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Ultimate Midsize Adventure Truck: Chevy Colorado ZR2 AEV

Colorado ZR2 AEV SEMA concept, created in collaboration with legendary off-road manufacturer American Expedition Vehicles features the 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine and elevates the ZR2 for even greater adventures.
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Throw your climbing gear in the back, bike and kayaks on the rack, and some friends in the back seat. The ZR2 AEV concept truck is ready for adventure!

Ultimate Midsize Adventure Truck: Chevy Colorado ZR2 AEV
Colorado ZR2 AEV SEMA concept, with American Expedition Vehicles, rocks a 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine and elevates the ZR2 for greater adventures; photo by Chevy

The SEMA Show, the place where the automotive aftermarket world gathers each year, started off with a bang. Chevy Trucks and AEV (American Expedition Vehicles) collaborated on what might just be the ultimate midsize adventure truck. Meet the ZR2 AEV concept.

Colorado ZR2 AEV SEMA concept; photo by Chevy

AEV is best known for quality parts and impressive builds with Chrysler vehicles. The double cab BRUTE, a four-door Jeep Wrangler pickup, is one of its pinnacle vehicles.

The tires on another build, the brand’s burly Ram Prospector truck, can run up to 40 inches. The most popular of their builds are Jeep Wranglers of all sorts, with small modification parts like snorkels all the way up to big modifications like HEMI engine swaps.

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And now, the ZR2 AEV customization gives us a peek at what we may see in the future of Chevy.

Midsize Beast: Chevy Colorado ZR2 AEV

The ZR2 AEV concept is based on the venerable 2.8L Diesel Colorado ZR2. AEV upgrades it with a full suite of suspension parts that Chevy Trucks develops for the platform.

Ultimate Midsize Adventure Truck: Chevy Colorado ZR2 AEV

These suspension modifications provide increased wheel travel and allow for larger tires. While not currently available, they are deep into development and getting a lot of attention. This means the truck will probably be available soon.

Ultimate Midsize Adventure Truck: Chevy Colorado ZR2 AEV

The stock ZR2 is a capable truck on and off road already. These suspension modifications take the truck’s off-road prowess to new heights, at both low and high speeds.

Sneak Peek: Chevy Colorado Upgrades

Legendary off-road parts manufacturer AEV stepped up to the plate with a host of Colorado off-road upgrades. The full program includes front and rear bumpers, complete underbody skid protection, expedition bed rack, high-clearance fender flares, high-rise snorkel, and DualSport beadlock wheels.

Ultimate Midsize Adventure Truck: Chevy Colorado ZR2 AEV

Only the best aftermarket off-road and overland accessories were added to this already heavily upgraded ZR2 concept. The truck includes 35” BFG MT Tires, a full package of LED lighting, ARB fridge/freeze, Alu-Box storage cases, James Baroud awning, Hi-Lift Jack, Warn winch, and Maxtrax.

Ultimate Midsize Adventure Truck: Chevy Colorado ZR2 AEV

The ZR2 AEV concept is a truly impressive off-road midsized pickup that highlights the capabilities and modifications possible on this platform. Wherever your adventures might take you, this concept truck is sure to take you there and back again.

Ultimate Midsize Adventure Truck: Chevy Colorado ZR2 AEV

Now we just have to hold our breath and wait for this concept to become a reality on dealer lots. Chevrolet does very well with special edition trucks, and if this concept gets the attention it deserves, we’ll see something very close to it available soon.

Ultimate Midsize Adventure Truck: Chevy Colorado ZR2 AEV

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