Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 – the ultimate off-road companion

The Australian Outback is one of the most majestic places on the planet. 

Its ancient, untouched beauty continues to lure adventurers today, almost 200 years after Bourke and Wills first trekked through our interior.

But, even as those intrepid pioneers found out, the Outback is also one of the harshest environments where only the toughest survive. And that’s exactly why today’s explorers need the ultimate off-road companion; a vehicle capable of climbing the highest mountains, traversing the roughest terrain and crossing the most inhospitable deserts. A vehicle exactly like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 showcases the natural evolution of the Australian muscle car scene. Where previous generations have grown-up on tyre-frying, V8-powered sedans that conquered Mount Panorama, our tastes have changed towards equally tough trucks that can climb higher than the podium, and further inland than Bathurst.

And the Silverado 1500 ZR2 is a perfect example. In fact, to prove its off-road prowess, General Motors Speciality Vehicles entered a showroom-specification Silverado1500 ZR2 in the production car category of this year’s Finke Desert Race, one of the roughest off-road races in the world.

Driven by three-time Supercar Champion, and seven-time Bathurst 1000 winner Craig Lowndes, the Chevrolet won the opening prologue stage and set the fastest time for its category on the opening 229km leg from Alice Springs to the township of Finke. It’s tough alright.

The ZR2 is one of three Chevrolet Silverado model variants sold through GM Speciality Vehicles which have been specially converted to right-hand locally in Melbourne.

It is a full-size pick-up that sits between the luxuriously appointed Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium and the larger Silverado 2500 HD with a specialised focus on off-road performance, and costs from $138,000 (plus on-roads).

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 amplifies its muscular appearance with a bold front-end design that includes a pinched front grille with a unique pattern between its signature daytime running lights, a raised hood with an exclusive ZR2 applique and a shallower cut in its front bumper, with bright red tow hooks and a skid plate, to improve its off-road capabilities.

The bold, black highlights continue through the window surrounds, mirror scalps and door handles, while matching the gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels that are wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler Territory mud-terrain tyres.

While the purposeful exterior is all designed to tackle the tough stuff, the cabin is all about keeping its occupants nestled in absolute comfort, making it the perfect companion for long-distance off-road adventures.

It comes standard with an extensive list of features, such as keyless entry with push button start, full leather trim with heated front and rear seats, dual zone climate control with rear air vents, and a twin digital display set-up that pairs a 12.3-inch configurable instrument cluster with a wide screen 13.4-inch infotainment touch screen that includes Bluetooth connectivity, wireless smartphone mirroring and a premium seven-speaker Bose audio system with a Richbass Woofer.

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 is categorised as a full-sized pick-up which means it is larger than most other dual-cab utes.

It measures 5931mm in overall length and 2074mm wide, which makes it approximately 700mm longer and 200mm wider than a Ford Ranger, as an example.

That equates to having a much larger cabin with ample space for five adults, plus a bigger tray that can carry larger and longer items in the back.

Front seat occupants are treated to generous and supportive ventilated seats with 10-way power adjustment that offer a commanding view of the road ahead, while having plenty of head and shoulder room.

Those in the back have rear air vents and USB power connectors as well as significantly more legroom (1102mm) than most other dual-cab utes and wide-opening doors with standard skid plates for easy access. The Silverado caters to new families too with three child seat anchor points across the rear bench.

As for the rear tray, which measures 1776mm long and 1813mm wide, it is big enough to haul all your camping gear, or crucial farming equipment for those that already live on the land.

And it has a host of clever solutions to make loading easier and keep whatever is there secure, including a powered rear tailgate, LED lighting, 12 tie-down points and a standard spray-on bedliner. Uniquely, the driver can activate a camera view of the bed through the display screen in the cabin to keep an eye on their cargo. That’s smart.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 comes standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety systems that ensures it is comfortable and convenient drive in any condition, whether that be crossing town or the Simpson Desert and especially when towing a large caravan, boat or trailer.

Among its many features, the Silverado has autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control and rear cross traffic alert. That’s on top of the protection delivered by six airbags.

Cleverly, the Silverado uses its array of cameras and sensors around the car to make sure it easy to drive within the city limits, with 14 different high-definition camera views on the display screen as well as rear parking sensors.

