2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2: Off-road pick-up unveiled, no plans for Australia

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 has been shown in the US, pitching itself as an rugged off-road variant with race-inspired suspension.

Chevrolet unveiled the new ZR2 as part of the refreshed 2022 Silverado model range, enjoying the same 6.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol V8 under the bonnet as its stablemates, which sends 313kW and 624Nm to all four wheels through a 10-speed torque-converter automatic.

It’s thought the Silverado ZR2 is designed to front-run the 2022 Toyota Tundra, with the new full-size pick-up set to arrive in the coming months. Based on the same architecture as the LandCruiser 300 Series, Toyota will no doubt be spruiking the Tundra’s four-wheel-drive credentials when it’s fully unveiled.

In order to put up a fight against the Japanese marque, Chevrolet has fitted front and rear electronic locking differentials, a new front bumper for an improved 31.8-degree approach angle, and shock absorbers with technology found in Formula 1 and Baja race cars.

The Silverado ZR2 uses Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) dampers from Canadian company Multimatic, which is said to improve the pick-up’s rock-crawling capabilities – as well as allowing the vehicle to drive at high speeds on the desert floor.

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“Chevrolet has been competing on some of the most gruelling, toughest off-road courses with a prototype Silverado ZR2 in the Best in the Desert race series,” said Dom Lester, GM’s chief engineer of motorsports engineering.

“We applied what we learned in racing and Moab testing to the new ZR2 to offer a supremely capable and confidence-inspiring package, but one that doesn’t beat you up on the highway with its ride quality. It’s equally capable and comfortable.”

The new dampers also increase the Silverado’s maximum front and rear suspension travel over the Trail Boss variant, while 33-inch mud-terrain tyres and skid plates offer increased grip and protection.

As part of the 2022 update, Silverado LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, ZR2, and LTZ, and High Country models receive a redesigned interior, with a 13.4-inch infotainment screen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

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Despite Australia’s love-affair with four-wheel driving, a spokesperson for GMSV said the ZR2 isn’t on the cards for a local launch at this stage – but fell short of ruling out the model completely.

“At GMSV we’re focusing on launching the Silverado LT Trail Boss, LTZ Premium and HD. At this point in time we don’t have any other product-related announcements to make.”

Let us know what you think of the new 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 – and if you would be interested to see the pick-up offered in Australia – in the comments section below.