We already know what the model could be called.
The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 arrives on the market with a slew of improvements, including a refreshed interior and off-road-focused ZR2 trim level. While the new ZR2 comes with beefed up suspension and other upgrades, its 420-hp 6.2-liter V8 engine is lacking compared to rivals like the Ford F-150 Raptor and Ram 1500 TRX. But it looks like the Bowtie isn’t finished yet. The American brand may have yet another Silverado variant on the way.
A Camaro 5 Forum user claims to have found a dealer order tool for the 2023 Silverado 1500, which includes a ULV code for a new ZR2 Bison Edition. The Bison name previously appeared on the smaller Colorado in a partnership between Chevy and American Expedition Vehicles.
Based on the Colorado ZR2 Bison’s popularity, building a Silverado version seems like an obvious move.
Not much else is detailed on this order tool, aside from Bison Edition skid plates for the fuel tank, front end, rear differential, and transfer case. If it’s anything like the Colorado ZR2 Bison, the Silverado ZR2 could gain steel bumpers, Bison-specific wheels, larger tires, a suspension lift, extra lights, and an optional snorkel.
The standard Silverado ZR2 already offers impressive off-road capability with its Multimatic DSSV dampers, but adding 35- or even 37-inch tires would make it more competitive with the Raptor and TRX.
Unfortunately, we doubt the Bison Edition will add any power to the mix. The Colorado Bison didn’t receive any powertrain upgrades to its 3.6-liter V6 or 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engines. So anyone waiting for GM to drop the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing’s 668-hp supercharged V8 into a Silverado can keep dreaming.
The Colorado’s Bison package adds $5,750 to the price, so we imagine the Silverado Bison will be priced similarly. The 2022 Silverado 1500 just arrived, so it may be some time before we see this package revealed for the 2023 model year.
