GMSV readies MY23 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

GENERAL Motors Special Vehicles (GMSV) has confirmed that the Model Year 2023 (MY23) Silverado 1500 range will no longer feature the entry-spec LT Trail Boss (priced from $106,990 plus on-road costs) but gains a flagship ZR2 variant.

The importer’s director Joanne Stogiannis said the refreshed model, which is due in Australia during the second quarter of 2023 with a raft of updates and enhancements, presented GMSV with the opportunity to redefine the Silverado 1500 line-up.

“Chevrolet’s new flagship off-road truck and first-ever Silverado 1500 ZR2 is the next chapter in off-roading, and it’s coming to Australia and New Zealand,” she said.

The ZR2 offers Silverado 1500 buyers a more off-road-focused option and includes features such as 33-inch mud-terrain tyres, front and rear electronic differential locks, Multimatic DSSV shock absorbers, as well as a high-approach-angle steel bumper that GMSV says was designed for off-road strength, durability and clearance.

Stylistically, the Silverado 1500 ZR2 is distinguished by a black chrome grille with Chevrolet “flow-tie” emblem, a raised bonnet insert with ZR2 badging, model-specific wheel-arch flares as well as 18-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss black; its interior features Jet Black/Greystone combination leather-appointed upholstery.

The MY23 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 will be available from $124,000 (plus on-road costs).

The Mexican-built Silverado 1500 range is powered by Chevrolet’s 6.2-litre LS3-series V8, which produces peak outputs of 313kW at 5600rpm and 624Nm at 4100rpm.

Equipped (as standard) with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Silverado 1500 is said to return a combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of 12.3 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 320 grams per kilometre (unchanged from the current model).

There is still no word from GMSV as to whether it plans to import the Silverado 1500 EV, which was launched in the United States earlier this year.

LTZ variants of the Silverado 1500 (now priced from $121,000 plus ORCs – an increase of $7010 over the outgoing variant) will also adopt several enhancements as part of the MY23 upgrade, including a redesigned front-end design (replete with revised DRLs) and “significant” interior and technology upgrades, GMSV says.

The freshened interior now sports an electronic transmission shift controller located on the centre console, a 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, as well as a 12.3-inch configurable instrument panel.

Other Silverado 1500 LTZ equipment highlights include 20-inch Sterling Silver alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres, Jet Black leather-appointed upholstery, adaptive cruise control and a Technology Pack that incorporates a rear-view camera mirror, 15.0-inch colour head-up display, and bed-view camera.

“Silverado drivers love the acceleration and performance, as well as the towing ability of their vehicles,” added Ms Stogiannis.

“We anticipate the new enhancements will build on the success of the Silverado 1500 and help it continue to win fans, especially those who need a large and versatile towing machine suitable for a wide range of work and play applications.”

Ms Stogiannis said the certification process for the MY23 Silverado 1500 ZR2 was already underway and that the upcoming model’s full feature list and technical specifications (including towing capability, dimensions and clearances), would be released closer to the its local arrival around the middle of next year.

“Aussies and Kiwis have responded with enthusiasm to the arrival of the Chevrolet Silverado Down Under, with the new full-size truck becoming a firm favourite for people who demand the benchmark when it comes to off-road adventures, (and) long-distance touring and towing,” she said.

“With the upcoming arrival of MY23 Silverado, we are taking the opportunity to redefine our line-up and offer a portfolio that delivers even greater levels of style and comfort, as well as a more refined interior experience, enhanced tech features and a more dynamic appearance.

“This means the LT Trail Boss model will be discontinued, but we’re excited to share some fantastic news with our fans and confirm the debut of a new model to complement our popular LTZ Premium as part of the Chevrolet Silverado range.”

2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pricing*:

LT Trail Boss            $106,990        (discontinued)

LTZ Premium            $121,000        (+$7010)

ZR2                $124,000        (new variant)

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.