Homegrown racer heralds 2023 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2

General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) has started stirring up hype around its incoming 2023 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 by debuting a new locally-engineered desert-racing concept based on the flagship full-size pick-up due for release next year.

Formally dubbed the Silverado ZR2 Off-Road Racer Concept, the one-off show vehicle is designed to showcase the capability of the standard new-generation ZR2, which was revealed in September 2021 and will top the upgraded MY23 Chevrolet Silverado line-up scheduled for local right-hand drive ‘remanufacturing’ by mid-2023.

The locally-built tough-truck features a series of competition-spec enhancements including a Motorsport Australia-compliant roll cage, Racetech seats and harnesses, 35-inch Toyo Open Country MT tyres, retuned Multimatic DSSV shock absorbers, a Genuine Chevrolet performance exhaust and air-intake combination, heavy-duty driveshaft and AEV Bison underbody protection.

The package is rounded out by a set of navy blue and gold Chevrolet Racing decals, sailplane sports bars and an LED light bar.

No firm competition plans have been confirmed, but GMSV says it will commence initial testing and development of the concept early next year, with Supercars veteran Craig Lowndes set to provide performance feedback.

“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 GMSV marketing and communications general manager Jodie Lennon.

“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.”

Realistically the concept isn’t actually that far adrift of the production-spec ZR2, which will head the refreshed MY23 Silverado line-up when it arrives in the middle of next year.

The revised MY23 Silverado range will be a two-variant affair comprising the familiar – but updated – LTZ Premium and the go-anywhere ZR2, but not the entry-level Trail Boss.

The ZR2 package is headlined by its locking front and rear differentials, Multimatic DSSV dampers, 33-inch mud terrain tyres, high-approach steel front bumper and much tougher exterior styling.

Both it and its more subdued stablemate will continue to be powered by the familiar 6.2-litre petrol V8 developing 313kW/624Nm, harnessed by a 10-soeed automatic transmission and full-time 4x4 system.

The 2023 LTZ Premium will don a more elegant front-end design including new headlights, plus new 20-inch alloy wheels and some extra creature comforts.

GMSV announced MY23 Silverado 1500 pricing back in June, with the LTZ rising by $7000 to $121,000 plus on-road costs, while the new ZR2 will set you back $124,000 plus ORCs.

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