First-Ever Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 Debuts to Tow, Haul and Tackle the Trails
2023-04-13
- Race-proven off-road technologies include DSSV dampers, a factory lift and more to create Chevy’s flagship heavy-duty off-road pickup
- HD ZR2 builds upon Silverado HD’s already impressive roster of HD truck features to accomplish the toughest work with smart trailering tech and formidable powertrains
- A ZR2 family complete: HD ZR2 creates trio of flagship, off-road performance pickups
- Silverado HD ZR2 Bison surprises with ultimate off-road capability, in collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles
DETROIT – The off-road capability synonymous with Chevrolet’s ZR2 badge debuts for the Silverado HD with the introduction of the 2024 Silverado HD ZR2 – the brand’s flagship heavy-duty off-roader. Elevating the Silverado HD’s off-road credentials to even further heights, the 2024 Silverado HD ZR2 Bison debuts as part of the Chevy trucks family as well.
Chevrolet will soon offer a trio of flagship, off-road performance pickup trucks for anyone ready to explore the trails in Colorado ZR2, Silverado 1500 ZR2 and the first-ever Silverado HD ZR2.
Both the HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison bring race-proven technologies and enhanced off-road capability to the refreshed 2024 Silverado HD lineup, with the specialized ZR2 Bison featuring unique equipment from premium off-road aftermarket manufacturer American Expedition Vehicles, for those seeking the ultimate capability in their adventures.
“The all-new Silverado HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison provide the off-road performance our customers have come to expect from a ZR2, with the towing and payload capabilities our HD customers demand,” said Michael MacPhee, director of Chevrolet Trucks Marketing. “They also expand the Silverado HD lineup, offering more choices for customers to find the perfect truck for work and off-road adventure.”
Offered exclusively in the 2500 Crew Cab configuration — with the standard 6.6L gasoline engine or available 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel — the Silverado HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison leverage Chevrolet’s off-road racing success with a defined set of upgrades built from proven off-road prowess. Whether that’s crawling trails, tackling tough terrain or towing adventure toys on the weekend, the Silverado HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison can handle it all.
The Silverado HD ZR2 does this without sacrificing on-road comfort or heavy-duty truck capability, embracing the same hallmarks that make the Silverado 1500 ZR2 a winning combination.
As for capability, the max payload for the Silverado HD ZR2 is 3,397 pounds2 (gas engine), while the max trailering rating is an impressive 18,500 pounds3, when equipped with the available Duramax Turbo-Diesel to ensure owners don’t have to leave behind any part of their adventure – big or small – when hitting the trail.
“The Silverado HD ZR2 is for those who want it all: For when you need to haul equipment to the jobsite during the week, then the camper and family off the beaten path on the weekend,” said Sahar Nasif, program engineering manager, Silverado HD ZR2. “It’s for those who want their tow rig to be just as cool as the toys it’s hauling.”
The HD ZR2 is instantly recognizable with the ZR2 family’s front grille, which represents the expressive styling the ZR2 family of trucks values. Unique wheel opening moldings featuring integrated mud guards, ZR2 badging on the grille bar and a higher stance further strengthen HD ZR2’s image. Both trucks also wear the “flow-tie” emblem. The suspension is raised approximately 1.5 inches (38 mm), front and rear, compared to other Silverado HD 4WD models.
Its off-road-capable features and content also include:
- Specific front upper and lower control arms and specific steering knuckles
- Multimatic DSSV Dampers
- Larger steel transfer case skid plate and front aluminum skid plate
- Rear e-locker
- 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires mounted on 18 x 9-inch aluminum wheels.
HD ZR2 also includes a new Off-Road Mode, which incorporates learnings from the Colorado ZR2 and Silverado 1500 ZR2. When engaged, it adjusts various vehicle calibrations, such as the anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control, to optimize their performance for off-road driving. In addition, Off-Road Mode alters throttle progression and transmission shifts, and the locking rear axle does not have a speed limitation.
