General Motors is hard at work on the next-generation Chevy Silverado 1500 pickup truck – the best-selling model not only for the Bow Tie brand, but also for General Motors. As GM Authority was first to report, the future Silverado is scheduled to launch in roughly two years, and brand new set of spy shots gives us our very first look at the 2027 Silverado ZR2.
Though we’ve already seen several Silverado prototypes undergoing testing, this is our first look yet at the ZR2 – which will continue as the most off-road capable variant of the Silverado 1500.
What we see here is the Crew Cab, Short Box configuration – the only setup that offers the ZR2 trim on the Silverado 1500.
The rugged-looking prototype clearly features a high-clearance front end treatment and abundant ride height, made possible by 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT (Mud Terrain) tires. While the tire model is the same as the one used on the current Silverado ZR2 half ton, the big news is the larger size. The prototype is rolling on a set of 285/75R18 rubber, which translates into a 35-inch (technically 34.8-inch) tire. By comparison, the current Silverado ZR2 can only take a 33-inch tire without modifying the mud flaps and other parts of the wheel well.
35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires
The change in tire further confirms what GM Authority was first to tell you roughly a year ago: GM won’t overhaul the existing T1 platform for the 2027 Silverado (and 2027 Sierra), but will instead massage it to accommodate desirable features absent from the current trucks. This will create the T1-2 platform as an evolution of the one that underpins the existing Silverado.
Beyond the tires, we can also see this 2027 Silverado ZR2 wearing a set of Multimatic DSSV dampers at all four corners. The same shocks are present and accounted for on the current, though we’re certain that they’ll be tuned differently for the bigger tires.
This particular prototype isn’t equipped with any assist steps (running boards) or rock sliders, but these will certainly be offered.
Multimatic DSSV dampers
Out back, we can clearly see a CornerStep rear bumper, a spare tire that’s neatly tucked under the bed, and a tow hitch receiver. A a quad exhaust setup similar (but not the same) as that used on the C8 Corvette Stingray is helping expel gasses from the Gen Six Small Block V8 gasoline engine that’s undoubtedly under the hood. Four-wheel-drive will remain standard, as will the selectable front and rear lockers seen on the current gen.
Look for the next-gen Silverado ZR2 to launch for the 2027 model year with an all-new exterior and interior, a handful of new engines, plus improvements in tech, convenience and usability. Until then, be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for the latest Silverado news, Chevy news, and obsessive GM news coverage.
Comments
Nice to see they have round wheel arches, hope the GMC’s follow suit!
I mean… theyre “rounded” but not round.
Prob will use similar exhaust tips and dash set up like on the Tahoe.
Put the mirrors back in front of the door glass like the 14-18s much cleaner look
Function>looks, keep them where they are…
How about pictures of the 2026 Silverado non EV
Picture this: It’s a 2025 Silverado, however you’d option it out, except instead of a 2025, it’s a 2026….they look identical because they are.
I’m waiting for the regular cab standard box with the AT4X option. A short wheelbase lower weight vehicle with plenty of power and offroad/multimatic DSSV capability is what I’m looking for to replace my K2XX 2014 Sierra. Hopefully the decision makers are listening.
Are we sure this is a short box? It doesn’t look as short as the current trucks. Did they add 2-3″ on the current boxes.
Maybe just the camo playing tricks on the eye. I really can’t see them doing a ZR2 on a Crew Cab Standard Bed.
Hope they offer the Diesel option in these trucks.
Still riding on leaf springs?
This product will almost certainly follow gm’s ICE strategy of just doing a refresh on existing their platforms and not invest in any new ICE platforms.
Looking at the photos, the cab structure, cut lines and the windshield touchdown location appear to be exactly the same as the current generation products. Therefore it appears the current GMT T1XX platform (which started production in 2018) will soldier on into the 2030’s. They may surprise us but not likely.
There’s still time to ditch those side mirrors.
Function>looks, keep them where they are…
Good luck selling these in Great Recession 2.0. Just what America doesn’t need.
Don’t worry, brandons gone so it won’t happen this time around.
Broken record beachy preaching the same thing for years over and over again that isn’t happening. You remind me of that preacher that kept pushing back and saying the end of the world was going to happen (rapture) but never did, then he died and we are all still here. He sounded silly just like you do…
Yawn, another lifted mall crawler…
Please give me a sports truck!!!! Be aggressive and innovative and take this part of the car market GM….not everyone needs a childs Tonka-toy looking truck.
They are using light weight oils on some models to increase gas mileage, then turn around and put bigger tires and raise the trucks which decreases gas mileage, DUH!!!
Did Chevrolet fire the entire design team and just leave 1 administrative assistant to copy and paste the same design/front end on all their vehicles? What is up with making every single truck/SUV look exactly the same? If that’s the same front end as the rest of their vehicles, I won’t be buying one. Even GMC is starting to go that route, which is so disappointing. I’m sorry but Mary Barra is not it. GM needs a strong leader who knows about the auto industry and can make better decisions! They knew about the faulty lifters for years but kept selling those engines. They knew about those horrible 8 speed transmissions but kept putting them in their trucks/SUV’s. They SHOULD have ICE engines in the Hummers because the design is amazing, but they stuck their best looking trucks with an all-electric powertrain. Just really dumb calls by Mary and her staff. I could go on and on, but you get the point. Mary needs to go.
Absolutely…..
But I fear DFM won’t go anywhere soon…because by 2028 the same policies now rolled back might actually come back…
Downvoters, explain yourself.
If you want DFM REMOVED, try and talk to the EPA first as well….and maybe get rid of Ms Mary a second…
Fender lines look similar to the Colorado/Canyon
Get rid of DFM and I will comeback
I don’t think that will really happen….you need to pressure the EPA first to remove the system….
And whoever is in power now won’t be in 2028…you can DOWNVOTE now but you may have to face the harsh reality later in 3 years….about the emission rules.
So, WHY DID YOU DOWNVOTE?
I was saying that whoever is in power now may not be …in 2028, and are YOU SURE OF THE FUTURE?
NO.
If you want DFM removed, go and tell the EPA as well…in addition to Ms Mary.
GM needs to make an option to record all the vehicle cameras. Ability to save trip video if you want to.. & share to your phone or email.
The bed rails are so high you’ll need a ladder to put something in the bed of the truck
Glad to see 35’s but why so skinny? A 35×12.50 with a just a bit more offset in the wheels would’ve looked much better.