As the staff on duty at GM Authority
reported during September, Chevy is now preparing and testing a new ZRX variant
of the Silverado. This is a category that has as of late become much
more popular, and now the larger-size Silverado will be joining in the action. These are quite likely the very first spy shots of the
future Chevy for customers and fans alike to feast their eyes on, and we must
say that it looks poised, powerful, and wicked.
Back in August when the dog days of summer were
looming over us here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis, GM Authority
reported that there were trademark filings for the ZRX name in states as well
as Canada. Then in September, it was reported that the ZRX name would be given
to a new off-road variant of the Silverado that will reside just above the
Trail Boss. The particular model seen here appears to be an early development
type and is based roughly on the LT Trail Boss Model, which can be seen from
specific features on the bed and tailgate.
The front bumper is much shorter than any other
that the Silverado has seen to date, and is minus the fog lights found on the
Silverado LT Trail Boss. This will help with the needed advantage in the
approach angle category, and you can also spot a metal bar protruding from the
bumper, which could be in conjunction with highly-upgraded suspension
components on the underside. The upcoming ZRX will adopt the formula introduced
by the ZR2, with application on a larger frame. There will be a very trusty
suspension setup boasting DSSV dampers from Multimatic, electronic lockers in
the front and rear, and new bumpers to improve the approach and departure
angles.
This model may not need any upgrade in the power
department, as it is expected to be sourced from the 6.2-Liter V8 L87 EcoTec3
engine. This is the top of the line in the Silverado scope and is expected to
crank out 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The new GM 10-speed automatic
transmission will be providing shifting duties, and it is possible that the ZRX
could offer the turbo-diesel 3.0-Liter LM2 inline-six Duramax engine.
We are very excited about the rivalry against the
F-150 Raptor this will offer up, and the opportunity this truck will provide
for many to hop off-road and hit the trail. Suspension and quality build are
both the name of the game when it comes to a successful off-road build, and
this truck's large size will attract many who weren't quite sure the Colorado
would satisfy their desire for boulder climbing and canyon cruising!