Chevrolet has added a ZR2 model to its Silverado HD to its ZR2 lineup, as well as a 2024 ZR2 Bison model to further elevate its off-road capabilities, the automaker announced.
Both the HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison add off-road capability to the refreshed 2024 Silverado HD lineup, with the specialized ZR2 Bison featuring equipment from off-road aftermarket manufacturer American Expedition Vehicles, Chevrolet said.
“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.”
The ZR2 and ZR2 Bison models are offered exclusively in the 2500 Crew Cab configuration with the standard 6.6L gasoline engine or available 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel.
The max payload for the Silverado HD ZR2 is 3,397 pounds (gas engine), while the max trailering rating is an impressive 18,500 pounds, when equipped with the available Duramax Turbo-Diesel, Chevy engineers said.
“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 outfitted with the ZR2 family’s front grille, as well as trim-exclusive wheel opening moldings featuring integrated mud guards, ZR2 badging on the grille bar and a higher stance, Chevrolet designers said. 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, the company said. When engaged, it adjusts various vehicle calibrations, such as the anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control, to optimize 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.
The HD ZR2 Bison was developed in collaboration with AEV to provide a factory package for 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, the corner step rear bumper, BedSteps, power tailgate, a 120-volt power outlet, available six-position Multi-Flex tailgate and more.
The Silverado HD ZR2’s Multimatic spool-valve dampers were developed 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, Chevrolet said. The spool-valve design (with three separate spools) offers tuning variability to control damping, which translates into more precise damping performance.
The HD ZR2 and ZR2 Bison also feature the 2024 Silverado HD lineup’s redesigned interior, which includes dark trim accents complement the Jet Black and Graystone leather-appointed surfaces.
The instrument panel houses a 13.4-inch-diagonal infotainment screen and 12.3-inch-diagonal configurable driver information center. The infotainment screen and other controls are also canted toward the driver, Chevy designers said. Other functions include an available 15-inch Head-Up Display with an off-road inclinometer and HD Surround Vision for the Silverado HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison.
A redesigned wireless phone charger area as well as a flow-under console round out HD ZR2’s interior space.
