Chevrolet is introducing the newest members of its Heavy-Duty family - the first-ever 2024 Silverado HD ZR2 and 2024 Silverado HD ZR2 Bison. The two new models are part of Chevy's ZR2-badged flagship off-road performance line, the third being the Silverado 1500 ZR2.
Chevrolet says both the HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison bring race-proven technologies and enhanced off-road capability to the refreshed 2024 Silverado HD lineup without sacrificing on-road comfort or heavy-duty truck capability. The specialized ZR2 Bison featuring unique equipment from premium off-road aftermarket manufacturer American Expedition Vehicles.
“The all-new Silverado HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison provide the off-road performance our customers have come to expect from a ZR2, with the towing and payload capabilities our HD customers demand,” said Michael MacPhee, director of Chevrolet Trucks Marketing. “They also expand the Silverado HD lineup, offering more choices for customers to find the perfect truck for work and off-road adventure.”
Both models are offered exclusively in the 2500 Crew Cab configuration with a choice of two engines, a standard 6.6L gasoline engine or available 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel.
Silverado HD ZR2
The HD ZR2 family wears the ZR2 family’s familiar, large, front grille and features unique wheel opening moldings featuring integrated mud guards. You'll also spot ZR2 badging on the grille bar and of course Chevy's “flow-tie” emblem.
The HD's ZR2's suspension is raised approximately 1.5 inches (38 mm), front and rear, compared to other Silverado HD 4WD models. As for capability, the max payload for the Silverado HD ZR2 is 3,397 pounds (gas engine), while the max trailering rating is an impressive 18,500 pounds when equipped with the available Duramax Turbo-Diesel.
“The Silverado HD ZR2 is for those who want it all: For when you need to haul equipment to the jobsite during the week, then the camper and family off the beaten path on the weekend,” said Sahar Nasif, program engineering manager, Silverado HD ZR2. “It’s for those who want their tow rig to be just as cool as the toys it’s hauling.”
Its off-road-capable features and content also include:
HD ZR2 also includes a new Off-Road Mode. When engaged, it adjusts various vehicle calibrations, such as the anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control, to optimize their performance for off-road driving. In addition, Off-Road Mode alters throttle progression and transmission shifts, and the locking rear axle does not have a speed limitation.
The HD ZR2 Bison is a speciality pickup that was developed in collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) to provide a factory package for the most avid off-roaders. It adds the following features:
Bison models also receive unique exterior badging and other identifying cues, including the AEV logo on the front-seat head restraints.
Additionally, both the HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison benefit from the functional features shared across the Silverado HD range, including the DuraBed cargo box that optimizes every square inch for maximum cargo capability, the corner step rear bumper, BedSteps, power tailgate, a 120-volt power outlet, available six-position Multi-Flex tailgate and more.
The Silverado HD ZR2’s racing-derived Multimatic spool-valve dampers are designed to blend maximum off-road capability with on-road comfort. Pioneered on the Colorado ZR2 racing program and torture-tested with the help of Chad Hall Racing in the Best in The Desert off-road racing series, their unique spool-valve design (with three separate spools), compared to conventional shim-type dampers, offers unlimited tuning variability to control damping. That translates into more precise damping performance, for a greater feeling of control on and off the road.
The HD ZR2 and ZR2 Bison feature the 2024 Silverado HD lineup’s redesigned, premium, off-road focused interior. Dark trim accents complement Jet Black and Graystone leather-appointed surfaces. Chevy says it went with materials that drivers can easily wipe clean after a day in the dirt.
Technology includes a best-in-class 13.4-inch-diagonal infotainment screen slanted towards the driver and 12.3-inch-diagonal configurable driver information center. Smart, off-road technology includes an available 15-inch Head-Up Display with an off-road inclinometer and both models also come with HD Surround Vision. Chevy says it's also redesigned wireless phone charger area and flow-under console.
Chevy will start building the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 and ZR2 Bison later this summer at General Motors’ Flint Assembly plant in Michigan. Stay tuned for pricing info closer to start of production.