Latest news with #SilveradoEVTrailBoss
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
The 2026 Silverado EV Trail Boss Makes a Strong Case for Off-Road Electric Trucks
Off-roading and electric trucks have generally been a mixed bag, but one automaker plans to rectify that for the 2026 model year. The Chevrolet Silverado EV is a top contender among electric trucks, but a new trim level will take the American manufacturer's pickup off the beaten path like never before. Much like on the Colorado and Silverado pickups, the Trail Boss trim provides consumers interested in a Silverado EV with a model dedicated to off-roading, and plenty of range to boot. "The Silverado EV Trail Boss delivers similar capability expected with other Chevy Trail Bosses," said Joe Roy, chief engineer for the Silverado EV. "It's an impressive truck that will meet the needs of our customers looking to get off-trail and still have all the features customers have come to love about Silverado EV, including range and off-road power." The Chevrolet Silverado EV is already plenty capable and customizable, with three trims and battery packs to choose from. For the 2026 model year, Chevrolet is retiring the RST trim, with the Trail Boss taking its place atop the lineup. The Trail Boss model offers a higher level of capability in off-road conditions, with 24% higher ground clearance than the standard Silverado EV. Terrain mode is exclusive to the Trail Boss trim, providing drivers with more control over torque and traction at low speeds. While Sidewinder mode might seem ideal for parallel parking over all else, the system could prove useful in off-road adventures. Sidewinder mode turns all four wheels in the same direction, allowing the truck to move diagonally, albeit at low speeds. That can be especially useful if you happen to get stuck on the trails. When equipped with the Max Range battery pack, the Silverado EV Trail Boss boasts up to 725 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque, with the capability to tow up to 12,500 lbs. and haul 2,100 lbs. The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss features several trim-exclusive features that help the electric truck look the part while adding a touch more versatility. In addition to a two-inch lift, the EV rides on 18-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch all-terrain tires complemented by a high-angle approach front fascia. The off-road electric pickup has a 19.2-degree breakover angle, 25.1-degree departure angle, and a total of 10 inches of ground clearance. Red front tow hooks add to the truck's utility, and a unique interior matches the athletic aesthetic. The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV comes in three trim levels, with the base Work Truck (WT) starting at $54,895 MSRP. At that price, the Silverado EV boasts up to 286 miles of range, while upgrading to the Extended battery pack boosts range to 424 miles. Opting for the Max battery pack increases the Silverado EV WT's range to 493 miles on a single charge, but it'll cost you $76,295 MSRP. Regardless of the battery pack, the Silverado EV WT features 510 horsepower. When equipped with the standard battery pack, the base Silverado EV WT produces 490 lb-ft of torque, while upgrading the battery increases torque to 580 lb-ft. The LT trim starts at $62,995 MSRP and features a 283-mile range. The mid-tier Extended battery increases range to 410 miles on a single charge. When equipped with the Max battery, the Silverado EV LT can go up to 478 miles, but it'll cost you $91,295. In terms of power, the LT-Max battery combination tops out at 760 horsepower and 765 lb-ft of torque. The Trail Boss trim tops the lineup and starts at $72,095 MSRP. Unlike in the WT and LT models, the Trail Boss comes with a standard Extended battery pack and a 410-mile range. Upgrading to the Max battery increases range to 478 miles to the tune of $88,695 MSRP. Regardless of trim level, all Silverado EV models feature up to 10.2 kW of off-board power. A 17.7-inch infotainment display comes standard on all three trim levels, as does an 11-inch driver information display. The LT and Trail Boss trims are available with a multi-flex midgate and WOW mode (Wide Open Watts) that maximizes performance. The Chevrolet Silverado EV also features DC fast charging up to 350 kW, with the capability to charge up to 100 miles in 10 minutes. Electric trucks offer a blend of innovation, capability, and performance, but not all models can compete with the best. Ford and Chevrolet are iconic in the American pickup scene, and their legacy in truck manufacturing is unmatched. While there are other