Chevrolet teases off-road focused Silverado ZR2 model

Chevrolet has released a video via its social media channels teasing a ZR2 version of its Silverado full-size pick up.

The ZR2 moniker is applied to the off-road oriented version of the brand’s Colorado mid-size ute already, and it’s a formidable competitor to the likes of the Ford Ranger Raptor.

Chevrolet doesn’t have a competitor to the F150 Raptor in the US, and with Ram coming in hot with its supercharged TRX truck and Ford set to debut a Raptor R very soon, the Bow-tie brand could be falling behind in the hi-po pick-up stakes.

The short video clearly shows a leaf-sprung truck wearing chunky mud terrain tyres working out in mud with a V8 engine sound track – suggesting the ZR2 will be a Silverado 1500 to sit above the Trail Boss on the off-road scale.

The key to the ZR2 Colorado’s excellent on and off-road dynamics are its DSSV Multimatic shock absorbers, which deliver the best of both worlds in terms of handling whether you are on the dirt or the blacktop.

It is expected the Silverado ZR2 will incorporate the same dampener technology as the factory-backed Silverado off-road race trucks.

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Chevrolet's current Silverado, imported to Australia by GMSV

Chevrolet has been running a Silverado Trail Boss in the stock class racing in the US for the last 18 months, and it features the DSSV dampers as well as long travel suspension links and 35-inch tyres among its limited modifications. These modifications could provide a clue as to what we might expect in the production ZR2.

Couple the DSSV shocks with increased ground clearance, off-road tyres and a V8 engine, and the Chevy will be a big step up towards the competition even if not of the likes of the TRX or Raptor R.

The default engine for the Silverado 1500 is the 6.2 litre EcoTec V8 which, in Australian-spec trucks, makes 313kW of power and 624Nm of torque.

Chevy’s shed is full of higher performance engine options from the Camaro and Corvette programs should it choose to chase the high horsepower competition.

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Colorado currently wears the ZR2 moniker

In Australia, GMSV currently only sells the Silverado 1500 LTZ at $114,990 with the Trail Boss landing next month as a $106,990 entry level but more off-road capable option.

There’s no reason the ZR2 couldn’t be added at the top of the range as the halo truck in Australia. A spokesperson for GMSV couldn’t comment on the ZR2, saying the brand is currently concentrating on the roll out of the Trail Boss.

The Silverado ZR2 is expected to be unveiled in the US in the third quarter of this year.