Earlier this week, we reported Chevrolet had trademarked the “ZR2 Bison” name, which likely foreshadowed a special edition version of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. According to new information from Off-Road.com, the Bison will be in for plenty of added off-road upgrades.
The publication reported on Tuesday that the Colorado ZR2 Bison will actually be a production version of the well-received Colorado ZR2 AEV concept. The concept pickup debuted at the 2017 SEMA show with a slew of aftermarket upgrades and accessories from AEV, or American Expedition Vehicles. AEV’s logo is also a bison.
The intel came specifically from a dealership source who said Chevrolet showed the Colorado ZR2 Bison at its dealer meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada. Per the source, the ZR2 Bison looks almost identical to the ZR2 AEV concept, though it lacked some of the pricier parts found on the concept.
It’s safe to assume the Colorado ZR2 Bison will feature plenty of mechanical changes to the suspension. The concept pickup included a new long-travel suspension from Chevrolet Performance, specially tuned Multimatic DSSV dampers, plunging front half-shafts, stiffer high-angle upper ball joints, and stiffer high-angle tie rods. The ZR2 Bison should place an emphasis on overlanding—the practice of self-sufficient off-road journeys.
Additionally, the ZR2 Bison will likely sport full underbody protection and exaggerated design, such as wider wheel flares. What’s unclear is if the concept’s other parts, such as the air compressor access panel, refrigerator, snorkel or bed rack will be available. If not, it’s very possible AEV will offer even more parts for the truck outside of the factory.
The publication reached out to Chevrolet for comment, and the brand did not confirm or deny the possibility of a ZR2 Bison.
Comments
Let’s hope for 350hp from the 3.6 or a turbo setup
Good move by GM. Offer better package, upgrade that 3.6 to 350Hp and 325 TQ, or offer a turbo one. Take down the Shitcomas and new Ranger.
A V8 or turbo V6 something like say the 3.6tt from the V sports that the ZR2 should have had from the beginning would make it an instant buy for me.
I would not get too carried away on the drive train. I do not expect much since we have not seen prototypes running with new engines.
We may see this as a full one AEV project like a Callaway with Chevys blessing. Or it could be a production line watered down show truck version with a snorkel and some added bolt on items. It may end up some place between.
I would wait till they show us more before getting too excited here.
GM has done both ways in the past on other projects so till we know something you have a wide range of possibilities.
Build it and they will come
Smart move by Chevrolet, it would give Ford a run for their money with a little competition for the Raptor. I would love to see them offer an off-road package like this for the 1/2 ton Silverado as well.
I almost pulled the trigger on a ZR2, but will wait till this is available, already have a mallet sc waiting for it, hope I can wait that long . . .
Why not Diesel? AKA. BRAZIL 4CYL TURBO 4 CYL, 6SP AUTO OR STICK…