HD ZR2 Bison: AEV collaboration raises the off-road bar
The HD ZR2 Bison was developed in collaboration with AEV to provide a factory package for the most avid off-roaders. It builds on the HD ZR2’s standard features, adding:
- Exclusive gloss black, 18-inch AEV wheels
- Distinctive cut high-approach, stamped-steel front bumper with integrated recovery points and winch provisions
- Unique stamped-steel cut rear bumper with recovery points
- Tough, stamped steel underbody skid plates for the front of the vehicle, steering rack, exhaust and transfer case
Bison models also receive unique exterior badging and other identifying cues, including the AEV logo on the front-seat head restraints.
Additionally, both the HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison benefit from the functional features shared across the Silverado HD range, including the DuraBed cargo box that optimizes every square inch for maximum cargo capability, the corner step rear bumper, BedSteps, power tailgate, a 120-volt power outlet, available six-position Multi-Flex tailgate and more.
IN FOCUS: Race-Proven Multimatic DSSV dampers
The Silverado HD ZR2’s racing-derived Multimatic spool-valve dampers are designed to blend maximum off-road capability with on-road comfort. Pioneered on the Colorado ZR2 racing program and torture-tested with the help of Chad Hall Racing in the Best in The Desert off-road racing series, their unique spool-valve design (with three separate spools), compared to conventional shim-type dampers, offers unlimited tuning variability to control damping. That translates into more precise damping performance, for a greater feeling of control on and off the road. |
Redesigned interior with ZR2 flair
The HD ZR2 and ZR2 Bison also feature the 2024 Silverado HD lineup’s redesigned interior. Built for excellent work-ready functionality and next-level technology integration, the cabin boasts features HD truck buyers expect with a blend of premium materials and off-road prowess, as found in the Silverado 1500 ZR2.
The interior’s dark trim accents complement the Jet Black and Graystone leather-appointed surfaces. Care also went into selecting materials that are simple to wipe clean after a day in the dirt.
The instrument panel houses a best-in-class 13.4-inch-diagonal infotainment1 screen and expansive 12.3-inch-diagonal configurable driver information center that become the focal points of the driver’s command center. The infotainment screen and other controls are also canted toward the driver, strengthening the command center perspective. Smart, off-road technology includes an available 15-inch Head-Up Display with an off-road inclinometer and HD Surround Vision7 for the Silverado HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison.
A redesigned wireless phone charger4 area as well as a flow-under console, which offers the spaciousness of a bench seat while retaining the functionality of a center console, round out HD ZR2’s efficient use of interior space.
Coming in Q3 2023
Production of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 and ZR2 Bison begins later this summer, at General Motors’ Flint Assembly plant in Michigan10. Pricing will be announced closer to the start of production.
ABOUT CHEVROLET
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in nearly 80 countries with nearly 2.7 million cars and trucks sold in 2021. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
1Functionality varies by model. Full functionality requires compatible Bluetooth® and smartphone, and USB connectivity for some devices.
2For comparison purposes only. See the owner’s manual and the label on the vehicle door jamb for the carrying capacity of a specific vehicle.
3Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
4The system wirelessly charges one compatible mobile device. Some phones have built-in wireless charging technology and others require a special adapter/back cover. For a list of GM wireless charging-compatible mobile devices, see my.chevrolet.com/learnAbout/wireless-charging. If your device is not on this list, please consult your carrier.
7Safety or driver-assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information.
8App functionality and features vary with vehicle equipment and trim level. Data connection may be required. Some features require active service plan and working electrical system. User terms and limitations apply.
10With globally sourced parts.
