New 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2

General Motors has introduced the new 2022 Chevrolet Silverado, and with it, a new flagship, the Silverado ZR2. Significantly updated for 2022, it is Chevy’s best-selling truck. That’s one part of the news. And there’s another: The bowtie brand has introduced the first-ever Silverado ZR2. What’s a ZR2? Easy! It’s the Chevrolet Silverado flagship and the latest of the brand’s factory-lifted, off-road-oriented trucks. Here’s an overview before Napleton News gets to drive it in person.

More about the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado

Let’s call it enhanced rather than all new. At the forefront is an updated exterior design that builds on the previous version but doesn’t leave the interior out of the equation. New features include a 13.4-inch diagonal touchscreen display that is standard on the Silverado LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, ZR2, LTZ and High Country. It will appear in Chevrolet dealerships in spring 2022.

2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 interior :

• The interior has been redesigned on LT and other trim levels listed above and now features a new sweeping horizontal instrument panel making the interior feel more spacious than before.
• A new electronic shift control is available on most trim levels.
• A 13.4-inch diagonal color touchscreen and new 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster are standard on models that include the new interior.
• Google built-in offers Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play on the infotainment screen.

Every trim level features a new front fascia that displays a strong, wide stance. New daytime running lamps have been programmed with walk up and walk away functions.

The First-Ever Silverado ZR2

Being the first of anything is always a daunting proposition. But in the case of the new 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2, it comes with its bona fides intact. It is essentially a race-prepped super crew cab pickup truck that has race-proven off-road performance. Chevrolet decided to offer this high-performance vehicle so that customers could literally buy it off the showroom floor. According to Chevrolet, the ZR2 offers “a premium interior, immersive technology, a number of standard safety equipment features and off-road prowess in a comprehensive package.”

There are a host of suspension upgrades as well. The ZR2 was designed to provide enhanced off-road and on-road technology at the same time. The goal is to optimize off-road performance and capability – whether desert running or rock crawling. The ZR2 has a max payload of 1,440 pounds in the short box, with a conventional trailer weight rating of 8,900 pounds.

And that doesn’t even touch on how the Silverado ZR2 is powered.

Motivating factors | 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 Engine

The Silverado ZR2 gets its mojo from a 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. But here’s the best part: This engine is a cousin of the V8 engine found behind the driver in the new C8 Corvette Stingray. If engines were living things, we’d say this one came from a stellar gene pool!

There are other trick bits included on the ZR2. Race technology company Multimatic is supplying the shock dampers. Race-proven, the DSSV spool-valve dampers offer the driver more confidence and control in a wider range of driving experiences. In other words, they help to keep the rubber on the dirt or the road. Unique springs help to enhance the ride quality.

The ZR2 includes specific off-road chassis and suspension calibrations, including Terrain Mode, which allows one-pedal rock crawling. Add 33-inch off-road Mickey Thompson tires, a unique skid plate package and a new high-approach steel front bumper for a completely new and capable off-road experience. Chevy engineers even placed the dual exhaust before the rear bumper to avoid any damage during any off-road hijinks.

Race Proven So You Won’t Need To (But don’t let that stop you).

Chevrolet Motorsports has been testing undercover, driving a prototype Silverado ZR2 in the Best in the Desert Race series. Dom Lester, General Motors chief engineer for Motorsports Engineering, said, “We applied what we learned in racing and Moab testing to the new ZR2 to offer a supremely capable and confidence-inspiring package, but one that doesn’t beat you up on the highway with its ride quality. It’s equally capable and comfortable.”

All new Chevrolet Silverado pickups, including the new ZR2 flagship, will appear at Chevrolet Dealerships in Spring 2022.