If off-road pickups are good, then more off-road pickups are better. At least that’s what it seems like, as the segment is currently exploding with popularity. Not to be left out of the game, General Motors is prepping a new ZRX variant of the Chevrolet Silverado—as we first reported in September. And now, we believe we have the very first spy shots of the future Chevy to prove it.
First, the backstory: in August, GM Authority was first to report on fresh trademark filings for the ZRX name, first in the U.S., and later in Canada. The following month, we reported that the ZRX name would grace a new off-road variant of the Chevrolet Silverado that will slot in above the Silverado Trail Boss.
Now, these new spy shots bring us our first look at the upcoming Silverado ZRX variant. The particular model seen here appears to be an early development model. It is clearly based on the Silverado LT Trail Boss model, as per the designations on the bed and tailgate, as well as the overall appearance of the truck.
The most noteworthy part of the shots is the front bumper, which is much shorter than any other front bumper offered on the Silverado to date. It’s also missing the fog lights typically found on the Silverado LT Trail Boss. The shorter nature of the bumper enables a significantly better approach angle. There’s also a peculiar metal bar protruding from that bumper, which may have something to do with the upgraded suspension components hiding underneath.
The rear end of this prototype appears identical to the Silverado LT Trail Boss currently on sale, though we expect that to change as development progresses. Keep in mind that we’re looking at a very early prototype of the final vehicle, and all the pieces are far from being in their place on this unit.
The upcoming Chevrolet Silverado ZRX will essentially adopt the formula introduced by the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, but applied to the larger Silverado pickup. As we outlined in our full report, the ZRX will offer a big-and-burly suspension setup with DSSV dampers from Multimatic, electronic lockers front and rear, and new bumpers to improve the pickup’s approach and departure angles.
Power is not expected to be upgraded, as it is expected to be sourced from the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 EcoTec3 engine. It’s the current range-topping option in the Silverado lineup, which is once again expected to produce 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The new GM 10-speed automatic transmission will be responsible for cog swaps. It’s also possible the new Chevrolet Silverado ZRX could offer the turbo-diesel 3.0L LM2 inline-six Duramax engine.
A “regular” 2019 Silverado LT Trail Boss
When it’s released, the ZRX will slot in above the Silverado Trail Boss in terms of the model cadence, providing an indirect rival to the Ford F-150 Raptor. But unlike Ford’s dune-jumping trophy truck, the Silverado ZRX will be more of a trail machine and rock crawler with regard to off-road speciality.
One other noteworthy piece to the puzzle: when the driver of this Silverado ZRX prototype saw our spy, he peeled off faster than any other dev driver in recent memory. Clearly, this early development model was not meant to be seen.
We’ll keep following this story and report back when we know more. In the meantime, subscribe to GM Authority for more Silverado ZRX news, Chevrolet Silverado news, Chevrolet news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
The protruding bar is like Stinger bars see on rock crawler jeeps to protect the front end, it’s not affixed to the suspension.
I’m really hoping we see a high output 6.2 or an alternative higher performance engine offered for both the ZRX as well for High Country/Denali.
Those luxury packages should have a top trim engine option as should a bruiser offroader like ZRX. And while I love that the 6.2 can now be optioned in an LT, it is nice for those $60,000+ buyers to have drivetrain exclusivity like they did in the 10 years ago with Tahoe interior layout, 6.2, quadrastreer going back a few years further.
That’s not a stinger bar. More like a clever disguise. Won’t say anything else.
The fact that GMA caught this is impressive. Most just assume it’s a regular TB.
go on…. lol who are you trying to hide info from
The whole front clip needs redone. Hood, fenders, grille, bumper. Clean it up and make it symmetrical.
It’s likely a place holder that has the same dimensions as the actual bumper. It’s just there to prevent the design from being out there in the open.
It would really be nice if the OEM front bumper is winch enabled either through a receiver or mounting bracket.
So would the down vote folks like to explain why having an OEM bumper that can support a winch on an off-road truck is a bad idea?
Clearly not at production stage….
Not that impressive, clean it up, and make it tougher alot tougher, winch, real bumpers, skid plate that covers from bottom of radiator all the way to trans tail, accesse for normal services. Keep the price right !!! Opinion
@ Scott ZL1 How about you wait until it comes out before hashing your thoughts.
“Keep in mind that we’re looking at a very early prototype of the final vehicle, and all the pieces are far from being in their place on this unit.”
Other than a bumper what oddities do you detect?
The suspension and the rest appear stock including Rancho’s.
It could just be an RPO bumper? That bar up front would never clear crash test.
Just curious what I may be missing here.
Sent you an email when you have time.
Like I said not impressive at all on this one, not tough enough imho .
To many haters, seems like all talk, if you have not truly driven , experience, owned etc… shut the hell up.
They really need to put the LT4 in this truck. They cannot skimp out on this Raptor fighter like they did with the interior. People willing to buy this want the best and want bragging rights that they have a super powerful motor. Put the LT4 in and you have yourself a customer and many more…
Why would a ZRX test mule still be running the Trail Boss Rancho shocks?
Since they already have a Silverado race truck prepped with unique DSSV shocks to be raced by Chad Hall in a very stock based racing series, I think that would be a closer look at the actual production ZRX than this particular unit running Rancho shocks. You ran an article on Oct 10th that seems to be a closer precursor to the ZRX than this. Perhaps this is a test mule for testing cooling of the revised front end/bumper on the ZRX?
It’s a precursor to many things. Early prototype are the two key words here.
Im a GM guy through and through. But this still by no means competes with a raptor. GM continues to take the cheap and easy route. Just make a god forsaken baja truck and get it out there. Geez. Im so tired of these black rims, cheap walmart goodyears and the stupid “roll bars” added onto an otherwise stock truck. Come on
They are most likely just testing parts and pieces. It will look very different from this once it is released. It would most definitely have camouflage when it gets closer to release. They nailed the ZR2 so I would expect the same for the ZRX.
Having a rock crawler with regard to off-road speciality is way more important than having a dune jumping truck.
Its amazing how people get fooled into buying the fords offroad crap box. When you consider what had been telling the automotive industry for decades.
People are really gullible