emerging automakers making steady progress, Chevrolet and Ford are still the truck segment's fiercest rivals. The base Ford F-150 Lightning starts at $62,995 MSRP. At that price, the F-150 Lightning XLT features dual electric motors that generate 452 horsepower and a towing capacity that tops out at 7,700 lbs. when properly equipped. As far as range goes, the F-150 Lightning XLT can travel an EPA-estimated 240 miles on a single charge. At its most capable, the F-150 Lightning Lariat features 580 horsepower, a 320-mile range, and a 10,000-lb. maximum towing capacity. That versatility will cost you just shy of $77,000, though. By all accounts, the Chevrolet Silverado EV has the F-150 Lightning on the ropes. Not only does Chevy's electric pickup undercut Ford's offering by $8,100, but it also offers 286 miles of range and 510 horsepower in base form. With the introduction of the Trail Boss trim, the Chevy Silverado EV tacks on another win over the F-150 Lightning, which lacks a dedicated off-road model. The base Trail Boss model starts at $72,095 with 625 horsepower and a 410-mile range. Electric trucks have come a long way in just a few years, and with a range nearing 500 miles on a single charge, the Chevrolet Silverado EV may end up leading its segment for years to come. The introduction of the Trail Boss trim marks another major milestone for Chevy's electric truck, with versatility that only a few rivals can match. At this point, there's little doubt that the American automaker's continued innovation is raising the standards as to what consumers can expect in an electric pickup. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Chevy's Silverado EV ZR2 blasts into off-road racing at Mint 400
Chevrolet is pushing electric technology to new extremes with its Silverado EV ZR2, an innovative off-road racing concept that's set to compete in the challenging Mint 400 desert race. This move marks an important step forward in proving the practicality and performance potential of electric trucks in demanding off-road conditions. The Silverado EV ZR2 joins Chevy's established off-road racing team, Hall Racing, led by veteran driver Chad Hall. Hall Racing, recognized for its successes with the Silverado ZR2 and Colorado ZR2, is helping Chevrolet test the performance and durability of electric propulsion under real-world racing the core of the Silverado EV ZR2's off-road capabilities are Multimatic adaptive spool valve (ASV) dampers. These advanced dampers precisely control suspension movements by adjusting fluid flow, significantly improving ride comfort, stability, and handling in challenging environments. With more than 13 inches of front and rear suspension travel, the Silverado EV ZR2 maintains excellent wheel articulation, critical for keeping tire contact with the ground over rugged terrain. It also rides on 37-inch BF Goodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tires, designed specifically to handle rough surfaces with reinforced sidewalls and deep tread patterns for excellent traction. Powering the Silverado EV ZR2 is an advanced tri-motor electric setup delivering a remarkable 1,100 horsepower and 11,500 lb-ft of torque. The standard dual-motor Silverado EV, offers up 754 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque. Regardless, electric vehicle characteristic are particularly advantageous in off-road racing, where instant responsiveness and precise power control can determine competitive racing experiences have directly influenced Chevy's consumer trucks, leading to better suspension tuning, greater durability, and stronger protective components like skid plates. Chad Hall notes, "Working directly with Chevy engineers always results in real-world improvements." Hall Racing's remarkable track record, completing 53 out of 54 races since teaming up with Chevrolet in 2017, highlights the reliability and effectiveness of these racing-driven developments. As the Silverado EV ZR2 competes at the Mint 400, Chevrolet is simultaneously preparing the Silverado EV Trail Boss for off-road enthusiasts. This consumer-oriented truck will feature practical enhancements such as 18-inch wheels, durable 35-inch all-terrain tires, and a unique Terrain Mode designed to optimize handling and performance on various surfaces. More details on the Silverado EV Trail Boss are expected soon, reinforcing Chevrolet's commitment to bringing competition-tested technology to its consumer lineup. Love reading Autoblog? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get exclusive articles, insider insights, and the latest updates delivered right to your inbox. Click here to sign up now!
