We still live in a world where the introduction of a new American-branded full-size pickup is a news event equal in proportions to the vehicle itself. That reality has manifested itself at Chevrolet, which had the dazzle-burst debut of its 2022 Silverado line last week. This is a big vehicle with a comparatively big MSRP with baked-in big profits, so this rollout is hugely important to General Motors. As you might have expected, there’s a variety of trim levels in the Silverado range but the biggest news here in the addition of a new ZR2 to the lineup, standing as Chevrolet’s premier off-road truck offering.
In this context, “off road” stands for a pickup with a factory-developed suspension lift, essentially presenting buyers with a seriously tricked truck straight from the showroom, the same thing that Jeep and to a lesser extent, Ford, is recently carrying off with marked success. The Silverado ZR2 is based around Chevrolet’s 6.2-liter truck V-8, with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, linked to a standard 10-speed automatic transmission. The ZR2 will also mark the first Silverado usage of Multimatic 40mm DSSV spool-valve dampers, with three separate spool valves for damping management and three connected chambers for fluid flow control. The package also includes model-specific 33-inch MT tires, a model-specific skidplate package and high-approach front bumper. A fully redesigned cab interior goes into all Silverado models, including a color touchscreen and configurable instrument display.
Jim Donnelly On Wheels 