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Is This Chevy Silverado ZR2 Prototype Actually A Trail Boss?

Just a few days ago, GM Authority brought you spy shots of what we (at the time) believed to be a prototype of the upcoming Chevy Silverado ZR2 conducting some testing on public roads. Now, however, we’re hearing through the grapevine that this prototype may instead be a new 2022 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss model.

There are several factors to consider here, so let’s go through them one by one, starting with the timing.

Sources tell us that the Chevy Silverado ZR2 will launch either as a late 2022 model year vehicle or for the 2023 model year. As a result, it’s simply too early to see prototypes, especially ones that are clearly so close to being finalized for production. This, in and of itself, suggests that the prototype we believed to be the ZR2 a few days ago is not a ZR2.

There’s also the issue of the suspension. The prototype we covered a few days ago has the same four-leaf suspension setup as the Chevy Silverado Trail Boss prototype we spied back in September. Critically, both prototypes do not have MultiMatic DSSV dampers, unlike the Chevy Silverado ZR2, which is fully expected to feature MultiMatic DSSV dampers, similar to the units found on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2.

Recent Silverado prototype initially believed to be ZR2 but now more likely to be Trail Boss.

Recent Silverado prototype initially believed to be ZR2 but now more likely to be Trail Boss

Current Silverado Trail Boss

2019-2021 Silverado Trail Boss

It is also worth noting that the wheels on this new prototype are identical to the wheels found on the current Silverado Trail Boss. The units in question are the 18-inch High-gloss black painted aluminum units (RPO code RD1) as seen on the production model and on the prototype above.

However, this is where things get convoluted. While the timing, wheels, and suspension setup suggest that the prototype covered a few days ago is in fact an upcoming Chevy Silverado Trail Boss, there are a few noteworthy differences between it and the Trail Boss prototype seen last year, specifically when it comes to the newer prototype’s revised front fascia, massive front skid plate, and deleted front air dam.

Recent Silverado prototype initially believed to be ZR2 but now more likely to be Trail Boss.

Recent Silverado prototype initially believed to be ZR2 but now more likely to be Trail Boss

2022 Silverado Trail Boss prototype spied in September 2020.

2022 Silverado Trail Boss prototype spied in September 2020

All that begs the question: if the Chevy Silverado prototype covered last week is not the upcoming Silverado ZR2, what is it?

One possibility is that it may still be the 2022 Trail Boss, but this time, a new, more-capable and more-aggressive Trail Boss model than what is currently offered for the 2021 model year. That would suggest that the more-pedestrian Trail Boss model spied in September would be scrapped and fully replaced by the more aggressive model seen here. To that point, this more-capable Trail Boss model may take cues from the new Chevy Tahoe Z71 and new Chevy Suburban Z71, particularly as it relates to the front fascia.

All signs point to the 2022 Silverado Trail Boss adopting the aggressively-raked front fascia seen on the 2021 Chevy Tahoe/Suburban Z71.

Another possibility is that Chevy will offer two new grades for the 2022 Silverado Trail Boss, including:

  1. A “regular” model available currently and represented by the prototype spied in September 2020, and
  2. A more-extreme model represented by the prototype covered a few days ago.

We’ll keep our ear to the ground for any further developments, so stay tuned. In the meantime, subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Silverado news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. Well, there is previous spy photos of a Trail Boss with a lower air dam. You can see the red tow hooks through the camo too. Here’s a link from this very site with those pics:

    https://gmauthority.com/blog/2020/10/2022-silverado-trail-boss-spied-testing-again/

    This truck that’s been seen lately has no air dam, a visible aluminum skid plate and more aggressive front bumper.

    So I think there’s one of two things possible going on. Trail Boss is getting the 3.0 diesel and requires two different front bumpers for it, or there’s two versions of truck coming.

    Reply
    1. Yeah so I have some insight into this. GMA’s first assessment is closer to reality, they’re going to transition Trail Boss to the steep front fascia as the Tahoe/Sub Z71. Glad to see someone actually realized this is not a ZR2. Still a year away on prototypes on that one.

      Reply
  2. I think the Zr2 should come standard with the 6.2 but there should be a higher end option for those that think it’s needed. A 6.2 with 440hp, 3.42 or 3.73 (depending on tire size) would be great with the dssv suspension.

    Trailboss needed an update too. It was a bare minimum approach to the Rebel and now Tremor. Personally I wish the Trailboss had 275/70r18 tires but on a 1-1.5″ lift, vs the 275/65r18 on a 2″ lift.

