The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show took places in Las Vegas last week. Though it’s taking place in the shadow of an ongoing pandemic, the show brought out the best and brightest custom builders, automaker concepts, and aftermarket parts.
Chevrolet took the opportunity to bring several concepts, one of which has changed names since the last time we saw it. The Chevy Beast concept from last year’s show is now simply called “Off-Road Concept.” In a statement to Muscle Cars & Trucks, a spokesperson said that the automaker had received an objection to the use of the Beast name.
No matter what it’s called, the truck is still an absolute beast. The concept’s gnarly bodywork hides its somewhat modest underpinnings, which are based on a modified short-bed Chevy Silverado. It also hides a fire-breathing supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that makes 650 horsepower. All of those ponies reach all four wheels through a ten-speed automatic transmission. If you’re keeping score, that’s the same powertrain under the hood of the Camaro ZL1.
To help channel all of that go-power to the ground, the concept rides on specially-designed upper and lower control arms and adjustable racing strut assemblies with remote reservoirs. The rear suspension is a five-link setup with Panhard bar and fully adjustable racing shocks with remote reservoirs. Stopping power comes from four-wheel disc brakes with six-piston Chevy Performance Brembo front brakes.
Other 2022 model-year Chevy trucks and SUVs at last week’s show include:
- Silverado ZR2
- Silverado High Country Midnight Concept
- Silverado 3500HD Hoonigan Concept
- Colorado ZR2 Extreme Off-Road
- Colorado Z71 Off-Road Performance Edition
- Tahoe Z71 Overlanding Concept
- 2021 Suburban Street Concept
Chevy also bought a new SuperMatic 6L80-E 4WD transmission. The unit is designed for off-road applications and features a torque rating of 650 pound-feet. It’s compatible with Chevrolet’s Connect & Cruise Crate Powertrain System for LS crate engines.