For performance car enthusiasts that have grown up on Australian muscle cars, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 perfectly encapsulates our changing tastes while paying homage to our heritage, as it is driven by the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine in its class, a 6.2-litre EcoTech3 powerplant that produces 313kW of power and 624Nm of earth-moving torque.

It not only provides effortless performance, both on and off-road, but delights with a characterful soundtrack missing from its diesel-powered rivals thanks to its dual active sports exhaust.

It is paired to a 10-speed automatic gearbox that delivers seamless and smooth transitions between the ratios, which is also fitted with a standard auxiliary transmission cooler that provides security when towing heavy loads.

The gearbox is linked to a heavy-duty four-wheel drive transmission with a low-range transfer case and four drive modes (2WD Hi, 4WD Auto, 4WD Hi and 4WD Lo) that are activated via push button controls.

Combined with the standard ZR2 Off-Road Suspension package with Multimatic DSSV dampers, the Silverado has an increased ride height with 296mm of ground clearance. Further to that, and owing in part to its unique bodywork with shallower front and rear bumpers, it has an approach angle of 31.8 degrees, a departure angle of 23.3 degrees and a breakover angle of 23.4 degrees, ensuring the Silverado 1500 ZR2 delivers rugged, go-anywhere capabilities.

For any adventure, you need a packhorse that is not only capable of getting where you intend to go but is strong enough to carry everything you need on the way.

Which is why the Silverado ZR2 is the ultimate off-road companion.

Not only is the tray area larger and more flexible than many other dual-cab utes, but it can also carry plenty of gear with a maximum payload of up to 713kg.

However, if you need a vehicle that can tow – whether you’re a farmer with heavy machinery, an adventurer with a large caravan, have horses, a large boat or a race car – the Silverado has you covered with a suite of high-tech features that makes hauling a breeze.

First of all, it has a maximum braked towing capacity of 4200kg (when using a 70mm tow ball). Plus, the vehicle comes equipped with a 12-pin wiring harness and electric trailer brake controller as standard making it ready to go from the showroom. All you need is a tow hitch and tow ball, which can be added from the myriad of genuine accessories available.

But the really smart features are housed within the Silverado’s industry-first in-built Trailering App with unique trailer profiles. Designed to make towing easier and safer, this includes functions such as a pre-departure checklist, light sequencing, maintenance reminders and safety alerts. It also links into the existing safety functions like the automated cruise control with Cruise Grade Braking that automatically downshifts on long or steep descents to preserve the integrity of the conventional brakes, and the StabiliTrack stability control with Trailer Sway Control which automatically applies the brakes to correct wheels and limits power if the system detects the trailer is moving from side to side.

Another clever function is the first application of a trailer theft alert, which sounds an alarm and will flash the headlights if it detects the trailer harness has been disconnected while the vehicle is parked and locked.

The parking camera system also has three specific views that make hitching the trailer easier. First, there’s a top-down display of the hitch for accurate alignment when connecting a trailer. Then, there’s a combination of the top-down and traditional rear view. And, lastly, there’s a taller bird’s-eye view that shows the trailer hitch and its surrounding area.

While driving, you can also make whatever you’re towing transparent on the camera view to give you a clear picture of the traffic surrounding you. Again, that’s pretty clever, and reduces the anxiety and intimidation when towing a large trailer, van or boat.

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 is the gold champion of off-road dual-cab utes.

First of all, it looks tough and backs that up with the strength and stamina to climb the highest peaks or cross the widest deserts, all while cosseting its occupants in a spacious and comfortable cabin filled with the latest in cutting edge digital technology and conveniences.

On top of that, it’s easy to drive – both on or off the beaten path - thanks to the effortless power of its muscular V8 engine, seamless 10-speed transmission and sure-footed dynamics. And it is among the best when it comes to making light work when towing a heavy load.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado is the ultimate four-wheeled companion for adventure seekers and explorers.

Model: 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 313kW
Torque: 624Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic, 4WD
Fuel use: 12.2L/100km
Towing Capacity: 4200kg
Payload: 713kg
Price: From $138,000 (plus on-road costs)