Chevrolet has blown the covers off its concept trucks and SUVs on the eve of the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Besides the high-performance Silverado Cheyenne concept, the GM brand has brought five other Silverado-based custom concepts, as well as two studies based on the Tahoe SUV and one based on the Suburban.
The 2015 Chevrolet Suburban Half-Pipe Concept targets winter sports’ fans and is equipped to haul adventurers and all their ski and snowboard gear to the slopes. The SUV is equipped with Chevrolet Accessories’ roof rack and crossbars to mount skis and other equipment along with Chevrolet Accessories 22-inch wheels and center caps for a more distinctive appearance. The interior features a Blu-ray-based rear-seat entertainment system and leather-trimmed seats.
The Tahoe Black concept is an aggressive take on the full-size SUV thanks to the lowered stance, all-black profile and a custom aero-style body package. The blacked-out exterior trim, Chevrolet Accessories 22-inch wheels custom-painted dark gray, tinted headlamps and tinted windows all around also contribute to the Tahoe ’s sinister look. On the inside, the Tahoe is trimmed in black leather with Carbon Flash Metallic trim accents.
There's also the Tahoe Police concept that offers a preview of how the future police version of the new Tahoe could look like. The SUV includes the Tahoe 9C1 police package’s standard equipment, including a 5.3L V-8 engine rated at 355 horsepower, a six-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch steel wheels, police-specific suspension and auxiliary battery for emergency equipment.
The Brad Paisley Signature Silverado is a signature-edition concept dedicated to country music star Brad Paisley, who collaborated with Chevrolet designers on the truck. The custom Silverado features a custom paint job, high-performance accents, a lowered stance and an amped-up sound system. Paisley’s logo is featured on the paint scheme, while performance upgrades include a hood extractor vent, tailgate aero lip and Borla exhaust system. On the inside, there’s a rear-seat entertainment system and a Kicker subwoofer.
Another Silverado dedicated to a celebrity is the Tony Stewart Silverado concept. The NASCAR driver and team owner collaborated on the design of the custom truck, which features Smoke graphics that symbolize his racing spirit, a Dark Tarnished Silver color, tinted headlights and taillights as well as several Chevrolet Accessories components. These are a tonneau cover, four-inch chrome assist steps and 22-inch wheels with a custom finish. The headrests feature Stewart’s signature.
The Silverado Volunteer Firefighter concept is not new, as it was previewed in September . The concept shows how the new Silverado can be adapted for fire departments. The Silverado Double Cab equipped with the Z71 Off-Road suspension features a series of rescue equipment and offers room for personal gear such as a turnout coat and pants, firefighter helmet, air pack and gloves. Outfitting includes tools and safety equipment needed in a support vehicle.
Also revealed in September, the Silverado Black Ops concept includes features designed to offer support in an emergency – including custom-fabricated lower body armor and a lockable, bed-mounted Truck Vault storage unit. It holds a solar power pack, a pair of gas masks, gloves, military first aid kit, folding shovel and rope, among many others.
Chevrolet’s 2013 SEMA lineup also includes the Silverado HD Dually tow vehicle, which demonstrates the hauling capability of the all-new 2015 Silverado HD. The crew cab concept is shown in Chevrolet’s SEMA Show display hitched to a custom trailer holding a COPO Camaro race car and with a new COPO racing engine and transmission in the bed.
By Dan Mihalascu