GMSV and Chevrolet Racing build concept Silverado ZR2 off-road racer

GM Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) and Chevrolet Racing have collaborated on building a concept off-road racer providing a preview of the MY23 Silverado 1500 ZR2 launching in Australasia new year.

“The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 will deliver off-road capability direct from the factory – making it the perfect platform for this latest announcement from Chevrolet Racing,” GM Australia and New Zealand planning, network and motorsport director Tim Price says.  

“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,” he says.

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.

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 Best in the Desert off-road racing series.

Initial testing and development will take place early in 2023, with 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 off-road 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.  I would also like to express sincere gratitude to our partners who have been involved in this incredible journey,” Wakeman says.

The Silverado ZR2 Off-Road Racer concept will be on display as part of the GMSV activation at the Adelaide 500, alongside the Corvette Stingray and Chevrolet Silverado models plus the 3500hp Chevrolet Racing Pro Slammer drag car.

A C8 Corvette Stingray will also act 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.

“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 marketing and communications general manager Jodie Lennon says.

“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.

“It will be the new hero in the increasingly popular full-size pick-up segment and we’re proud to offer it as part of the GMSV range,” she says.

Chevrolet Silverado ZR2

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 6.2-litre V8 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.