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Bring on the beasts! Chevy Silverado HD ZR2, GMC Sierra HD AT4X

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Rumors are swirling that General Motors will add two more off-road-focused trims to its truck lineup: Chevy Silverado HD ZR2 and GMC Sierra HD AT4X.

For a few years now, stock off-road trim trucks have been all the rage with everyone offering some variant. It makes sense for automakers to cash in on the popularity and to make more profit by cutting out the aftermarket. Now, the heavy-duty truck segment is starting to see this evolution.

While the Ram Power Wagon had the market to itself and was only recently joined by the Ford Super Duty Tremor, it looks like GM will now join the party.

Here’s what you need to know.

Chevy Silverado HD ZR2, GMC Sierra HD AT4X

Let’s start with the Chevy Silverado HD ZR2. Chevy fans will recall the original ZR2 suspension package from 1990s. Though it was phased in the early aughts, it made a comeback in 2017 and is now seen on the the Colorado as well as the new 2022 Silverado 1500. This package includes suspension upgrades, more robust skid plates, bigger wheels, tougher looking front and rear bumpers/fascia and unique badging. It is a beast of a package in the Colorado, and we can’t wait to drive it in both the Silverado 1500 and a future Silverado HD.

Joining the Silverado will be the GMC Sierra HD AT4X version. The AT4 name is for the GMC lineup of vehicles with their own suspension upgrades, skid plates, bigger wheels, bumpers, badging etc. — just like Chevy does for its ZR2 lineup. Except the “X” will take this to a higher level.

Both of these new trucks will take aim at a rapidly growing market for off-road HD trucks.

What we know so far

Rumors have been circulating online like those reported by our friends over at Muscle Cars and Trucks. We have also seen some very early spy photos that don’t reveal very much.

While we expect the Silverado HD ZR2 and Sierra HD AT4X to use the same kinds of upgrades we described above, the question on engines remains an interesting topic. It is known the Ram Power Wagon can’t be had with a diesel due to winch placement, although Ford found a way around that with its Super Duty Tremor. So, it seems like GM should be able to make both a gas and diesel engine work.

It is worth noting, Ram seems to be working on bringing its Rebel trim to the HD lineup — so Ram might see that truck as a better competitor than the Power Wagon to the new entrants.

We expect these trucks to arrive for the 2024 model year and likely will be revealed in the Spring of 2023.

The bottom line

With the truck market on fire and more people wanting to go overlanding, an HD truck is perfect — albeit with some aftermarket modifications. However, this new lineup of stock off-road HD trucks will likely fill that market need and we don’t see the desire to spend more time sleeping under the stars to end anytime soon.

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Tim Esterdahl

Automotive Journalist Tim Esterdahl has been a lover of trucks and SUVs for years. He has covered the industry since 2011 and has pieces in many national magazines and newspapers. In his spare time, he is often found tinkering on his '62 C10 pickup, playing golf, going hunting and hanging out with his wife and kids in Nebraska.

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2 Comments

  1. David Lee Lewis March 26, 2022

    There’s already and HD AT4. You mean the AT4X?

    Reply
    1. Tim Esterdahl April 4, 2022

      Good catch. I’ll update the story.

      Reply

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