The 2022 Silverado ZR2 Was Never Going To Be Called ZRX
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General Motors unveiled the fully refreshed 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 pickup truck in September, revealing revised styling, an overhauled interior, fresh tech, plus the new Silverado ZR2 as the range-topping Silverado off-road model. As some readers may remember, it was originally believed that the Silverado ZR2 would be called the Silverado ZRX, but, as it turns out, this was never actually the case.
First, a quick recap. Prior to the debut of the fully refreshed 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500, rumor had it that GM was cooking up a new off-roader dubbed the Silverado ZRX. The rumors were based on several factors, including GM Authority sources who told us the truck was referred to as ZRX internally within GM. In fact, The General even filed a trademark for the ZRX name, which GM Authority was first to report.
However, GM never actually planned on calling the new off-roading Silverado the ZRX. Rather, ZRX is used as the GM RPO code used to identify the suspension used on the Silverado ZR2, namely the high-performance lifted suspension with DSSV dampers.
Director of Chevy Silverado Marketing, Mark Sobczynski, explained this in an interview with GM Authority Executive Editor, Alex Luft, saying: “ZRX is an internal suspension code that’s used to identify the ZR2’s suspension. For instance, the suspension in the Silverado Trail Boss is identified as Z7X, while the ZR2’s suspension is ZRX.”
In addition to its upgraded suspension and Multimatic DSSV dampers, the 2022 Silverado ZR2 is also equipped with front and rear e-lockers for enhanced traction, plus a unique fascia that maximizes approach angle, 18-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires, underbody skid plates, and a dual exhaust that is tucked up under the rear bumper for even more clearance. The Silverado ZR2 is also equipped with new badging, a black hood insert, and a unique grille treatment. Standard spec under the hood is the the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine, producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.
The refreshed 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 is also available with three other engines, including the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine, rated at 310 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, the latter of which is a 20-percent increase over 2021-model-year vehicles and pre-refresh 2022 Sierra Limited models. The refreshed 2022 Silverado can also be had with the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L84 gasoline engine, producing 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, and the 3.0L I6 LM2 turbodiesel Duramax, producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.
The 2022 Chevy Silverado continues to ride on the GM T1 platform. Production of the light duty model will take place at the GM Fort Wayne plant in Indiana, as well as the GM Silao plant in Mexico, while the GM Oshawa plant in Canada will build the vehicle once renovations are complete.
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ZR2 was the RPO back in the day. Just as Z71. I don’t think this reason holds water as they want it to.
I bet they had a couple directions for this truck on the drawing board, one of which was supercharged and likely would’ve been named ZRX.
The news of Ram TRX also likely didn’t help. It’s possible timing of release also bit them. Had this been released in 2019 when the T1 debuted it may have gone by ZRX even without a supercharger, and this could have seen Ram choose a different name
Agreed. The RPO for the 1LE is… 1LE. Also AT4…X.
Zr2 was always the S-10 Class. But TRX would wash the name out entirely. Not to mention the resulting lawsuit by FCA and the relentless onslaught of GM’s attempt of a copycat by all automotive press.
It was a good call to make. Those in the know will still respect ZRX as an RPO. And the general public will see ZR2 as it’s own Truck.
My question is, if Alex Luft (GMA) had this Direction of Marketing, specific not just to Chevy but the Silverado, in an interview, why not press him on the subject instead of taking is soft ball answer. This sounds more telling someone a story than an interview.
And the complainer is back, everyone. His name is Andrew and he too is a person.
If you’re sitting down to discuss products, why not be a journalist. Metrolix (parents of GMA) is trying to brand out to YouTube and be more than a blog. So how about raise all tides.
Not complaining, it’s constructive, i.e to make it better. Jake if you’re willing to settle for midiocrity you’re the short term ‘hero’ long term problem
I’ve never seen anything that could be considered even remotely constructive from you, only the typical complaints with a dose of snobbery and negative undertone.
The only mediocrity here is you and your half brained comments. I’m thankful for GMA and all they do, keep up the good work guys.
They do mostly good work, sloppy at times, incorrect at times, but could be better, like most things.
Funny you feel you need to blindly defend people you don’t know and articles/blogs written. Kissing A like a good little boy.
Long time reader first time commenter and felt like I have to chime in here.
I have no idea about the inner workings of GMA. All I know is they do an excellent job and all you do Andrew is complain. I have read a few of your snarky remarks over the last few months and all they do is criticize, hate… cut down this site… much like the comment above. I see nothing constructive in any of your comments, just the same old “I”m not happy, do better, do better I’m not happy” BS. I’m surprised they haven’t banned your sorry arse already. I guess GMA has more class than you do.
I’m sure you gonna come back with some half baked justification for your pompous behavior but the bottom line is that youre an entitled collection of cells that appears to have an ulterior motive. What happened, did they fire you for poor performance and you’re now going around posting crapola like this?
“Funny you feel you need to blindly defend people you don’t know and articles/blogs written. Kissing A like a good little boy.”
Funny how Andrew feels the need to blindly attack people he doesn’t know. Hatin hard like a good little troll. Happy Monday to you and your miserable self.
You should comment more often
Spoken like a true winner Andrew.
Where is that constructive criticism of yours?
The lifters will fail before the first oil change.ea
I have a 2019 High Country 6.2L with 10 Speed and it has been flawless. Yes, some have had issues, I agree. This wonderful “so called Pandemic” has hindered/changed many things in our world, not just automotive wise. Every carmaker is having some sort of issues.
They sure will, one out of every ten thousand or so trucks that happens to. Thanks for pointing out that small fractional failure rate. Care to inform us what the failure rates are on Turbos with Ford while you are at it?
This is like after the Blackwing introductions we started getting all kinds of bs responses from the Cadillac folks.
Could we hope that maybe, MAYBE GM is working on a supercharged ZR2 called the “ZRX”? No, no we shouldn’t, but I still will.
Not sure what Chevy has in mind with the Beast concept (or whatever it’s called now), but it does give a glimmer of hope that they are at least thinking that direction. I like the ZR2, but until Chevy takes direct aim at Ford and Ram in the off-road market hey will not be takin seriously.
How about fix the trucks sitting at dealerships instead of promoting a “new” truck. A month on the lot and no end in sight for parts.
Stop complaining and just be glad you finally go the truck and a new interior no matter what it is called.
Must be available in Extended cab……HUH??????? I don’t need a family cab… in a truck!!!!!!!
Look at all the new trucks in the road, no one really buys extended cab except contractors, especially not at this price point. Raptor stopped offering it and neither does TRX
Now this is something I agree with. The extended cab that morphed into the double cab configuration is quickly becoming irrelevant. It’s a trend that’s here to stay.
Still say that if GM does make a Raptor/TRX competitor it should be called “The Meteor”.
The meteor!!!! That’s the best thing Ive read all day! Still laughing.
Thank you. Don’t know how my tone comes across but I’m genuinely serious. Loved the creativity.