Chevrolet Fires Back With Raptor Fighting Concept

Yesterday, we took a look at the new and improved 2010 Ford F-150 Raptor. Powered by a 6.2L V8, the new Raptor is now the most powerful half-ton around, and the only one that comes factory equipped for dune smashing.

But, as usual, the other manufacturers can’t wait to ruin Ford’s little desert racing party, and Chevrolet has been the first to show a potential competitor, coincidentally debuted at the same show as the repowered Raptor. Called the ZR2, this super Silverado is based on a 1500-series extended cab/short box pickup, adorned with carbon fibre widened front fenders, extractor-style hood, rocker extensions and tailgate, which features large, debossed CHEVROLET lettering as a nod to Chevy trucks of the past. Out front, an imposing black grille feeds plenty of cooling air to a supercharged LS crate motor. The output? 550 horsepower.

Underneath, 20” wheels (supposedly reminiscent of historic Chevy truck wheels) ride under a 4” lift fitted with BDS shocks. Subsequently, the ZR2 is expected to berm bash with the best of them, but just how well it would stack up against the Raptor will have to wait. Currently in conceptual form, the ZR2 may be a foreshadowing of some upcoming model, but Chevrolet is being tight-lipped about the possibility, simply stating that “some of the components are being explored for possible inclusion in upcoming models."