The refreshed 2024 Chevy Silverado ZR2 will now be available with the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine. Previously, the hardcore off-road variant of the pickup could only be optioned with the automaker’s tried and true 6.2-liter gas V8. Truck fans have all but begged for the diesel to be an option on the ZR2 since it launched, and now they’re getting their wish.
The compression-ignition inline-six produces 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque, sending power to all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The diesel’s low-end grunt makes it a natural fit for off-roading as it achieves 95 percent of peak torque at just 1,250 rpm. For reference, the existing 6.2-liter V8 makes a lesser 460 pound-feet at 4,100 rpm. The superior fuel economy of the diesel should extend the range of the truck, too, making it an ideal overlanding rig.
The beloved power plant should pair nicely with the Silverado ZR2’s front and rear locking differentials to make traction a given. The pickup retains the rest of its best features as well, like magical Multimatic DSSV dampers that soak up bumps like they’re nothing. It’s not a Ford F-150 Raptor fighter, but then again, that was never the point for Chevy. This is more about traditional truck performance.
Along with the new diesel ZR2, the 2024 Silverado is also available in two new colors: Lakeshore Blue and Slate Grey Metallic. A dual-mode exhaust is now included on 6.2L models as well, which opens or closes valves to adjust the tone out of the tailpipe depending on the selected drive mode. Other minor additions find their way into the truck with this update, like a rear seat belt indicator and standard adaptive cruise control on the top High Country trim.
Oh, and the 2.7-liter four-cylinder is now called the TurboMax.
The Silverado received a massive facelift in late 2021 that added a completely new interior and updated exterior styling cues. Features like a 13.4-inch touchscreen, Google Maps, and Super Cruise also became available. This latest update builds on that facelift, offering even more options and equipment than before.
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