Chevrolet launches 2022 Silverado ZR2
Trucks are popular and more versions are a good way for manufacturers to play their game. While Ford has launched the new Raptor and Ram has had a blast with the TRX, Chevrolet retorts with the version ZR2 of the truck Silverado. While it is less powerful than the other two, it nevertheless has several advantages up its sleeve to attract off-road enthusiasts.
The first is undoubtedly the styling, which is similar to that of the very popular Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss versions while being even more aggressive. The major element is certainly the steel bumper which clears the wheels in order to give the ZR2 better crossing ability with its 31.8 degree angle of attack. The storefront also incorporates the improvements made to the range Silverado in 2022, like a grille and retouched headlights. A more biting hood is in the game.
For the rest, the bodywork remains essentially the same as that of the regular Silverado. Skid plates have been added under the truck to prevent major damage. Also, the interior of the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 repend that of the more luxurious version of Chevrolet Silverado 2022, just unveiled. Some accents are added to the ZR2 version for a differentiation with the other variations.
Contents
A hardware store to match
Style and interior presentation aside, an off-road truck isn’t one if it doesn’t have a raised suspension. As with the Trail Bosses, the ZR2’s suspension is raised by 2 inches compared to the regular versions. Like its little brother, the Colorado ZR2, the Silverado is equipped with a DSSV suspension designed by the Canadian Multimatic in order to provide it with ideal damping on rough roads. Also, the suspension travel is improved. 33-inch tires on 18-inch wheels complete the package, an improvement on the 32-inch tires of the Trail Boss versions.
Mechanics and known elements
All ZR2s come standard with the 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque and a ten-speed automatic transmission. A two-speed transfer case is standard and the driver has the option of manually locking the rear differential at the touch of a button or even the front and rear differentials simultaneously to improve traction. The ZR2’s towing capacity is 8,900 lbs.
No other mechanical combination is offered at this time. The Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 therefore displays a power deficit compared to the Ram TRX which uses a powerful engine of more than 700 horsepower. It is also slightly behind the Ford F-150 Raptor which offers 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque with its Ecoboost V6. For its part, Chevrolet admits not rejecting the idea of installing the Duramax inline 6-cylinder engine under the hood of the ZR2. However, nothing is confirmed at this time.
One-pedal driving
People who go off-road will tell you, it’s not always easy for a driver to manage both the brakes and the throttle while off-road. However, Chevrolet is remedying the situation by offering one-pedal driving, a feature that is similar to that found on some electric vehicles.
In low range four-wheel drive (4LO) mode, the driver can activate this feature which allows them to control the braking and acceleration of the vehicle with the accelerator pedal. The system even makes it possible to immobilize the vehicle while it is on a downward slope.
Late arrival
the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2, categorized as the most extreme variation by the manufacturer, will arrive in dealerships next spring. Pricing for this off-road version has yet to be announced, but Chevrolet specifies that it will be more expensive than the LT Trail Boss version.
