SEMA 2009: Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 isn't a Raptor wrangler... yet
by Damon Lavrinc on Nov 3rd 2009 at 12:25PM 
Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
That rumored Ford Raptor fighter from General Motors? Not quite. The Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Concept (it's only a concept, but some of the components could be available on future pickups) is a reasonable attempt to bring the off-road fight back to Ford, with a four-inch lift, 20-inch BBS RD wheels, BDS shocks and a 550-hp supercharged version of GM's LS crate V8. But the real work is hidden beneath the clear coat, with carbon fiber body panels replacing the steel hood and fenders. And that new fascia? Don't be surpised to see a modified version affixed to future Silverados. Check the gallery below for live shots from the floor and make the jump for Chevy's brief press release.Gallery: SEMA 2009: Chevrolet Silverado ZR2
Photos copyright ©2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
PRESS RELEASE
Silverado ZR2 concept
At a glance, it's clear the Silverado ZR2 concept wasn't designed to haul flowers back from the nursery. With its widened body, tall stance and powerful LS supercharged engine, it is ready to hit the berms, dry washes and gullies of the Baja Peninsula.
The Silverado ZR2 is based on an extended cab/short box body. The custom bodywork includes carbon fiber fender flares that stretch outward to cover the 35-inch-tall Goodyear Wrangler off-road tires and widened stance. Much of the truck's body is made of carbon fiber, including the front fenders, extractor-style hood, rocker extensions and tailgate, which features large, debossed CHEVROLET lettering as a nod to Chevy trucks of the past.
The pickup box, which is protected with a spray-on liner, features a unique locking storage system mounted to the extruded aluminum Cargo Management System rails from Chevy Accessories.
Many of the carbon fiber parts, including the hood, are clear-coated, rather than painted, to show off the intricate weave pattern of the high-tech, lightweight material. The parts that aren't clear carbon fiber are painted Dune Metallic, a color that blends with the desert terrain. A large, more prominent grille is also part of the package and is a vision of what designers would like to see in a production or accessory part. It is very functional, feeding cool air to the 550-horsepower LS supercharged crate engine from GM Performance Parts.
The combination of 20-inch BBS RD wheels – reminiscent of historic Chevy truck wheel – and aggressive Goodyear Wrangler MT/R tires connect to the chassis via BDS shocks and a four-inch lift kit to help negotiate those desert trails. The new front fascia dramatically improves approach angle and skid plates protect the chassis.
The interior features more carbon fiber details on the dash, along with black leather and suede-trimmed seats with contrasting stitching to those trail runs more comfortable.
"There's more to this concept than meets the eye," said Dewar. "Some of the components are being explored for possible inclusion in upcoming models."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
dukeisduke 12:29PM (11/03/2009)
Sounds like the appearance of the Raptor caught them flat-footed.
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zamafir 12:30PM (11/03/2009)
pretty much, and the raptor won't be breaking down at GLAMIS either.
Victor 12:43PM (11/03/2009)
The Raptor looks downright diabolical. This looks downright dowdy.
Javanese 1:25PM (11/03/2009)
Yup, the raptor looks much better. This look like a big fail to me.
Mark 3:27PM (11/03/2009)
where have you been? GM's been doing concepts like this for ages now....
Remember the Dale Jr. concept from 2007? Or the HD Z71 from last year? Or any of the Hummer concepts that came out the same time? The raptor is just the first idea like this to make it into production, but it isn't a new idea.
WTFBBQ 12:31PM (11/03/2009)
Build this GM!
Put the LSA in there with a proper 6sp manual.
Don't relegate this concept to dress up items available at your local
chevy dealer . . .
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Matt Nelson 12:34PM (11/03/2009)
When even S-Classes have fender flares, we can do better - double fender flares!
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thipps 1:12PM (11/03/2009)
so you would have GM tool up to make new fenders for a low run truck?
glad your not in charge.........
Matt Nelson 2:45PM (11/03/2009)
It's called sarcasm.
gadvrules9000 2:50PM (11/03/2009)
WHOOSH..........
adam1drift 12:36PM (11/03/2009)
yeah... I'd take the raptor... any day
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BigDumbFace 12:38PM (11/03/2009)
I beat the hell out of my trucks and expect them to take it in stride. My ultimate ride would be a Hilux diesel.
So I'm not real sure about CF on a truck... if it can handle sticks, stones, and swamps that's great. If not, put some metal-reinforced metal on there and call it a day.
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mact 12:38PM (11/03/2009)
The Raptor looks so much better than this monstrosity.
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Commander Cool 12:48PM (11/03/2009)
ACCKKKKK..... Just when I thought the regular Silverado couldn't get any uglier, they go and do this to my eyes.
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Commander Cool 12:48PM (11/03/2009)
ACCKKKKK..... Just when I thought the regular Silverado couldn't get any uglier, they go and do this to my eyes.
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Commander Cool 12:49PM (11/03/2009)
ACCKKKKK.... Just when I thought the regular Silverado couldn't get any uglier.
Half assed attempt. Take it back to the high school shop class you stole it from...
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Commander Cool 12:51PM (11/03/2009)
holy malfunction batman!
why not the LS2LS7? 12:50PM (11/03/2009)
Why is this being compared to a Raptor? I swear, people are entranced.
This is nothing like a Raptor. The Raptor's big changes are suspension, specifically a lot of droop, like a trophy truck. This vehicle is slightly lifted, but mostly has power adds and weight reductions (at least token ones).
For what the Raptor is designed for, it's a far better vehicle than this. For what this is good for, well, I can't really think of what this is good for, although it shares that trait with many other concept vehicles.
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inline6 12:50PM (11/03/2009)
While this obviously isn't a Raptor competitor (it's not Baja enough), it's still one hot-looking truck. I like it.
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turboSAABman 12:53PM (11/03/2009)
Hopefully if this makes it into production it won't just be a lame decal package.
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