Chevrolet Silverado ZRX

The Chevrolet Silverado ZRX is believed to be an upcoming, high-performance off-road variant of the popular Silverado 1500 pickup truck. Here’s everything we know about the model.

Overview

In 2019, sources familiar with future GM products told GM Authority that GM is working on a high-performance off-road variant of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (light duty / half ton) pickup truck. The truck will be called the Silverado ZRX and will above the Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss in the Silverado off-road hierarchy. The vehicle will follow in the successful footsteps of the Colorado ZR2.

It will also have the following noteworthy features:

More robust suspension and chassis control systems
More aggressive body work for better approach and departure angles
Powered by the naturally-aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine or the 3.0L I6 LM2 turbo-diesel Duramax engine
- A supercharged 6.2L Small Block V8 engine might also be offered as an option
All engines will mate to the new GM 10-speed automatic transmission

Spy Shots

GM Authority caught an early developmental prototype of the Silverado ZRX in October 2019.

Suspension

Sources familiar with future GM products have tipped GM Authority that the Chevrolet Silverado ZRX will feature a more robust suspension suspension system, with DSSV dampers supplied by MultiMatic.

Drivetrain

We’re told that the Silverado ZRX will feature front and rear electronic locking differentials for complete chassis and wheel control in off-road environments.

The naturally-aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 EcoTec3 engine should be standard. The gasoline motor makes 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.

The turbo-diesel 3.0L LM2 inline-six Duramax engine will be optional. The diesel motor makes 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.

It’s possible that the supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4 could be offered as an option. The engine makes 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque in the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

No matter the engines, the new GM 10-speed automatic transmission will do the shifting.

Exterior

The Chevrolet Silverado ZRX will look essentially like the 2019 Silverado 1500, but will feature more aggressive styling cues that will be more about function than form. For instance, modified front and rear bumper will deliver improved departure and approach angles.

Interior

The Silverado ZRX will also feature a few unique touches to the cabin, including unique seats and ZRX badges throughout. The vehicle will also benefit from the improved interiors in store for the Silverado – which are expected for the 2022 model year.

Availability & Introduction

We expect the Chevrolet Silverado ZRX to land in late 2021 as a 2022 model year vehicle.

It should be available in any market where the Silverado 1500 is currently sold, primarily North American (USA, Canada, Mexico) as well as the Middle East.

The truck could eventually be exported to Australia as part of GM’s plan to withdraw from mainstream vehicle segments in that market, while offering “specialty vehicles.”

Pricing

Exact pricing is not known at this time, but we expect the truck to start at around $55,000 USD.

Trademarks

GM originally filed to trademark the “ZRX” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on August 15^th, 2019, as discovered by GM Authority.