Why Is This 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss Riding On Bison Beadlock Wheels?
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In an intriguing development, GM Authority spy photographers just caught a Chevy Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss prototype undergoing testing while wearing the beadlock wheels from the upcoming 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison.
As the exclusive GM Authority spy shots you can see here show, the wheels of the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss match those GM previously teased on the photos it released of its Colorado ZR2 Bison prototype ahead of the Bison’s May 31st, 2023 official debut.
The beadlock wheel on the Chevy Coloroda ZR2 Desert Boss prototype
We’re not quite sure why the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss prototype in our latest spy shots is wearing the Bison’s beadlock wheels. One possibility is that GM is simply testing the wheel and tire combo for the Bison, using the Desert Boss purely as a test bed.
However, we did spot a difference between the Bison preview photos and our latest shots of the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss. The Bison teased by GM is wearing Goodyear Duratrac tires, while the spied prototype is rolling on Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT rubber.
Alternately, The General may be planning to eventually offer the beadlock wheels as an accessory option on the “regular” Chevy Colorado ZR2. Currently, we’re expecting the Desert Boss Special Edition package (RPO code ZDB) to be offered on the 2023 model year only, anticipating that it won’t return for 2024.
However, we do expect some of its components will also be available as accessories for the 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2. As a refresher, the Desert Boss Special Edition package contains the following off-road upgrades and styling details (relevant RPO codes and feature exclusivity listed in parentheses):
- Black nameplates (RIK)
- Bed-mounted sport bar with “ZR2” sail panel (SBY, exclusive to package)
- Off-Road front bumper with safari bar (SD0, exclusive to package)
- 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels (SMY, exclusive to package)
- 40-inch roof off-road light bar (S3X, exclusive to package)
- Underbody camera (UXA)
- Auxiliary Power Distribution Box (VBP, exclusive to package)
- Front Fender Decal Package (5K5, exclusive to package)
- Tailgate Decal Package (SB7, exclusive to package)
- Bodyside Decal Package (DSA, exclusive to package)
The soon-to-be-unveiled 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison is expected to be an indirect replacement for the 2023 Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss. It is a standalone trim level that enhances the truck’s off-road capabilities to a higher level than that offered by the ZR2, which is already a quite capable off-roader.
Some of the features of the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison include 35-inch, LT315/70R17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires, long-travel Multimatic DSSV dampers, hydraulic bump stops, and an extra two inches of ground clearance beyond that offered by the “ordinary” ZR2.
For motivation, the 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison will be equipped with the same turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B Turbo High-Output gasoline engine as in the “regular” ZR2, which develops 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque.
The updated GM eight-speed automatic transmission will send power from the engine to the wheels, while the 4WD drivetrain will obviously be fitted as standard.
As for structure, the all-new Colorado rides on the updated 31XX platform, while production takes place at the GM Wentzville plant in Missouri.
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Looks Great !!
Wait. Trucks are still sitting in limbo for QC and hail damage for waiting and frustrated customers and they are testing wheels??? 🙄
I agree. My son was waiting for 2023 Silverado. Had to take a 2024! Now how does this crap work? I know, more money!!!!!
We’ll we now know 35’s fit the stick lock ZR2
There aren’t many cars or trucks that can pull off a yellow like that, but it actually looks really good on that truck,
That mustard looks good .
For motivation, the 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison will be equipped with the same turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B Turbo High-Output gasoline engine as in the “regular” ZR2, which develops 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque.
So why should you get the bison then ? Bigger wheels can be bought ? I thought the bison was the raptor ranger competitor ?
Bison package will include all the AEV armor parts. Steel front bumper with winch provision, steel rear bumper, and a far more extensive set of skid plates. Bison will also include additional lift and what appears to be longer travel, Bison specific versions of the DSSV shocks. And also to note… if they increase the wheel size they’ll likely change the axle ratios for the larger tire (this is a couple grand to do in the aftermarket, for instance, and if you don’t then you’ll kill your acceleration and get even worse MPG than you expect).
You have to think about who GM works with for the Bison trucks… AEV. American Expedition Vehicles. The purpose is in the name. When you’re talking remote off-road trips armoring the vehicle is essential. Having a winch is essential.
The standard ZR2 is frankly already going to keep up with a Ranger Raptor in desert running. Because horsepower is not the limiting factor in that scenario… suspension and tires are the limiting factor and the standard ZR2 matches the Raptor for suspension travel and tire size.
The Bison if anything might be a bit slower. Because its made for off-road expeditions. Made to get over rocks and through tree lined trails without damaging critical parts of the vehicle. Not open desert running.
The Ranger raptor makes 405 HP … this makes 310.. HP in what world does this keep up with ranger raptor? If the bison is going be made for overloading that’s fine ,but it’s not winning any races in desert against the ranger raptor ..
The suspension on these trucks cannot keep up with their engine power as it is even at “just” 310HP. They have identical amounts of front and rear suspension travel, they have essentially identical tire size and compounds, and frankly I think the DSSV shocks are higher performing than the reduced size Fox LiveWire shocks on the Ranger Raptor. Will the Ranger Raptor be slightly faster accelerating? Marginally sure. Will it be quicker on pavement? Yeah definitely. But off-road these trucks at speed are going to be roughly the same and I know both are above your driving potential.
And one of these trucks is actually raced… and that’s the ZR2.
The Bison should be superior at literally everything other than desert running where it’ll be roughly equivalent. Since most off-road is technical trails, crawling rocks, and going through mud the features of the Bison should make it the superior truck.