    Reply
  3. WTF just come out with a raptor/ trx fighter why keep playing these games like a little girl wtf is wrong with Gm iam pissed

    Reply
    1. Have you not heard of the Hummer EV? It kills anything raptor or TRX hands down.

      Reply
      1. It’s not apple’s to apple’s comparison retard

        Reply
        1. That’s right. It’s not apples to apples. The Hummer is a much a better truck. Retard.

          Reply
          1. Kate kasach didn’t pass the first grade or any grade probably don’t have a clue about trucks or the history of so iam not going to argue with slow people . I hope one day gm comes out with a gas engine truck that competes with the other brands trucks thanks .

            Reply
            1. When the Hummer EV truck does everything better than all other ICE trucks including raptor and trx, the argument for what it’s powered by becomes moot.

              And I’d be willing to wager that not only do I know more than you about trucks but I have a better truck than you so cool it with the insults and stop hiding behind a false profile name. Let’s have your real name there big guy.

              Reply
              1. Kate, you can be my wife any time you want to lol. Agreed 100%, I love a honkin’ V8 as much as anyone, but the Hummer will absolutely dominate. I’ve had some great inside info since before the truck was even released, and from everything I’ve heard from engineers and suppliers, the Hummer is going to be a freaking monster.

                Ignore the idiot troll, everyone loves to hide behind keyboards these days.

                Reply
                1. The battery pack truck won’t dominate when it needs to have downtime to recharge and cool. If one drives it like a virgin like most EV owners do to get as close as possible to the advertised range. For now the truck will be a gimmick and nothing more than an expensive toy. As most people who buy trucks aren’t interested in a high price as they would rather spend that type of money on a good RV to tow. I remember growing up as a kid and it was disappointing to have to wait for our RC cars to charge. But when they were finished it was fun but what we really wanted was gas powered RC cars!

                  Reply
                  1. Except gas or nitro RC cars sucked when it came to getting them started. Electric has much less maintenance. But I agree. The Hummer EV is a gimmick. High price to be a test dummy.

                    Reply
                2. To bad your the biggest idiot saying some one could be your wife because you both dumb comparing a gas powered truck to a ev were do yuh ou people come from out of the woods an I would tell you this to uh o uh r face .

                  Reply
                  1. Let me help you big guy, before you hurt yourself. I’ll capitalize to make it easy for you:

                    “TOO” bad “YOU’RE” the biggest idiot saying “SOMEONE” could be your wife because you “ARE” both dumb comparing a gas-powered truck to “AN” ev. “WHERE” do “YOU” people come from, out of the woods? “AND” I would tell you this to “YOUR” face.

                    I’m sorry…who’s the “biggest idiot,” again? Lay off the meth, bro.

                    Reply
                    1. Your mom’s on meth I bet she sold you for some

                      Reply
              2. I’m sorry, but I’d much rather have the whine of a supercharger over a silent electric motor.

                Not to mention, it takes about 5 mins to refill the TRX, not a half hour like the Hummer.

                I wish GM would stick the Z06 engine in the Silverado, improve the interior a bit and put it on sale! I’d buy one tomorrow!

                Reply
              3. What ever retard like you going to do something internet thug

                Reply
      2. The Hummer is an EV not an ICE vehicle like the Raptor.

        Reply
  4. I’m glad the TrailBoss is receiving some needed upgrades, another related website was able to zoom in on the tires and they are in fact 33’s. While not the 35’s many were hoping for it’s an improvement over the 32’s. The 35’s could still potentially show up on the ZR2/ZRX but I think it’s going to require fender modifications on GM’s part. While the TrailBoss improvements are welcome the ZR2 can’t come soon enough, I really hope they don’t drag it out to ’23. Anyone following along knows I’m not content with a 3/4 effort ZR2 unless a full effort ZRX is to follow. In a perfect world GM would have a TrailBoss, ZR2 and ZRX, something for everyone. It still baffles me why so many are willing to play second best to Ford & Ram. GM has a real opportunity to hit one out of the park. Lets not sell GM short as they clearly have the ability to build a ZRX.

    Reply
  5. A regular Trail Boss and a ZR 2 Trail boss.

    Reply
  6. While probably not a ZR2, and definitely missing the dssv shocks, there are photos on autoblog.com that show the rear shocks have bypass and reservoirs. Take it for what’s it’s worth. It would be nice to see a trail boss actually compete with the f150 tremor, and include front and rear locking differentials.

    Reply

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