General Motors unveiled the refreshed 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 in September of 2021, introducing a raft of changes and updates for the popular full-size pickup. The refreshed Silverado 1500 also introduces the new Silverado ZR2 trim level, an even-more capable off-road-ready model that slots in above the LT Trail Boss in the new Silverado trim level cadence. Now, GM Authority is taking a closer look at one of the Silverado ZR2’s unique features, namely its new exhaust treatment.
When viewed from the rear, the 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2’s exhaust is not visible. In addition, the bumper doesn’t have any cutouts for the exhaust tips typically found on models with the dual exhaust treatment. To find the exhaust pipes, you’ll need to look underneath the truck, as the Silverado ZR2 exhaust terminates underneath and behind the rear bumper.
We covered this unique configuration with our Chevy Silverado ZR2 walkaround video, but it’s worth revisiting in more detail here. The shorter, tucked-under exhaust pipes give the 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 greater ability in extreme off-roading maneuvers, enhancing the pickup’s departure angle. In fact, we spotted a Silverado prototype undergoing off-road testing last year with bent exhaust tips as a result of an aggressive hillclimb attempt that squished the tips flat against the ground.
No such problems with the 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2. The exhaust includes twin pipes that terminate on either side of the spare tire, which is mounted under the bed towards the rear bumper. The exhaust tips themselves are pointed down towards the ground.
Powering the rig is the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine, which is rated at 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and is offered as the exclusive engine option for the Silverado ZR2. The V8 mates to a 10-speed automatic transmission, feeding a full-time four-wheel drive system. There’s also front and rear e-lockers for extra grip, as well as one-pedal rock crawling.
In the corners, you’ll notice that the 2022 Silverado ZR2 is equipped with DSSV Multimatic spool valve dampers, a feature that’s also standard on the Chevy Colorado ZR2. On the Silverado ZR2, these dampers are paired with uniquely tuned springs for even greater suspension travel compared to the Silverado Trail Boss.
Under the skin is the GM T1 platform. Production of the Chevy Silverado 1500 takes place at the GM Silao plant in Mexico and GM Fort Wayne Assembly in Indiana, as well as the GM Oshawa Plant in Canada in the near future.
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Comments
To be honest they could do this on all the trucks.
Unless you like the look the pipes sticking out serve to real benefit.
Although the Silverado ZR2 will have the lowest horsepower in the segment (420hp), it will be the most capable of the three (IMHO). The Raptor and TRX are more focused towards desert running (all out speed). The ZR2’s DSSV’s can conquer both desert running and rock crawling with ease, yet cruise the highway as if you’re riding in a Cadillac. Multimatic is second to none.
I see GM selling tons of these ZR2’s, considering ~70% of the new Silverado’s I see on the road are built in Trail Boss trim.
I get why so many people are drawn to the high horse power versions of the Raptor and TRX. But I would much rather the added cost of the HP tuning or forced air be put to other performance equipment. I like what I’ve seen of the ZR2 so far… can’t wait to see it in the wild and get behind the wheel.
The Raptor doesn’t have really any more power than the ZR2. The main reason the Raptor will be slightly faster is because it has a flatter torque curve. The 6.2 has more potential itself, but V8s are selling more on nostalgia than max power these days due to rumors of cancellation. GM doesn’t need to add more power out of the 6.2, but it’s capable of at least 500 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. And let’s not forget they could and should make light duty version of 6.6.
The 6.2L is easy to hot rod should you want more reliable power. A cam and ported heads will go a long way. You can always add a blower kit and a tune. So many options. This truck has a lot of potential.
The 6.2 being easy to hot rod is subjective. You would have to get an AFM/VVT or DFM/VVT delete kit depending upon the year of the engine first and foremost before anything else. From there you could add a cam, but you would have to get the vehicle tuned to run it. I’d say we were at almost $3,000 so far. Really, ditching the direct fuel injection for a carburetor intake manifold, carburetor, and ignition coil controller would really simplify things.
As an owner of a 6.2 TB I honestly can’t imagine the need for more power or speed
I’m a huge chevy fan . I love this truck but I have one concern. When I’m mudding or in deep snow. Let’s say I get buried up to my doors and my exhaust can’t breathe because the mud is pushed up in both pipes. Looks like that could easily happen. We’ll not easily, this truck will be hard to get buried. If the exhaust is out the side I can dig it out quickly. Granted I need to see the truck in person because they might be really tucked in there so even if I’m buried up to my doors maybe they still won’t be touching the ground.
What do you guys think?
You have enough money to go mudding and “bury it” in a new $60k truck then you have enough to mod the exhaust.
I wouldn’t worry about it personally. That being said, you could bring some zoomies out through the hood.
I have the 2021 Trail Boss 6.2 and love everything about it, it takes off like a vehicle with a shift kit installed in it, very gratifying to punch the throttle in sport mode. I had the 2019 Colorado ZR2 and did some serious four wheeling on my claim in the Seirras. The Trail Boss went everywhere I took the little ZR2 and did it better, IMHO. The Colorado was fun and agile, but the Trail Boss is much more refined and a great highway cruiser. Im not trading my Trophy truck for anything on the market today. The Trail Boss checks all the boxes for drivability, funability, and even the ellusive adrenaline rush!
Most of the people that will buy this truck will be hunters and they don’t need 425hp , a standard 5.3 would be fine
Most of the people that buy this truck will be suburban dads who will never see a gravel road much less take it off road.
I’m driving my new ZR2 and i love the ride, the power and all the creature comforts. I live in my truck 7 days a week.
I’d say “This is what a truck is meant to be.” I have had several 6.2 liter vehicles, including a Tahoe (2019) and my last 3 trucks ( I trade every 2 years) i’ve experianced as high as 23 MPG on the highway and i’d guess i’d get about 18 in town if i could keep my foot out of it, but hey, those rice grinders can eat my dust. so i get around 16,5 right now with just 450 on the odometer. axious to hit the trails on my next Vaca. I’ll let ya all know, but so far…..I’m Loving it…….