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Photos courtesy of GM
Chev ZR2 Concept
GM says this concept is just to judge public opinion. So what do you think?
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Photos courtesy of GM
Chev ZR2 Concept
High clearance bumpers and a Duramax power bulge are two things we really like about the ZR2.
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Photos courtesy of GM
Chev ZR2 Concept
These integrated hooks were just for show, but we like GM’s thinking, especially with the winch.
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Photos courtesy of GM
Chev ZR2 Concept
While likely optional items, the bed divider with Hi-Lift jack and bed mounted spare are a nice touch.
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Photos courtesy of GM
Chev ZR2 Concept
Big chrome wheels just don’t cut it for those who really will take their ZR2’s into the bush.
By Budd Stanley
A little birdie told me recently that there are some exciting developments going on behind the scenes over at the Generals house. And that excitement revolves around a couple off-road editions we might see included into the GM lineup in the very near future. Rumour of a Raptor-fighter was tossed around; however there was also talk of the return of the ZR2 name.
We were not able to make the Los Angeles Auto Show when Chevrolet took the covers of a concept that was created to gauge the public’s opinion of returning the ZR2 nameplate to the new Colorado. The concept is based off an extended cab Z71 featuring the new 2.8L Duramax diesel engine that will arrive in the Colorado lineup later this year. Thankfully, GM brought the ZR2 concept to Detroit and we had the chance to crawl all over it to get our own impressions.
What they did right
Making fancy bumpers that work off-road - These are likely concept only bumpers, and we’re not entirely sure if they are fully reinforced, but offering greater approach and departure angles – 30.7 and 22.7 degrees over the Z71’s 25 and 21-degrees is a good start. The bumpers also integrate flip-out tow hooks and a built-in winch, which are non-functional here, but again, a good sign.
Interior buttons are directly connected to the winch and two locking differentials - Electric buttons for locking diffs are nothing new, but I’m loving that there are two of them. Likewise, the ability to winch in or out from the drivers seat is another plus.
Full-size spare and Hi Lift jack - A full-size spare is always a good thing on the trail, and while the bed divider and jack are likely optional items, it shows that GM is doing at least a little bit of homework.
They made it a diesel - Yes, I might be a little biased towards the oil-burners, however in an off-road environment, low-end torque and excellent fuel efficiency just makes too much sense, especially with todays quiet and clean burning diesel engines. Gas-lovers don’t fret, if a production version comes to light, the ZR2 will likely be offered on both fuel types. The addition of a power-dome hood reminiscent of the Silverado HD trucks is also a nice bit of flavour.
However, what really gets us excited is the Raptoresk competition remote reservoir shockers that have been mounted for all to see. Not the wisest position to place a remote reservoir, but it is a sign that GM means business. Suitably, GM didn’t decide to run FOX units as with the Raptor, but instead went with a competitor brand – King. It creates a friendly rivalry between both brands and potential owners. The suspension allows for greater shock travel, the springs raise the ride height a usable 2-in and the track has been widened by 4-in to increase stability.
What they did wrong
The ZR2 is making the most of the current trend of using bigger wheels on 4WD’s. I’m not a fan, there is a lot of space between the brake discs and the rim of the wheel, and that space could be better used to increase the tire dimensions and off-road durability. Also, shiny fancy “bead-lock-style” wheels, we’d like to see something a little more utilitarian.
Electronic locking differentials and transfer case are also now the norms in the new-car world, I’d like to see some manual shifting going on with the transfer case, and the locker should also be available with some sort of manual override, so it doesn’t unlock after you reach 35 kmh.
Yes, this is just a concept truck, and yes, GM has tossed us an off-road inspired head fake in the not so distant past. However, this is very much a production inspired concept and GM knows that their 4WD lineup is lacking some serious off-road credibility. If I were a betting man, I’d say we might see the ZR2 name back in the Chevrolet lineup soon after the launch of the diesel powered Colorado and Canyon. What say you?