2024 CHEVROLET SILVERADO HD ZR2 & ZR2 BISON
CONFIGURATION
Type: |
Crew Cab Standard Bed (4WD) |
ENGINES
Type: | 6.6L V-8 gasoline |
Bore & Stroke (in. / mm): |
4.06 x 3.86 / 103.25 x 98 |
Block Material: |
Cast iron with nodular iron main caps |
Cylinder Head Material: |
Cast aluminum |
Compression Ratio: |
10.8:1 |
Valvetrain: |
Overhead-valve, two valves per cylinder, variable valve timing |
Fuel Delivery: |
Direct fuel injection |
Horsepower |
401 / 299 @ 5200 (SAE certified – gasoline) |
Torque |
464 / 629 @ 4000 (SAE certified – gasoline) |
Type: |
Duramax 6.6L V-8 Turbo-Diesel |
Bore & Stroke (in. / mm): |
4.05 x 3.89 / 103 x 99 |
Block Material: |
Cast iron |
Cylinder Head Material: |
Cast aluminum |
Compression Ratio: |
16.0:1 |
Valvetrain: |
Overhead-valve, four valves per cylinder |
Fuel Delivery: |
Common-rail direct fuel injection |
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): |
470 / 350 @ 2800 (per SAE J1349) |
Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm): |
975 / 1322 @ 1600 (per SAE J1349) |
TRANSMISSION & AXLE
Gear Ratios (:1): |
Allison® 10L1000 10-speed automatic |
First |
4.54 |
Second |
2.87 |
Third |
2.06 |
Fourth |
1.72 |
Fifth |
1.48 |
Sixth |
1.26 |
Seventh |
1.00 |
Eighth |
0.85 |
Ninth |
0.69 |
Tenth |
0.63 |
Reverse |
4.54 |
Final Drive Ratio: |
3.73 (6.6L gas) |
CHASSIS & SUSPENSION
Front Suspension: | Short long arms independent front suspension with torsion bars |
Rear Suspension: |
Semi-elliptic, two-stage, multi-lead springs |
Steering Type: |
Hydraulic power-assisted recirculating ball |
Brake Type: |
Hydraulic power-assisted Hydroboost brake booster, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Stabilitrak electronic stability assist |
Brake Rotor Size (in. / mm): |
Front: 14 x 1.6 / 355 x 40 |
Wheel Size: |
18 x 9-in. aluminum |
Tire Size: |
LT305/70R18 MT |
FUEL TANK CAPACITY (approx.)
Fuel Tank (gal. / L): |
36 / 136 (gas and diesel) |
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase (in. / mm): |
159.1 / 4042 |
Overall Length (in. / mm): |
250 / 6351 (ZR2) |
Overall Width (in. / mm): |
81.9 / 2079 (without mirrors) |
Overall Height (in. / mm): |
82.6 / 2100 |
Front Track (in. / mm): |
69.3 / 1762 |
Rear Track (in. / mm): |
70.0 / 1760 |
Ground Clearance (in. / mm): |
11.6 / 295 (ZR2) |
Approach Angle (deg.): |
32.5 (ZR2) |
Departure Angle (deg.): |
25.7 (ZR2 & ZR2 Bison) |
Breakover Angle (deg.): |
21.2 (ZR2) |
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Headroom (in. / mm): | 43.03 / 1093 (front) 40.12 / 1019 (rear) |
Legroom (in. / mm): |
44.53 / 1131 (front) |
Shoulder Room (in. / mm): |
66.02 / 1677 (front) |
Hip Room (in. / mm): |
61.18 / 1554 (front) |
CURB WEIGHT, GVWR & PAYLOAD1
Base Curb Weight (lb. / kg): | 7409 / 3360 – ZR2 gas 8113 / 3680 – ZR2 diesel 7793 / 3535 – ZR2 Bison gas 8495 / 3853 – ZR2 Bison diesel |
GVWR (lb. / kg): |
10850 / 4921 – ZR2 / ZR2 Bison gas |
Payload1 (lb. / kg): |
3397 / 1541 – ZR2 gas |
1For comparison purposes only. See the owner’s manual and the label on the vehicle door jamb for the carrying capacity of a specific vehicle.
MAX TRAILERING1
Conventional (lb. / kg): |
16000 / 7257 – ZR2 gas |
Fifth-Wheel/Gooseneck (lb. / kg): |
18070 / 8210 – ZR2 gas |
1Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual.
NOTE: All towing capabilities measured using SAE J2807 metrics.