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Chevy Silverado EV ZR2 Is Ready for Zero-Emission Desert Thrill Ride
Chevrolet is heading to the legendary Mint 400 desert race with the Silverado EV ZR2 race truck. According to Chevy, this special Silverado EV took five months to develop and uses 98% of production GM parts. The three-motor Silverado EV ZR2 will throw 1,100 hp at the 37-inch BF Goodrich KM3 tires. Chevrolet is taking its Silverado EV to Las Vegas to compete in the famed Mint 400 desert race. Joining Hall Racing's efforts, this Silverado EV ZR2 previews Chevy's off-road-centric Silverado EV Trail Boss that's scheduled to launch in '26. Chevy says this battery-electric Silverado is set to compete in the race's Open Production EV Class. Chevy says this Silverado EV ZR2 was developed in only five months and uses 98% of GM production parts. Of course, that doesn't mean 98% of those pieces were slated for the Silverado EV's assembly line. The three-motor, 1,100-hp powertrain, for example, seems to bear some resemblance to the 1,000-hp three-motor system underneath the GMC Hummer EV. As you'd expect from a desert race rig, the Silverado EV ZR2 sports a suspension lift, and a set of prototype Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve dampers help control the 37-inch BF Goodrich KM3 tires through 13 inches of suspension travel. This Silverado EV also sports some underbody protection and locking differentials. The Silverado EV ZR2 is part of Hall Racing's three Chevy lineup and will race alongside an internal-combustion-powered Silverado ZR2 and Colorado ZR2. While this is the only rig currently slated to run in the Open Production EV Class, there's no question that some of the research and development spent on this Mint 400 racer will eventually trickle back into the Silverado EV program. This team of Chevy trucks—and every other Mint 400 competitor—is diving into the desert on Saturday, March 8, when the green flags start dropping. Motorcycles are scheduled to kick off the event, but the Unlimited race is scheduled to start at 10:45 local time. If you want to watch some of the race, you can check out the YouTube live stream, here. While it's not wearing a ZR2 badge, the folks at Chevy are gearing up to launch a Silverado EV Trail Boss into the truck lineup in 2026. This rugged EV features a set of 18-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch all-terrain tires, a lifted suspension, and a set of red tow hooks. Do you think Chevy will build a production version of the Silverado EV ZR2? Tell us your thoughts below.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Does the Chevy Silverado EV ZR2 Concept Tease Off-Road EVs to Come?
With Mint 400 festivities starting to kick off over in Las Vegas ahead of this weekend's race, Chevrolet has just introduced the world to its latest entrant in the off-road madness. Known as the Chevrolet Silverado EV ZR2 Concept, this 1100-hp electric race truck promises to tackle the multi-day event with almost-entirely factory-sourced hardware under that slick livery. Chad Hall and Hall Racing will helm the concept truck's efforts during the event, continuing the long standing and successful partnership between Hall and Chevrolet. The truck itself is meant to act as a hype machine for the brand's upcoming Silverado EV Trail Boss model, which is set to arrive in showrooms this summer. That vehicle employs a factory lift kit, unique 18-inch wheels, and some 35-inch rubber. The concept takes those ideas and pushes them a bit further, with a prototype set of new Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve continuously adaptive dampers underneath. The setup provides this machine with more than 13 inches of wheel travel at either axle, helped along by massive 37-inch BF Goodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tires. The truck also benefits from the tri-motor setup found in the GMC Hummer EV, which provides 1100 hp. Locking differentials at either end and additional underbody armor should help keep the truck on track during the multiple loops imvolvd in the Mint 400. 'There is no better proving ground to test the limits of our vehicles than competitive racing,' said Scott Bell, vice president of Chevrolet. 