Do you remember the zr2 finishing is last major off road competiton with half broken bed? Of course not . Do you remember Ranger Raptor finishing Baja 1000? I do. You have no idea what your talking about . Personal attacks ? Are you 5? Do worship the ground mary walks on? There is liking a brand and then there is losing all reasoning and objectivity. Sit down please and start thinking for yourself . Cant believe there people so loyal to one brand for no reason . They only thing they have in common in same amount torque; if you think that’s all it takes to win off road races your clueless.
Pointing out a the performance of these trucks is outside the ability of basically everyone but professional drivers isn’t a personal attack. Its reality.
The Ranger Raptor was the only truck in that class for the Baja 1000. You know what its average speed was? 31 MPH!!! Which goes right to my point. Horsepower is not remotely the limiting factor in off-road speed. Its suspension. These trucks have suspensions that are basically equivalent. The fact you don’t know this makes me comfortable saying you’re no exception to the statement above.
Further, the ZR2’s bent bed was caused by the roll cage contact point and it was basically a victim of rule enforced design limitations. And now the clueless use it to signal they’re cluelessness. The truck still finished that race. And it gets run in far more events, far more consistently than the Ranger Raptors (very slow) one off.
And finally. I don’t drive a Chevy. I drive a Jeep. You’re the biased one and you’re projecting it.
It finished in first at the mint 400, with a bent frame. It also averaging 32 MPH (even with a bent frame slowing it down the last 40 miles), which is faster than the ranger’ 31mph. So, zr2at4x makes a valid point.
Excalty with bent frame . Ranger survived the Baja .. can we stop pretending GM is actually trying to compete against the the ranger . If they were it would have its own engine but it doesn’t . You get suspension which you can easily like the shocks and buy tires anywhere, the bison is not blowing up the off road market . GMC doing little as possible to appeal off road scene with the bison in hopes someone won’t go aftermarket do it themselves . Should we make prediction on price ? Most likely going be 55k pretty much a Ranger raptor with less value
Well, that exact zr2 had already raced over 1,000 miles in it’s existence before that happened. The frame bent due to them not extending the roll cage past the back of the cab and having over 600 lbs of equipment mounted on the rear. It’s a simple reason, physics actually. The ford did in fact have a roll cage that extended all the way to the back of the frame.
Correct, the “raptor” market is such a small market they aren’t interested at this time. Also, what fool wants to take their family 70mph over jumps in the desert? The ZR2 is better at what people actually do in off-road situations. The ranger raptor is more of a competitor with the Colorado ZR2 than the f150 raptor is to the Silverado ZR2.
The Bison will be closer to 60k and a much more capable truck and doesn’t look like a rebadged EU truck. The Bison all day every day for off-roading.
You’re in total denial, because you’re CLEARLY biased.
No, suspension on an IFS truck is not “easily” replaced. Shocks? No dude, it takes longer CONTROL ARMS. LONGER AXLES. That is how you achieve longer travel. That is not cheap nor easy and it means a ton of what you just paid for from the factory gets THROWN OUT. And *poof* goes your entire suspension warranty.
Tires? The fact you didn’t mention that you’ll need to REGEAR THE AXLE WHICH IS NOT CHEAP AND IMMEDIATEDLY THROWS OUT YOUR ENTIRE DRIVETRAIN WARRANTY tells me again You don’t have a single clue about real off-road performance and literally all you can talk about is the single performance factor.
Horsepower is NOT the limiting factor in off-road performance. The ZR2 will absolutely keep up with a Ranger Raptor in off-road racing.
The Bison is the complete package from the factory. You don’t have to void your entire warranty by going to the after market on tons of parts. And the parts from AEV are basically the highest quality you’ll find, period.
Awesome truck, just wish they would offer the 3.0 diesel option as 16mpg on the 33s means the ZR2 with 35’s is worse – I’d trade in my 2020 ZR2 Duramax with 33’s tomorrow. Glad they finally outboarded the shocks on this beast, can’t tell you how many times my shocks/mounts have been damaged by rocks, broke another shock in southern Utah last week.
16mpg is clearly a placeholder with the EPA so they could get the trucks to the market. There is no pickup that has averaged the same city/highway/combined, clearly not real numbers.
Are you trolling? Do you not live in truck city ? In CA all you will see are raptors and trx . Anyone with money has raptor or trx who likes trucks . Above average wealth will be able afford ranger raptor since it’s only 57k. The bison can’t cost 60k with same engine you can get in a trial boss… or z71.. no way. At least with Raptor you get brand new engine. Ranger raptor comes with world renowned FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shock absorbers. You simply fit zr2 with bison equivalent parts if you wanted to . You can’t simply get 3.0L v6 engine
No, I live in the real world. You may see them around, but in a truck market that sells around, what 2.4 million trucks per year? A few thousand here and there aren’t substantial in the market. The raptor and trx are a tiny part of their sales (ford sell about 30,000 a year so 4% of their sales). It’s fact, not opinion. You could also buy any of these vehicles if you want that 3.0 TT: MKZ, Continental, Aviator, Ford Explorer or the Ford Bronco Raptor.
So why would anyone want get lesser truck with same engine you can get in zr2 or trial boss ? People with that type money want the best of the best performance. They make small amount of sales sure because of their price tag. So why would someone want the same engine and virtually almost the same thing as zr2 packages? Doesn’t make sense spend 60k for glorified zr2
That’s the problem with some people, they think it all about the engine when off-roading. All a fast truck does is get you to the mall faster so you can hang out with all those “above average wealth” bro’s. LOL. An f150 raptor couldn’t navigate half the trails a Bison ZR2 or a Jeep or a Ranger raptor could. Those aren’t for serious off-roaders. They are for sand rats and mall rats.
Is that why ford Raptor r had double the amount trucks in 2022 Baja than Chevy did ? Makes sense . Seems like best of the best prefer raptor more than Chevy .
You just validated exactly what I’ve been saying. 👍