There’s something new rolling around GM’s test track, a next-generation 2027 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2. Covered in heavy camo and sitting much taller than usual, and it’s got people talking. Even better a prototype has been caught in action by our intrepid spy-photographer. For fans of the Silverado ZR2, this is one to watch closely.

Here at GM-Trucks.com, we know the Silverado ZR2 well. We’ve got one in our garage, part of the current generation with the 6.2L V8. It’s had a few bumps in the road, including a recent recall related to the engine. But that’s not the story today. What matters now is what’s coming next—and it looks like GM is making real moves to level up.

Side view of camouflaged 2027 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 prototype riding on 35-inch tires during road testing
A full side profile of the 2027 Silverado ZR2 prototype confirms its increased ride height and use of 35-inch Goodyear tires

Finally,  Silverado ZR2 Gets Some Bigger Rubber

Let’s get straight to it. The prototype we spotted is riding on new Goodyear Territory MT tires, size 285/75 R18. If you’re counting, that works out to about 35 inches in diameter. That’s a big deal. The current ZR2 runs on 33s, and that’s always made it feel like it was a step behind the Ford Raptor and Ram 1500 RHO. Not anymore.

Full side profile of camouflaged 2027 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 prototype with 35-inch tires
A complete side view of the 2027 Silverado ZR2 prototype shows its raised ride height and new tire size without visible wide-body extensions

With 35s, the ZR2 gets more ground clearance, better off-road grip, and just plain looks tougher. It also means this truck will finally be taken seriously in the off-road world, especially by folks who build their trucks to tackle the tough stuff.

Close-up of 2027 Silverado ZR2 front suspension showing Multimatic DSSV damper behind 35-inch Goodyear tire
Zoomed view of the 2027 Silverado ZR2 prototype’s front suspension confirms continued use of Multimatic DSSV shocks

What Else Is Hiding Under the ZR2’s Camo?

So far, the basic shape of the truck looks a lot like today’s Silverado. The front bumper is still high-clearance, and you can spot those Multimatic DSSV shocks behind the wheels—the same ones used on the current ZR2. Those shocks are great for control in the dirt, but it doesn’t look like GM has made the truck any wider, at least not on this prototype.

Front view of camouflaged 2027 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 prototype during public road testing
The front end of the 2027 Silverado ZR2 prototype reveals a raised stance and 35-inch tires beneath heavy camouflage

That’s important because wider trucks usually come with longer suspension travel, which means better performance at higher speeds off-road. Trucks like the Raptor and RHO have wide bodies and big suspension numbers—up to 15 inches of wheel travel. The current ZR2 sits at 9 inches in the front and 10 in the rear, and it’s not clear if that’s changing.

So, while the tires are bigger, this still might be more of a trail and overland rig than a high-speed desert runner.

Rear angle of camouflaged 2027 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 prototype showing dual exhaust and tire clearance
The back end of the 2027 Silverado ZR2 prototype reveals dual exhaust outlets, rear suspension height, and continued camouflage over new design elements

A New Platform, New Engine on the Way

This next-gen ZR2 is being built on GM’s updated T1-2 platform. It’s a newer version of the current truck frame, and it should allow for more upgrades, including changes to the suspension and engine bay.

Camouflaged front end of the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 prototype with masked grille and headlights
The front fascia of the 2027 Silverado ZR2 remains fully wrapped, hiding grille and lighting updates expected in the next-gen redesign

Speaking of engines, GM just dropped some big news. They’re investing $888 million into their Tonawanda engine plant in Buffalo, New York. That money is going to support the sixth generation of GM’s Small Block V8s—engines designed to be more powerful and efficient. These engines are expected to show up right around the time the new Silverado launches.

For GM, that investment shows they’re still serious about gas-powered trucks. Even as electric trucks like the Silverado EV ZR2 make headlines, GM knows there’s still a big market for strong, reliable gas engines. And with Tonawanda’s long history, this new V8 should be built tough.

Goodyear Territory MT tire on 2027 Silverado ZR2 with 285/75R18 size visualizer overlay
A detailed look at the 285/75R18 Goodyear Territory MT tires confirms a true 34.8-inch diameter on the 2027 Silverado ZR2 prototype

But Is It Good Enough?

The 2027 Silverado ZR2 is finally doing what many truck fans have been asking for—rolling on 35s. That alone puts it in a better position to go head-to-head with the Raptor and RHO. But unless there are more changes hiding under that camo, it may not be a full-on desert racer just yet.

Still, this is a solid step forward. Bigger tires, a new platform, and a new V8 on the horizon—it’s a good time to be watching the Silverado ZR2. And as soon as we know more, or get behind the wheel ourselves, you’ll hear about it right here on GM-Trucks.com.

Front-facing image of camouflaged 2027 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 prototype showing raised suspension and larger tires
The 2027 Silverado ZR2 prototype’s head-on stance highlights its increased ride height and 35-inch Goodyear tires