'The Silverado EV ZR2 race truck concept, which uses 98% GM production parts, showcases some of the best of Chevrolet to produce a beyond-capable pickup to tackle a challenging race of the Mint 400's magnitude.' While GM is keen to say this project is meant to promote the Trail Boss, we all know it's only a matter of time until we get a production electric ZR2. The nameplate might not carry the cultural cachet of the Raptor brand,but ZR2 models have established their own dedicated owner base. Given how capable GM's Hummer EVs have proven off-road, I don't think we need to worry much about the capability side of the equation. Customer interest may prove to be another story, however. You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Chevy Hypes Up the Silverado EV Trail Boss with 1100-HP ZR2 Race Truck
The ZR2 is a race truck that will run at the Mint 400, and it features an 1100-hp tri-motor powertrain. Other upgrades include 37-inch BFGoodrich tires, Multimatic spool-valve dampers, and locking differentials. Chevy is launching the Silverado EV Trail Boss this summer, which will bring off-road upgrades to the road-legal electric pickup truck. Electric pickup trucks haven't yet garnered the same interest as their gas-powered brethren. While Chevrolet Silverado EV sales got fully underway in 2024, the 7428 units sold were just a blip on the radar compared with the regular Silverado's 560,264 total sales. Still, Chevy hopes to spark more interest in its full-size electric truck with a new racing version, developing the Silverado EV ZR2 to compete in the Mint 400, an off-road race in Nevada that kicks off this week. Better yet, the race truck hints at a road-legal Trail Boss off-road trim coming later this year. The Silverado EV ZR2 was developed over just five months and features around 98 percent GM production parts. Compared with a normal Silverado EV, the ZR2 features beefier front and rear suspension parts specifically tuned for off-roading. The truck also has a substantial lift, with the taller ride height also resulting from its 37-inch BFGoodrich KM3 mud-terrain tires. Another crucial addition to the Silverado EV ZR2 is the exotic Multimatic semi-active spool-valve dampers. Described as prototype units, Chevy says they allow for more than 13 inches of front and rear wheel travel. The ZR2 race truck also features locking differentials and underbody skid plates to protect the vital components. Even more intriguing, Chevy says the race-ready ZR2 has a tri-motor electric powertrain that churns out 1100 horsepower. That's substantially more than the road-going Silverado EV RST, which maxes out at 754 ponies with its dual-motor setup. The race truck's powertrain is likely adapted from the tri-motor configuration found in the most potent version of the Hummer EV pickup, which shares its bones with the Silverado EV. Chevy claims the ZR2's powertrain produces 11,500 pound-feet of torque—matching the claimed output for the tri-motor Hummer—but we believe this is measured at the wheels in a similar way to the misleading number GM touted in its 2020 Super Bowl ad. Measuring torque in a more traditional way would likely result in an output of around 1000 to 1100 pound-feet of torque, still a mightily impressive figure. The Silverado EV ZR2 will race alongside the gas-powered Silverado ZR2 and Colorado ZR2 race trucks, with the trio being entered by Chad Hall Racing. The Silverado EV ZR2 will run as the only entry in the Open Production EV class. Chevy engineers will work closely with the race team, and Chevy says the learnings will be applied to production vehicles and performance accessories. The Silverado EV ZR2 also emerges as Chevrolet readies the 2026 Silverado EV Trail Boss for its launch this summer. Chevy first showed a Trail Boss version of the Silverado EV way back in 2022, but Silverado EV production took longer to ramp up than expected, and the Trail Boss seems to have fallen by the wayside as the brand worked to get other Silverado EV variants on the road. Now, Chevy is ready to introduce the off-road trim, which will receive a factory-installed lift, 18-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch all-terrain tires, red tow hooks, and a dedicated Terrain mode. The Trail Boss appears here in a red-orange hue, showing off its redesigned front bumper and model-specific wheels. Chevy says more details on the Silverado EV Trail Boss will arrive soon. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
