The World of West Chevrolet

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

An Off-Road Beast Even Greater Than the ZR2 Bison? AEV's Plans to Double Down


By very obvious leaps and bounds, the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison is the most off-road capable mid-size truck offered within the entire ranks of the automotive market! With an expertly-laden boost from Montana-based experts American Expedition Vehicles, the standard ZR2 underwent a drastic transformation with hot-stamped boron steel skid plates, as well as steel rail protection on both side skirts and bumpers. It provided so much protection and clearance that it enabled the Colorado to conquer the utmost in unforgiving terrain.

Locations such as the red rock deserts of Arizona and punishing trails of Mt. Moab come to mind when brandishing a truck equipped with these goodies! Here in Tennessee, we have Windrock Park, the largest privately owned riding area in the nation. Known for always keeping the rider in mind, they offer more than 300 miles of trail riding and hiking, camping and events. This is one of those places that means it if it says “extremely difficult” on a trail grade: dangerous cliffs and large boulders are just a few of the things you'll encounter while on course here.

When asked exactly what they had in mind to even further prepare the Bison for the tests of the trail, AEV Marketing Manager Matt Felderman said that a bigger tire kit is in the works. The ZR2 Bison Tray Bed that was displayed at Overland Expo West had a set of our new high-clearance fender flares which allow for a 35-inch tire and zero lift. There is a lower center of gravity at play, and the driver can take full advantage of everything that went into the ZR2 suspension, as well as the addition of a bigger tire. These larger tires were first pushed as an idea during the initial development of the AEV addition, but at the time just did not seem feasible.

The development team wanted a bigger tire than 31 inches, but there were a completely different set of tests for this one-two-thousand unit build, and millions would have been spent on the research and development end. Actual pricing for the 35-inch tires and high-clearance fenders have not yet been officially announced, but AEV will be proudly displaying two Colorado ZR2 Bison pickups with the special package this November during the 2019 SEMA show.
Many will want to take note that AEV also now offers other ZRT Bison components straight off the shelf: you can order bumpers, winch mounts, and high-strength hot-stamped boron steel skid plates “ala carte”. Once you get a slight taste of an upgrade variety that can rapidly up your trail hound status, it becomes addictive and could be the ultimate “gateway” to this amazing and expertly-designed package that prepares you for the demands of the off-road trek!

No comments:

Post a Comment