Silverado ‘Off-Road Racer’ Concept

GM Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) and Chevrolet Racing have staged a surprise preview of a sensational new homegrown concept vehicle which provides a sneak-peak at the latest addition to the brand’s new model portfolio ahead of its launch early next year.

The Off-Road Racer concept was built at the GMSV’s Port Melbourne workshop by an enthusiastic group of GM employee volunteers and was taken to the next level with the involvement of Chevrolet Racing.

This included exchanged learnings with GM Motorsports Division in the USA and tapping into knowledge of Hall Racing, especially related to suspension development, through their own 2022 championship winning Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 in the gruelling Best of the Desert off-road racing series.

“The Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 will be a new model to the GMSV line-up debuting in 2023 and will deliver next-level off-road capability direct from the factory - making it the perfect platform for this latest announcement from Chevrolet Racing,” said Tim Price, Director of Planning, Network and Motorsport, GM Australia and New Zealand.

“What started as a passion project 12-months ago across GM teams in Australia and New Zealand quickly transformed into the creation you see today.”

Initial testing and development will take place early in 2023, with Supercars legend Craig Lowndes to provide expert feedback and analysis on the performance of the concept.

The programme was managed by Mark Wakeman, a GM ANZ employee who has been involved in off-road racing for the past 25-years.

“I am extremely proud to have been given the opportunity to lead the project and I am grateful for the support GM ANZ management has provided to the team.  I would also like to express sincere gratitude to our partners who have been involved in this incredible journey.  It demonstrates the dedication and enthusiasm the team at GM ANZ has for a project of this magnitude,” he said.

GMSV says the upcoming launch of the first-ever Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 will add a new level of off-road capability and performance to the brand’s portfolio.

“GMSV has enjoyed a sensational two years since launch in November 2020 and we’re incredibly excited to be adding an entirely new model to the line-up,” said Jodie Lennon, GMSV General Manager Marketing and Communications.

“The Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 will feature an enhanced appearance, a new level of technology, eye-catching aesthetics and increased driver and passenger comfort throughout the cabin, complete with renown performance attributes.

“It will be the new hero in the increasingly popular full-size pick-up segment and we’re super proud to offer it as part of the GMSV range.”

Feature highlights of the new Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 include front and rear e-lockers and Multimatic DSSV dampers, 33-inch mud terrain tyres and new high-approach steel cut front bumper designed for off-road strength, durability, and clearance.

In addition to its functional features, the Silverado ZR2 is distinguished by unique aesthetic cues, which includes a unique black chrome grille with a Chevrolet ‘flow-tie’ emblem.

The new truck also includes a raised black hood insert with ZR2 badging, exclusive ZR2 wheel flares, unique 18” Gloss Black wheels and exclusive Jet Black/Graystone leather-appointed interior with dark trim.

The Silverado ZR2 will feature a 6.2-litre V8 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Off-Road Racer concept

Racing specifications:

• Full national spec roll cage
• Racetech seats and harnesses
• Toyo 35x12.5 18 Open Country MT tyres
• ZR2 Multimatic DSSV Shock absorbers, re-tuned for off road racing
• Chevrolet Performance Exhaust, air intake and heavy-duty driveshaft
• AEV Bison underbody protection