worked. Yes they all come with a decent powertrain warranty , but consider vehicle down time for extensive engine repairs. Bottom line. There is still no replacement for displacement.

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  6. The Colorado guys are dropping in turbo’s and pushing 400hp, plus gaining gas mileage. Actually 2 companies are providing turbos for the twins, one is 360hp other is 400hp with their exhaust kit.

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  7. David. That is great if you can afford to drop 40 to 50 k , or more , on a truck , plus what ever parts are needed for the “upgrade”and quickly void your powertrain warranty. These powertrains are engineered from front to back and top to bottom for the vehicle. All be it not perfect. But if the manufacturer wanted to produce that kind of power out of any of these engines, dont you think that they would ?

    Reply
  8. I would love a twin-turbo 3.6L DOHC High Feature V6 with the 10 speed auto. Sound cool?

    Reply
  9. 6.2 with a Heavy Duty 6 speed stick and a Kingpin Dana 60 with Manual Lock Hubs…. now that would be a ZR2 BEAST……. Sigh alas no stick, no HD Front end… Sigh….

    Reply

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