SILVERADO ZR2 CONCEPT PREVIEWED

GMSV and Chevrolet Racing provided a special look at the concept in late 2022

GM Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) and Chevrolet Racing staged a surprise preview of a sensational new homegrown concept vehicle which provides a sneak-peak at the latest addition to the brand’s new model portfolio ahead of its upcoming launch early this year.

“The Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 will be a new model to the GMSV line-up for MY23 and will deliver next-level off-road capability direct from the factory – making it the perfect platform for this latest announcement from Chevrolet Racing,” GM Australia and New Zealand (GM ANZ) Director of Planning, Network and Motorsport, Tim Price, said.

“What started as a passion project 12 months ago across GM teams in Australia and New Zealand quickly transformed into the creation you see today.” dedication and enthusiasm the team at GM ANZ has for a project of this magnitude.”

The Off-Road Racer concept was built at the company’s Port Melbourne workshop by an enthusiastic group of GM employee volunteers and was taken to the next level with the involvement of Chevrolet Racing.

The Silverado ZR2 Off-Road Racer concept was on display as part of the GMSV activation at the Adelaide 500 in December, alongside the Corvette Stingray and Chevrolet Silverado models plus the 3,500hp Chevrolet Racing Pro Slammer drag car. A C8 Corvette Stingray also acted as a safety car for support categories participating in racing across the event.

From a GMSV perspective, the upcoming launch of the first-ever Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 will add a new level of off-road capability and performance to the brand’s portfolio.

At Calder Park Raceway across the 3rd and 4th of December 2022, Harrop Engineering took out the outright win in their Z06 Corvette powered by an LS7 engine breathing through their Hurricane ITB manifold and Fluix Carbon Airboxes mated to a PPG upgraded gearbox.

Harrop’s Z06 Corvette’s engine performance is matched with equally impressive stopping power thanks to their prototype ‘big brake kit’ tucked behind Forgeline monobloc wheels.

This marked back-to-back outright wins for Harrop Engineering at the event, with their Porsche GT3 finishing second overall, in front of a Harrop Supercharged Ford Mustang GT in third, making it a Harrop Enhanced Podium.

The USCA and Optima are committed to bringing the event down under and growing the community in Australia to create a safe and controlled environment for entrants to enjoy their aftermarket modified street cars with likeminded enthusiasts.

Entries are now open for the next Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational Australia, welcoming all aftermarket workshops and retail customers to join this fantastic weekend of automotive action. To learn more about Harrop Engineering, visit www.harrop.com.au

This included exchanged learnings with GM Motorsports Division in the USA and tapping into knowledge of Hall Racing, especially related to suspension development, through their own 2022 championship winning Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 in the gruelling ‘Best in the Desert’ off-road racing series.

Initial testing and development will take place early in 2023, with Supercars legend Craig Lowndes to provide expert feedback and analysis on the performance of the concept. The programme was managed by Mark Wakeman, a GM ANZ employee who has been involved in offroad racing for the past 25-years.

“I am extremely proud to have been given the opportunity to lead the project and I am grateful for the support GM ANZ management has provided to the team,” Mark said.

“I would also like to express sincere gratitude to our partners who have been involved in this incredible journey. It demonstrates the

“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,” GMSV General Manager Marketing and Communications, Jodie Lennon, said.

“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 renowned 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.”

Some feature highlights of the new Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 are front and rear e-lockers and Multimatic DSSV dampers, 33-inch mud terrain tyres and new high-approach steel cut front bumper designed for off-road strength, durability and clearance.

In addition to its functional features, the Silverado ZR2 is distinguished by unique aesthetic cues, which includes a unique black chrome grille with a Chevrolet ‘flow-tie’ emblem.

It also includes a raised black hood insert with ZR2 badging, exclusive ZR2 wheel flares, unique 18” Gloss Black wheels and exclusive Jet Black/ Graystone leather-appointed interior with dark trim.

The Silverado ZR2 will feature the impressive 6.2-litre V8 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

For more information, visit www.gmspecialtyvehicles.com/ pickups-and-trucks/2023-silverado