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GM Actively Working On Chevy Silverado HD ZR2

Just last week, GM Authority was the first to report that General Motors product planners are looking into the development of a new GMC Sierra HD AT4X model to slot in above the “regular” GMC Sierra HD AT4. Now, GM Authority sources report that GM is also planning to introduce a new Chevy Silverado HD ZR2 model.

Similar to the potential GMC Sierra HD AT4X model that GM Authority reported on last week, the new Chevy Silverado HD ZR2 will be equipped with a wealth of equipment specifically geared towards enhancing the pickup’s prowess in the rough stuff. This includes revisions to the front and rear bumpers for more aggressive approach and departure angles, while under the body, the truck will feature added underbody protection with skid plates.

Speaking of the greasy bits, the potential Chevy Silverado HD ZR2 will also be equipped with front and rear locking differentials, as well as new specialty dampers. With regard to the suspension, GM is currently evaluating a few different options, including a set of upgraded DSSV dampers, although it’s possible a different kind of damper will get the green light by the time the Chevy Silverado HD ZR2 hits production. Finishing it off will be aggressive 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires.

Putting it all together, the Chevy Silverado HD ZR2 All will offer more ground clearance, more traction, and more capability when traversing off-road. We should also note that this model will only be available in a single-rear-wheel configuration, and will not be available in a “dually” dual-rear-wheel configuration.

Looking ahead, the refreshed Chevy Silverado HD is just over the horizon, slated to arrive for the 2023 model year, although the Chevy Silverado HD ZR2 is expected to launch for the 2024 model year.

Under the hood, the new Chevy Silverado HD ZR2 will be available with both the atmospheric 6.6L V8 L8T gasoline engine or the 6.6L V8 L5P turbodiesel Duramax. However, as GM Authority was the first to report, General Motors is cooking up some fresh powertrain updates for its heavy-duty pickups, including the introduction of the GM 10-speed automatic transmission as a replacement for the L8T’s 6-speed, as well as more output for the Duramax L5P, the latter of which is rumored to top out at nearly 1,100 pound-feet of torque and more than 500 horsepower.

Finally, we should mention that the Silverado HD ZR2 will be positioned differently from the Sierra AT4X HD with regard to content, options, and pricing, as is also the case with the half-ton trucks.

We’ll bring you all the latest on this new off-roader as we get it, so make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevy Silverado news, Chevy news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.

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

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Comments

  1. Truckz

    All good stuff, even factory 35’s! I just hope they do a nice job with the front clip refresh on both the this and the GMC.

    Reply
  2. Rick

    Every manufacturer dresses up their gas motor trucks. I doubt they’ll include the Duramax in the ZR2. The front and rear lockers is definitely cool. Can’t wait to see what chevy’s got up their sleeve.

    Reply
    1. Truckz

      Article says both gas and diesel will be offered. The current GMC AT4 HD offers both so I think the chances are pretty good.

      Reply
  3. Logan

    I’d like a ZR2 hd Duramax if I won the lottery… I can’t wait to see what it looks like! What about a Trail Boss hd?

    Reply
  4. GMGuy

    To the ones who said they didn’t think the ZR2/AT4X 1500s needed a diesel because it would make it slow….but with better substantial MPg. Yeah what now guys? Where’s the reasoning

    Reply
    1. AT4XZR2

      The 1500 ZR2/AT4X really needs the diesel as an option. It wouldn’t be a fast, desert truck. But it’d be a killer starting point for a overland build. I hope it comes at some point…

      Reply
    2. Andrew

      Are you saying the specs and purpose for the 3.0 in the half ton is the same as the 6.6 diesel in the 3/4 and 1 ton?

      Reply
    3. GMC Fan

      Maybe there are capacity constraints on the diesel and are keeping it from the AT4X for the current year?

      Maybe due to demand and GM being behind on production, they’re simplifying the lineup a bit?

      Then maybe GM adds it for model year 2023?

      Reply
  5. Jay Jones

    $100,000 plus

    Reply
  6. Joe Miller

    Why not try to build the ones your making already, waiting 4 or 5 months when you order one is BS.

    Reply
  7. Chevy Man

    I think this truck is handsome and clean looking… If you see on the road in person it has a very commanding presence. I am not saying it’s perfect but it’s still better looking then the old and new Tundra 🤢🤮 I wouldn’t get caught dead driving a Tundra or Titan no matter what people say. GM for life!

    Reply
  8. Guestt

    “Off-road” coming to the county fairgrounds near you!. In parking lot next to the Bronco and the 392 Rubicon.

    Nah it’s the next Bros-mobile, tailgating you with HID lights and a lift kit…

    Reply
    1. Keith

      Exactly.

      Reply
  9. VCAT

    Finally bringing out the good stuff. Just wondering how all this is going to work in their all electric world?

    Reply
  10. Sam Caloiaro

    Single cab….single cab….single cab……….Did you hear me????????????

    Reply
  11. Jay

    I’m not one to harp on GM’s IFS front ends because I’ve personally had good luck, but a HD Duramax with a front locker with the IFS CV shafts just makes me cringe. Hopefully they figured out how to beef it up because I don’t believe the Colorado has any issues.

    Reply
  12. andy

    It’s still the ugliest truck on the market.

    Reply

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