The new Silverado 2500HD ZR2 lineup promises exhilarating performance and impressive off-road capabilities.
The Silverado HD is Chevy’s flagship truck model, built for nailing real heavy-duty work. But for those demanding ever more from their truck, Chevrolet presents you with the ZR2 trim. Like its smaller 1500 cousin, this trim represents a more rugged version of the standard truck, featuring better off-road tech to satisfy your adventurous cravings.
But unlike the Silverado 1500, the 2500HD offers two ZR2 variants — ZR2 and ZR2 Bison. In this case, the Bison features additional equipment from American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) — but we’ll get to that in a bit.
First, let’s discuss the Silverado HD ZR2. While it may still have a similar silhouette as the standard model, the ZR2 has a new front fascia and other exterior bits. Indeed, both the off-road trims look significantly meaner, especially with their redesigned grille, bumper, and headlights. Not to mention the ZR2 gets a taller suspension, increasing the ground clearance by 1.5 inches and making it look dasher even on asphalt roads.
Speaking of off-roading, the ZR2 has a larger transfer case steel skid plate and a front aluminum plate to protect the underbody. And don’t worry about getting stuck in difficult terrains, as the rear e-locker system and 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires will provide maximum traction when required.
As for the ZR2 Bison, it gets additional equipment from AEV to make it a slightly tougher off-roader, such as exclusive 18-inch gloss black AEV wheels, stamped steel front bumper, and stronger underbody skid plates.
Inside, the ZR2’s cabin is simple yet utilitarian. It’s slightly redesigned from the previous Silverado HDs, with darker trims and easy-to-clean premium leather seats. Also, the instrument panel now houses a huge 13.4-inch infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch driver’s display, and a 15-inch head-up display with an off-road inclinometer.
As you may imagine, under the hood lies a beast-like engine loaded with tons of power; either a 6.6-liter V8 produces 401 hp and 463 lb-ft of torque, with a payload and towing capacity of 3,400 and 16,000 lbs, respectively, or a Duramax 6.6-liter V6 Turbo-Diesel with 470 hp and a giant 975 lb-ft torque, providing a load capacity of up to 3,200 lbs and a towing capacity of 18,500 lbs. All variants get a four-wheel drive system and a 10-speed automatic Allison transmission.
Furthermore, Chevy equips both ZR2s with variant-specific front control arms and steering knuckles, giving it a more balanced wheel control and better stability. In addition, the latest Off-Road Mode feature is also here, capable of altering throttle progression and transmission shifts to get the best performance when driving off the beaten path.
Unfortunately, Chevrolet still hasn’t disclosed anything about the Silverado HD ZR2’s pricing, but considering it’ll rival the Ram 2500 Power Wagon, it could adopt a similar MSRP of $65,000. Production will start this summer at GM’s Flint, Michigan, plant.
More details are expected to be released closer to the launch — we’ll keep you posted.
Gallery: 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 And ZR2 Bison
