General Motors unveiled the new refreshed 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 in September, debuting a long list of changes and updates for the light duty pickup truck, including the all-new Chevy Silverado ZR2 off-roading trim level. Interestingly the new Silverado ZR2 shares one specific feature with the Chevy Beast concept that was introduced at the 2021 SEMA Show.
For those readers who may not remember, the Chevy Beast concept, later renamed as the Chevy Off-Road Concept, was introduced late last year to showcase the capabilities of the Chevrolet Performance off-road team, and includes a variety of rough-and-ready equipment and high-powered specs. Among these is a set of long-travel shocks, a newly developed five-link rear end, and a 91-inch wide track with 37-inch off-roading tires wrapped around on 20-inch beadlock wheels. Under the hood is the supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4 gasoline engine.
In addition, the Chevy Beast features a Chevy Flow Tie emblem with a red inlay – just like the new Silverado ZR2. For the moment, the only two models to wear the Chevy Flow Tie emblem with a red inlay are the Chevy Beast concept and the new Chevy Silverado ZR2.
Chevy Beast concept
2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2
Traditionally, the Chevy Flow Tie badge incorporates a black inlay, making the red inlay an interesting detail for these two vehicles. The badge looks good, and enhances the look of the front end with a dash of extra aggression, which is right on target for models like the Chevy Beast concept and Silverado ZR2.
As for the specs, the Chevy Silverado ZR2 is equipped with upgraded off-road suspension that includes Multimatic DSSV dampers and retuned springs. The Silverado ZR2 also runs front and rear e-lockers for enhanced traction, and is equipped with a high-approach steel front bumper with removable end caps for extra clearance in the rough stuff.
Behind the badge, the 2022 Silverado ZR2 is equipped as standard with the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine, rated at 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque and connecting to the GM 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD.
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Comments
Don’t worry. We will not see the awesome Beast. Even “toned down” for production this thing could be a real Raptor – TRX killer. But then, it seems that GM no longer wants to be the best. Mediocrity seems to be the goal.
What’s next Mary? Perhaps a Korean made for the US market Trailblazer with a convertible top, or color matching tires? Dare we dream?
Agreed.
Mary Barra has been dragging Chevy/GM down the path of mediocrity and failure since her anointment.
Used to be: If you wanted performance at a low price, with low/no frills, you bought a Chevrolet.
If you wanted: performance and some style & frills, a Pontiac (RIP) – performance & luxury & style & frills, a Buick or Oldsmobile (RIP) – luxury & style & frills with low/moderate performance, you bought a Caddy.
Now, if you want ANY performance, you step up to the plate and pay top dollar for a ZL1 Camaro or C8 or pay (over the) top dollar for a CT5-V Blackwing or Z06 Corvette.
There is no low frills SS-esque option for “regular” people, a no options, manual trans, roll-up window big-block Camaro, Chevelle or Nova to be had.
There is an SS Camaro, with the LT1, but it is hardly within reach of someone who doesn’t make 6 figures, unless it’s your daily driver.
The SS (Holden, not Camaro) failed because of this – A car that SHOULD have fiiled the vacuum between the V6 Camaro (no slouch) and the SS Camaro. A car for someone who wants 4 doors AND V8 performance and doesn’t want/can’t afford a CTS/5-V. It had too many standard features instead of a LONG list of options which vaulted it into the next tax bracket.
There is a giant chasm that leaves a large segment of the car buying public settling for less or buying over their head – or (more likely) – buying another brand (foreign).
It seems as if Mary Barra and/or her team is taking a path of mediocrity to save the company. They might be following future trends with the ever changing market as it transcends from gas engines to electric. Only the supply/demand marketplace will tell us the future.
Anyone else here pissed at GM because they cannot get updates for their cars navigation systems to keep it current?
Why doesn’t GM break out of the box and maybe make a diesel hybrid with some unreal fuel economy and power that doesn’t need plugged for charging and nothing limits trip distance with guts to work on and off-road and impress the girls we date.? Even those small v-6 diesels Dodge ram put in their half ton getting over 25mpg in the real day to day are definitely dependable for 2500/3500 trucks with single rears. Show us tough and dependable without every Bell and whistles and enough comfort to hit the town without breaking the bank and the marriage of long standing relationship with our only brand. THE NEXT GENERATION OF THE WORKING MAN’S WORK HORSE.?
Not attempting to be bias here but the Zr2 was never designed to be a direct competitor to the TRX or the Raptor. In some ways, it is better with its feature set. Others, obviously… it’s worse.
It does not have a supercharged v8. So that alone has ruined its taste for many people who criticize it. It doesn’t have soft long travel suspension. It doesn’t have 35”+ tires.
That being said it compares the the Raptor “High” not Raptor base. Once you put that into the mix, it’s 6-7 thousand cheaper. If you build a TRX option for option, you are now 20+ thousand cheaper.
Having long travel on the street for daily/highway use has the handling characteristics of a slinky. Both the Raptor and the TRX have awful road manners.
The zr2 will still be able to be used as a truck, off road and be a very comfortable daily driver.
I think Chevy did a great job for the ZR2. It’s not a Raptor fail or a wanna be TRX. It’s performance and features outclass any TRD PRO, Pro X, Or Tremor. Dollar for Dollar. Option for option.
All these people that clamor for a SC Silverado ZR2 are the ones that will never buy one. Because that would put the truck in the high 70’s as a starting price if not higher.
67K for a base Silverado ZR2 is already high enough imo.
I have a Camaro ZL1.. 600hp should not be a daily driver.. it is fun to drive.. but it is not practical and of course you take the MPG hits versus non-SC.. and last I looked, gas is not going to get cheaper with this administration.
I WILL buy a Silverado ZR2.. I DON’T want a SC on it. Give me the 6.2L and I will happily roll on down the road for many years to come with minimal maintenance.
And for the people who want a SC.. their is nothing stopping you from adding one aftermarket.
It’s barely possible to create something uglier than this 🤦
People who are proudly buying this trash should realize that the others are seeing them as morons on the road