The Silverado ZR2 Won't Match Next-Gen Raptor's Power
By the time the Silverado ZR2 finally makes it to market, it'll be behind the competition in more ways than one.
Sitting It Out
While Ford has been selling the F-150 Raptor for years and is preparing a third-generation model right now, the same can't be said for the competition. The Ram TRX just debuted, but it's carrying a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 cranking out 702 horsepower. Meanwhile, the next-gen Raptor is rumored to be getting 700+ horsepower from Ford's supercharged 5.2-liter Predator V8. However, it seems like GM is going to sit out this horsepower war altogether with its upcoming Silverado ZR2.
Photo: Ford
Disappointing News
This bit of news comes to us from Muscle Cars & Trucks, which reports that the upcoming 2023 Silverado ZR2 will make due with GM's 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. It's an obviously massively disappointing piece of news for Chevy fans, but at least the new ZR2 will still feature the same sort of off-road tech as its smaller sibling, the Colorado ZR2.
Photo: Chevrolet
>>Join the conversation about the Raptor towering over the ZR2 right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Shooting Down Rumors
Previously, rumors indicated that the Silverado ZR2 might be getting the Camaro's 6.2-liter, 650 horsepower LT4 V8, but this report seemingly shuts that down, as well as the notion that it might also be available with the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel due to packaging restraints.
Photo: Ford
>>Join the conversation about the Raptor towering over the ZR2 right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Other Details
Regardless, the full-size ZR2 will utilize the Colorado ZR2's Multimatic DSSV dampers, along with front and rear locking differentials, unique front and rear bumpers that improve approach and departure angles, and slightly revised interior styling.
Photo: Chevrolet
>>Join the conversation about the Raptor towering over the ZR2 right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Base Competition
While the ZR2 may not be offered with insane horsepower numbers like the next Raptor and TRX, it will better compete with their rumored "base" versions. The Raptor is expected to also be available with Ford's brand new PowerBoost 3.5-liter hybrid V6 system, which is said to produce around 500 horsepower in this configuration.
Photo: Ford
>>Join the conversation about the Raptor towering over the ZR2 right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Even Comparison
Meanwhile, other rumors indicate that the TRX will also be offered in a non-supercharged version powered by FCA's 392 cubic-inch Hemi with around 485 horsepower. If that's the case, these three base-level pickups should make for a pretty fun and relatively even comparison.
Photo: Chevrolet
>>Join the conversation about the Raptor towering over the ZR2 right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Lagging Behind
Regardless, this has to be terrible news for GM fans who have already been forced to sit and wait for a hardcore off-road version of the Silverado to come along. And by the time the ZR2 finally makes it to market, it'll already be behind the competition in more ways than one.
Photo: Chevrolet
>>Join the conversation about the Raptor towering over the ZR2 right here in Ford-trucks.com.
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.