Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 revealed

The first-ever 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 has been revealed in North America, with the aggressive new desert-duelling V8-powered performance ute expected to arrive in Australia next year as the headline act of the MY22 series.

The full-size pick-up range has received a broad range of updates for the 2022 model year that’s due to go on sale around March in the US, including a subtle new look for lower-tiered models and upgraded technology including GM’s ‘Super Cruise’ hands-free autonomous driving tech for the first time.

General Motors Specialty Vehicles, which converts the Silverado to right-hand drive through the Walkinshaw Group’s Melbourne-based conversion operation, has not confirmed local timing.

A GMSV spokesperson said the company was “focusing on launching Silverado LT Trail Boss, LTZ Premium and HD – as well as the first-ever right-hand drive Corvette”.

But most of the upgrades will eventually filter into the Australian-market models (the Super Cruise with a question mark on it), and the ZR2 is a short-priced favourite to be offered here as a new halo for the local GMSV Silverado line-up, which starts at $106,990 plus on-road costs for the Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss.

The 1500 LTZ Premium starts at $114,990 and the equivalent HD (2500) model due in November opens up at $144,990 plus ORCs.

This is not a monster truck like the supercharged V8 RAM 1500 TRX, but the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 – which sticks with the familiar 313kW/624Nm 6.2-litre naturally-aspirated V8 – has been designed as a serious off-road machine.

Major talking points include increased ground clearance thanks to lifted suspension and the fitment of Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers. Together with new coil springs, the suspension set-up delivers greater wheel articulation than the off-road-focused Trail Boss.

The ZR2 rides on 33-inch mud-terrain tyres shod to 18-inch alloy wheels. A front bash plate provides extra protection, while a new front-end design with resculpted bumpers deliver an improved approach angle.

A large black bonnet insert with power bulges also adds visual gristle, while the cabin features a unique two-tone Jet Black and Graystone leather upholstery.

As well as the standard V8 that drives through a 10-speed automatic transmission, the ZR2 is fitted with front and rear electronic locking differentials and a special terrain driving mode with a ‘crawl’ function.

It has a payload of 653kg and can tow up to 4037kg.

Beyond ZR2, the entire 2022 Chevrolet Silverado range receives upgraded safety features such as lane keep assist and automatic high beam headlights.

According to Chevrolet, the optional Super Cruise system is said to deliver “the industry’s first true hands-free driver assistance technology for compatible roads”.

It has been calibrated to operate with trailers hitched up and combines tech features such as driver attention alert and LiDAR map data to allow autonomous cruising on certain roads, providing the driver remains attentive to the road conditions.

Elsewhere, there are new-look grille designs – including the removal of the ‘side blade’ flourishes of the current model – and three new exterior colours: Sand Dune, Dark Ash and Glacier Blue Metallic.

Up-spec models (LT and above) also come with big 13.4-inch central touch-screens and 12.3-inch digital driver displays, the latter fully customisable.

Only the 6.2-litre V8 is expected to be offered in Australia, as it is now, although Walkinshaw Automotive is working on a supercharged upgrade for the Silverado that’s due later this year.

North America also offers a 5.3-litre V8, 2.7-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol and 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel engine.

For MY22, the diesel is rated to tow up to 6033kg up from around 4300kg in the current model, thanks to chassis reinforcements and a 3.73 final drive ratio, instead of 3.23.

Chevrolet has also started teasing its Ford F-150 Lightning rival, the all-electric Silverado, which will offer a four-wheel steering set-up to improve towing manoeuvrability.