econometrics

And... I think I'll wait until later in 2022, as I want to see what this LM0 Duramax looks like... as well as GM opening up more color options. The color options on some of these trim levels on Chevy and GMC are really limited.

SO glad I resisted the urge to capitalize on the high trade/sale value of my 2019 RST in early 2021 when there were still new trucks to trade for. The redesigned front ends look so good on both Chevy and GMC. I always felt the Chevy looked best on the T1s until now. I think GMC moved in front on the front ends. But the interiors... wow. I can't wait to trade my 2019 in. As much as I would love a ZR2, I think the best bang-for-buck with the most options is the AT4 optioned out. It's stupid the ZR2 doesn't come with a cat-back exhaust. I noticed all the tester ZR2 Chevy used recently with the bloggers in the desert had Borla cat-backs. All the vloggers were gushing over the 6.2L's excellent exhaust notes. For what I'm wanting in options, I can spec out an AT4 for $70,700. The same options with a ZR2 is $73,700. Okay, I don't get electronic lockers and DSSV shocks. I wouldn't ever need either of those. With that extra $3K, I can add a cat-back and put some bigger tires on, still coming out saving some $.

That's a funny thought. Will the 2-5 year olds of today and the future be playing with cars going "hummmmMMMMMMM!"

It seems to me that cars/trucks are now going the way of iPhones in the EV space. They cost way too much, and aren't going to be worth much a few years later. But the automakers just want us to get on an annual payment plan and forget about true ownership. Just like most people with iPhones don't ever own them. They just make interest-free payments to Apple for 2 years, then re-start the process. Apple cashes out by putting massive margins into their limited-updated tech devices just to keep feeding the "new" cycle for the consumer.

See: Better Place That framework was quickly discarded. Tesla tried it in California, too, and basically no one really used it. GM is on the right track with Ultium. Adding 100 miles of range in 10min with a 350kw on-board charger is very impressive. The biggest issue, as you bring up, KARNUT, is the infrastructure. It's just not there yet AT ALL nationwide. We have a Pacifica Hybrid and it's almost useless to consider charging it outside of our home right now. There are so few options. By the time the Silverado EV hits the streets in 2024, I think DC charging stations will be more numerous, but I would not make a full EV truck my main method of transportation until later 2020's, IMO. It will easily take that long for the US to get build out a reliable network of fast-charging access points.

I think they did a good job with the EV Silverado style. It was bold of them to really shift the design on this, whereas the Ford Lightning looks way too much like a normal F-150, IMO. I think people forking over $100K for an EV are more open to aggressive styling, so I think GM is ahead of Ford on this already. I don't like the 24" wheels they have on this production model, but I'm sure they'll give some other options for those by the time these hit the streets in 2024 (Lol). $105K is really the kicker here. But, then again, the TRX gets close to that... and the EV Silverado has just as much (if not more) performance and far better tech. I also think this Ultifi platform is a major game changer. If GM can really execute that... wow.

GM still gives some physical buttons here, as well as dedicating a portion of the touch screen as a static, separate status bar. This is a big deal. My wife has UConnect 5 in her 2021 Pacifica Hybrid. The whole screen is connected. It's been buggy lately and we cannot even SEE what the temp is in the car, though we can adjust it with physical buttons. Thus, I think GM did a good job of putting in more screen space while maintaining a level of control apart from the computer.

Wow. "COVID mule" is a great term! Yeah, I feel bad for anyone buying these "2022" Silverado LD's. They must really need a new one to do that.

Exactly. The big difference between the ZR2 and the base level Raptor or TRX, as you mentioned, is that the ZR2 will come with more "fully loaded" features standard. I really like this. It's about time GM made a truck that when you buy it, you get all the options priced in. The other difference is that GM will (eventually) slap rebates on these, whereas the other two are unlikely to see much off sticker... even after things "return to normal" (whatever that is).

Well, I was wrong. $66K. I had thought it would be closer to $60K. https://gmauthority.com/blog/2021/12/2022-silverado-zr2-price-finally-revealed/ Honestly, this really makes choosing the AT4X over the ZR2 almost silly.

I bet this feature will be improved with the new Infotainment in the 2022s. My wife's UConnect 5 in our 2021 Pacifica is fantastic with CarPlay.

One more thing I’ve realized… GM is now the only major brand whose most off-road worthy truck is still just a classic leaf spring suspension. That’s pretty odd. And dare I say… lame.

IMO the real #1 competitor to the ZR2 is the new Tundra TRD Pro. I’m sure they will come out similar in pricing, if not a little less for the Tundra. As it stands, I would have a hard time choosing even though I love the ZR2 from what I see. The main selling point for the ZR2 is going to be those of us who still want a naturally aspirated real V8. But that crowd is dwindling. I guess we will need to see what pricing looks like.

Yeah, I was a little surprised they didn’t do anything about the front approach angle on the AT4X. And they didn’t give it 33’s. Very odd. They just gave it lockers and DSSV shocks. Then did the rest on the interior. It really is true that for the price of the AT4X, you can get way more with a Gen 3 Raptor. And the interior is nearly just as nice and full of features. I thought they would make Supercruise available on the AT4X, too.

Yeah, I’ve watched carefully on the ZR2 and AT4X/Ultimate reveals and the rear window and spoiler structure looks unchanged to the naked eye. Not very encouraging. But then again, I cannot possibly see how GM wouldn’t address it on the refresh with all of the issues people were having.