The Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Bison 2023 is the latest powerful pickup that leverages the collaboration between the truck maker and American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). The more capable model enters production in early 2023 and starts at $78,490, which includes destination costs.
With the Silverado ZR2 as a starting point, the Bison has a more aggressive look thanks to the steel front stamping and bumper with powder and e-coating. The design includes integrated restore points and steps. The one on the nose has a place to attach an optional winch.
Chevy doesn’t have final figures yet but expects the Bison’s off-road capability to improve. The angle of approach should increase to 32.5 degrees, versus 31.8 degrees in the stock form. The departure angle will be 23.4 degrees instead of the current 23.3 degrees.
Bison uses 18-inch alloy wheels with a glossy black finish and 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires. There are no changes to the standard 11.2-inch ZR2’s ground clearance.
The Silverado Bison also has five slip plates to protect the differential at both ends, transfer case and fuel tank. AEV uses hot stamped boron steel for them which is claimed to be 3.5 times stronger than cold stamped high strength steel components.
Steel rocker panels protect the underside of the sides of the pickup.
Aesthetically, this version of the truck has a black grille with body-colored blades cutting through it. The back receives a matte black finish on the tailgate. The Bison sticker is on the side of the cargo bed.
On the inside, the AEV badge is on the front headrest. The truck is also equipped with an all-weather floor mat.
The drivetrain and suspension carry over from the standard ZR2. This gives customers a 6.2-liter V8 that produces 420 horsepower (313 kilowatts) and 460 pound-feet (624 Newton-meters) of torque. Power is channeled through a 10-speed automatic transmission, and there are front and rear locking differences. The truck uses DSSV Multimatic dampers and spool-valve springs which offer better wheel travel than other Silverados.
