As much as 70 percent of the General Motors ISV (Infantry Squad Vehicle) incorporates commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components from the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. According to the executive chief engineer at GM Defense, Performance Variants and Motorsports, Mark Dickens, the ISV is basically identical to the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 from the waist down.
Dickens spoke to GM Authority in an interview at the 2019 SEMA Show this week, providing details on the Bow Tie brand’s latest defense vehicle. Dickens outlined how the ISV uses high-performance parts developed and proven by Chevrolet Performance Engineering, including suspension and drivetrain components.
Interestingly, the ISV’s suspension tuning is also identical to the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. Note that the production version will come with a 1.5-inch suspension lift, while the model pictured here does not include the lift. Dickens also pointed out that the wheels on the ISV shown here are beadlock wheels from the ZR2 Bison, whereas the production ISV will have different wheels equipped with run-flat tires, per the requirements set by the Department of Defense.
What’s more, the engine tune is slightly different between the ISV and Colorado. We’ll post more information on the engine spec differences soon.
As for the similarities in terms of suspension, drivetrain, and engine components, the ISV and Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison share the following:
Suspension:
- Long-travel Multimatic DSSV dampers
- Long-travel rear leaf springs
- Jounce shocks
- Front upper control arms
Engine and Drivetrain:
- 2.8L LWN inline four-cylinder turbo-diesel Duramax
- GM Hydra-Matic 6L50 MYB six-speed automatic transmission
- Steel driveshaft
- Underbody skid plates
- Ball-spline half shafts
Most of the parts listed are available either on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison, or as Chevrolet Performance race components. It’s also worth noting that the frame is the same for both vehicles. Further shared components include the shifter, steering wheel, steering column, pedals, braking system and ABS module.
“The ISV can be in any part of the world and drive into a Chevy dealership and order up the replacement part,” Dickens told us.
The high degree of parts commonality allows GM to scale production of the ISV, thereby making it less expensive to bring to market.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Army awarded GM Defense LLC (a division recently established within GM) a $1-million contract to develop its new Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) for prototype testing and evaluation. GM is currently competing for the contract with two other finalists, and a final decision is expected by March.
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Comments
Whatever it takes.. you don’t need to redesign the wheel when you can borrow from the corporate parts bin to save time and money; this is something that General Motors some times forgets as Cadillac had great success using the Chevrolet LT4 supercharged 6.2L V8 in Cadillac cars and then one day decided that they needed their own engine and developed the Blackwing V8 which still doesn’t measure up to the Chevrolet LT4 and LT5.
I’m curious what other engine modifications they may make if this comes to production. Military vehicles must be able to run on JP-8 Jet fuel (which is like “light” diesel) and needs special attention to fuel system components because it does not have as good of lubricity as traditional Diesel. I also assume they will do away with all of the emissions equipment for reliability.
You are correct sir. No Emission controls on their diesels. Can’t stop in the middle of a mission for a Regen.
I believe another Item that should be added is a HD rubber mud and gravel guard all across on back of rear wheel ,Like it is done on 3/4 ton and 1 tone pickups that are used to pull travel trailers . That rubber guard will help keep most the dust and debris off the rear passengers !
radiator seems vulnerable…
Hey GM………did you ever consider resurrecting the HX????? NO,………Stupid!!!!!!!!!
Looking forward to seeing what they come up with. Goes to show just how impressive the ZR2 is. Pretty much take the suspension and use it to build a military grade combat ready vehicle. I give GM a hard time over their badge and sticker engineering, but when they really want to produce something special (like the ZR2) they are extremely capable. I just wish they would do it this right, more often.