The 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 fulfilled many GM truck fans’ desire for the automaker to offer an ultra-capable, go-anywhere variant of the popular full-size pickup, but it isn’t stopping there. New GM Authority spy shots indicate GM is now working on an even more extreme off-road-focused Silverado model that may pull inspiration from its Off-Road Concept from the 2021 SEMA Show.
These spy shots show a Chevy Silverado prototype in Crew Cab Short Bed configuration, off-road wheels with concealed wheel covers, knobby tires and side rock rails. The concealed wheels are particularly interesting, as GM may be hiding a set of beadlock wheels beneath the covers. There are some other interesting details that give away this prototype as a potential new off-road model, too, namely the low-hanging front underbody skid plate, which has a similar design and shape to the one used on the aforementioned SEMA Concept, also know as the Chevy Beast.
While there’s quite a bit of camouflage covering the grille and front fascia, it does appear to have a more simplified front bumper than the ZR2, taking on a similar design to the bumper used on the SEMA Concept and providing much better clearance. We imagine such a model would also either expand on or re-use some of the key off-road suspension pieces from the ZR2, such as the Multimatic DSSV dampers.
Seeing as this prototype truck may share some styling cues and other components with Chevy’s SEMA Concept, it’s possible it has the automaker’s supercharged 6.2L LT4 V8 engine sitting under the hood. This engine was recently brought into GM’s full-size truck and SUV portfolio via the Cadillac Escalade-V, so it’s definitely possible a hotter off-road Silverado could receive this engine, but our photographer didn’t hear anything from the prototype that would suggest a forced induction engine was present. This would be the most logical route for GM to take, however, seeing as this truck would be compared with rival offerings like the 702-horsepower Ram TRX and the upcoming Ford F-150 Raptor R.
We’ll keep our ears to the ground as we await for more information on this potential future Silverado variant to surface, but in the meantime, be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevy Silverado news, Chevy news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
maybe its an AEV collaboration
yea, interesting, Silverado Bison
I’d rather have a 6.2 S/C beast, but a Bison is just as likely given the success of the Colorado Bison package
That’s because for a while that’s all the ZR2 Colorados came in most dealerships
As much as I would like it to be more I think your probably right about the AEV collaboration. It will be a nice truck no doubt, but probably not the supercharged LT4 version many are hoping for. I seriously hope they surprise us, but unfortunately history has taught us to keep our expectations in check.
That’s what I hope… that would add actual utility to the ZR2 for off-road use. I know many want a bragging rights truck with 700HP+ but I rather get the AEV steel bumpers, armor, etc. for actual trail use. I also wish the 3.0L Duramax was offered on the Silverado ZR2 for respectable MPG.
At this point I bet GM is trolling people to try to get this thing talked about more. There is little to no after market hype for this, unlike the TRX or Raptor.
I’m still sitting over here wishing for the AT4X diesel.
If this is the Silverado ZR2 equivalent to the Colorado ZR2 Bison Edition then it would go a long way to help with said lack of aftermarket. That’s front and rear steel bumpers, complete under body armor protection, and if it follows like the Colorado then AEV will do a full “upfit” so modifications to allow larger tires, snorkel, etc. Pretty extensive catalog of parts.
But honestly… Chevy will sell every Silverado ZR2 they make. That’s going to be too many potential sales for the after market to not come eventually. Like the Colorado I suspect there will be long travel kits and more in not too long.
With the 6.2 SC going in the Escalade , it makes sense that they offer in a premium Silverado or GMC Sierra AT4X
with the push to electric and both drivetrains and models simplified, GM will want to use up the inventory planned for this engine before cars like the Cadi Black wing and Camero are out of production.
Bring it on !!
It’s a 2.7 t under the hood….😉
Strap 2 together and we’re talkin. They must have other engines based on the 2.7 in the pipeline, maybe not V8, but turbo 6.
Yeah I just can’t get too excited about the 2.7t in the Silverado. Probably great in a Colorado. Would be jacked for an i6 version though.
They really need to drop in the LT4 into more vehicles. Many might not know it, but it has a boost bypass valve. When in normal driving, it consumes almost no more full than the 6.2 NA. It’s fuel economy drop stems from the fact that people like to use its beautiful 650 ponies 😍
It also makes peak torque at a low 3600rpm’s
Hmmm LT4 engine.. Wonder what the price of this truck will be.. ??
Since the 2024 Yukon mules are being photographed already, do you not think this may be a 2024 refresh?
Not with an entirely new model slated for 2025 or 2026.
They need to change the cab to have a full pano-roof like the competition.
ZR2 1LE maybe?
Lol no. 1LE is the RPO code for a track pack. The Z28, Z24, Z71, 1LE, X31, etc are all RPO order codes for specific packages/options
I heard that the configurator on the website may be coming online on March 3, 2022. Hope it’s true!
its up lol
Trying to better something that wasn’t that good to begin with, I’m sure this one is worse than all the others!!!!! Downsize it GM C, make smaller four-wheel-drive pick up trucks gas prices are rising, I take you did not take that into account, just make them as big as you can put as much metal on them as you can so all that can happen is they rust Out even faster!!!! Ford motor company will surpass GMC
My Grandmother used to talk about bread being $.05. Oh jeeze grandma, get with the times…
Now I talk about how GM didn’t used to Kill their customers and pay their CEO $20 Million to Lie about it…
Jeeze.
ZR2 Trailboss.
Just put a dang supercharger on the truck GM for goodness sake! Make it a ZR2 extreme, and offer an SS sport truck. They have everything in house to get this done. You can have my money once you release it with a blower! I bet I won’t be the only one who buys one either!
i would be okay if they had the supercharged 6.2 in it!11
Could someone tell GM it’s already 2022, why the disguise.
Seeing as the Ukraine supplies 70% of the world’s Neon, which is essential in semiconductor production i wouldn’t get my hopes up too high on having one of these. Unless your willing to settle for one with the same options as a W/T.
GM cant even build 2022’s right now and tell there customers when they will be receiving them much less worrying about a 2023. Im sure the bean counters are planning some way to put some more cheap black plastic all over the exterior of the truck more than they have now. maybe they will go from two versions of black interior to four versions of black interior , price range , well there’s been three price increases in last 3 months , bend over boys your gonna get your new plastic toy truck with the under powered duramax , fake branded allison transmission , a tail gate that hit the hitch receiver, stupid door mount mirrors , and thin seats and the new car like dash like your wifes SUV has very soon.