Chevrolet Silverado facelift: ZR2 now also with diesel

The “Big Three” of the US auto industry are once again in the middle of an arms race. Right now it’s about the most popular automotive segment among American citizens: pickup trucks. Ford has presented the F-150 Raptor: 3.5-liter biturbo V6, 456 hp, maximum 691 Newton meters. Then Stellantis (formerly Fiat-Chrysler, before that Daimler-Chrysler and even earlier Chrysler) followed suit and hit the jackpot with its Ram pick-up brand: the 1500 TRX has a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, which produces 712 hp and produces a brutal 881 Newton meters. Values ​​that the now-revealed Ford F-150 Raptor R, which also features a supercharged V8, may conflict with.

It seems that Chevrolet no longer wanted to sit back and watch the activities of the two less powerful rivals and is now joining the exciting dance of power. But the brand, which is increasingly focused on efficiency and sustainability by CEO Mary Barra, is not as fierce as the competition. It took advantage of the Silverado’s extensive facelift for the 2022 model year to add a new model to its truck lineup. But Chevy left it with a powertrain variant that was primarily improved in off-road characteristics.

6.2 liter V8 with 426 hp and 624 Nm

It’s called the ZR2 and, of course, it’s also powered by a big V8 engine. However, the 6.2-liter gasoline engine, which is connected to a ten-speed automatic transmission and is already available for pickup, does not need a charge or any kind of performance increase, which is why it is satisfied with 426 hp. and a maximum of 624 Newton meters. As an alternative, Chevrolet is bringing a three-liter six-cylinder turbodiesel to the ZR2 for the 2024 model year, which we explain in more detail a few paragraphs below.

The chassis received the most significant changes two years ago. For the first time in a Silverado, the ZR2 uses a Multimatic chassis with variable controls: These have three liquid-filled chambers, the effect of which is controlled electronically via slide valves. There are also springs with longer travel, electronic slip differentials on both axles and new driving modes, which also include a rock climbing “theme” setting. The 33-inch all-terrain tires mounted on special 18-inch rims are also intended to improve the pick-up’s road characteristics.

Visual changes compared to the regular Silverado can be found especially in the front of the ZR2. Not only are there new steel bumpers on display here, which increase the front approach angle and have removable end caps that can be easily replaced if damaged. But also the radiator grille with its design along with the light integrated with the black insert on the hood. There are also non-running guardrails, ZR2 badges and a dual exhaust pipe that is moved forward a few centimeters to protect this from potential damage during off-road use. Inside, the hardcore Silverado has a black and gray leather interior with dark trim elements.

The ZR2 gets the Bison package

Does the Silverado still lack off-road capability like the ZR2? No problem: Chevrolet has introduced a more powerful version for the 2023 model year Silverado. Anyone who orders the Bison equipment package developed in conjunction with American Automotive Vehicles (AEV) can penetrate beyond the sprout. It’s not the first collaboration with a specialist off-road tuner and American equipment: the partners have already worked together on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 small pick-up and created the Bison line.

The bumpers here are made of three-millimeter-thick, powder-coated steel and each has a step. The front mate has three parts and has towing hooks and, if desired, a mount for a cable winch. Strong steel bars protect the Silverado ZR2’s sills. A total of five steel underbody guards for the fuel tank, engine oil pan, new programmed limited slip differentials on both axles and the transfer case should withstand even more than those of the ZR2 in the version normal. GM engineers have also made the ZR2’s off-road chassis more aggressive. Although the ground clearance is unchanged compared to the standard ZR2 (28.5 cm), the approach angles at both ends of the picture are said to be slightly improved.

Over $8,000 in buffalo premiums

Another distinguishing feature of the Bison package is the cross section on the radiator grille, which is painted in body color and carries the ZR2 logo. The tailgate, which is always installed in its convertible Multi-Flex version, has a matt black insert in the upper area. The ZR2 Bison rides on super-strong 18-inch wheels painted in gloss black, wrapped in 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires all around. Inside, there are new climate floor mats and headrests; they also have the AEV logo.

For the Silverado ZR2 with the Bison package, Chevrolet is charging $81,385 (currently equivalent to a cool 74,800 euros) including delivery. This makes the $7,895 (about 7,300 euros) model variant more expensive than the regular ZR2. This will certainly be a little cheaper with a diesel engine; However, Chevrolet has yet to reveal the exact price.

Best diesel since model year 2023

The standard Silverado variants have already benefited from central changes for the new 2023 model year: Chevrolet improved the Duramax turbodiesel, whose displacement of three liters is distributed over six cylinders arranged in line. The diesel engine received new steel pistons, an improved turbocharger, different injectors and better temperature management. Thanks to these measures, the output rose from 281 to 309 hp, while the maximum torque increased from 624 to 671 Newton meters. As always, Chevrolet combines only the diesel engine with a ten-speed automatic transmission.

Improvements for the 2022 model year

For the 2022 model year, the Silverado didn’t just receive a facelift; Variants of the standard model were also able to enjoy favorable changes. Freestanding front fascias with a different apron, new radiator grilles and lower headlights were available for every Silverado equipment line as part of the facelift. LT models also feature new daytime running lights and an animated light sequence when approaching and departing the vehicle. There were also three new exterior colors: ash gray, sand gray and bright blue.

Chevrolet improved the interior with extended monitors starting with the LT equipment. The configurable four-way instrument display measures 12.3 inches diagonally, while the central touchscreen is 13.4 inches. There was also an optional head-up display and monitor that displayed images from the rearview mirror camera. If desired, operation via voice command can now be done via Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, while smartphones can be connected wirelessly via Android Auto or Apple Carplay.

Beautiful colors and high quality materials

In terms of design, the dashboard has been oriented more broadly since the facelift has horizontal instead of vertical lines. Better colors and higher quality materials are available for model versions in more expensive lines. The High Country trim features exposed wood, leather seats with contrasting stitching and stainless steel grilles for the Bose sound system speakers as standard. Cars with bucket seats also receive a newly designed and electronically controlled armrest on the center console. On all other Silverado variants, this is still on the right side behind the steering wheel.

As part of the model upgrade, the pick-up also received modified drives. The base engine, a four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with a displacement of 2.7 liters, has since had a stiffer block and a more robust crankshaft. This should benefit not only smooth running, but also high torque, which increases from 472 to 569 Newton meters. At the same time, the eight-speed automatic transmission should be characterized by fast and smooth shifting. Chevrolet now offers the Silverado a three-liter V6 Duramax turbo diesel with an improved chassis, which is why it can now be equipped with the “Max Tow Package” and therefore can be used to tow a heavier trailer.

Optional with Super Cruise

In addition, Chevy voluntarily offered the latest step in the evolution of the Super Cruise steering assistant. This enables hands-free driving on approximately 320,000 kilometers of the North American road network, with the system constantly monitoring whether the driver remains attentive. In the Silverado, Super Cruise is specially equipped to tow a trailer and can be equipped with camera systems provided for this purpose. A six-piece support package is on board as standard.

The first models of the updated Chevrolet Silverado have been on North American roads since spring 2022. Prices currently start at $41,095 (just under 38,000 euros) for the base model with a four-door Crew Cab, short cargo area and gasoline engine. of 2.7 liter four-cylinder turbo.