Want a 2022 Silverado ZR2? You’ll have to buy it from a dealer

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December 6, 2021
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3 comments

During the launch of the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2, General Motors announced it would not take reservations for this truck. Now, as the truck heads into production it’s official: You can’t pre-order or reserve one.

But that’s a good thing, and here’s why.

Unlike so many other vehicles under this wacky, social-distanced, post-pandemic world, Chevy wants you to get the ZR2 straight from the dealer. It’s an adjustment for GM fans who were able to pre-order the GMC Hummer EV, Cadillac Lyriq and even the two Blackwing iterations of the Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V.

So why the change?

“The determination of whether or not a brand takes reservations is totally a case by case basis for each brand at GM and dependent on a number of product and business factors,” said Megan Soule, Director of Chevrolet Trucks & Full-Size SUV. “There was no specific deterrent, just a brand business decision not to do it. We’re confident our strategy is right for the Chevy Silverado ZR2, our dealers and interested customers.”

When will dealers get it?

Soule confirmed that the truck maker was not taking reservations for the ZR2 but said, “They will begin rolling out to dealers in late Q1 2022 as we’ve shared earlier at reveal in September.”

But just how many off these off-road trucks will be available? Well, Soule was more ambiguous when asked that very question.

“We do not share expected volumes of product trims.”

With all the chip shortages going on throughout the automotive industry it’s creating inventory shortfalls, so worries that at a ZR2 on a dealer lot will be a rare find are legitimate for some enthusiasts. And not being able to reserve one could cause angst amongst those who are interested. It could, in fact, cause customers to choose between a ZR2 and a Trail Boss.

What differentiates the ZR2?

The 2022 Silverado ZR2 will have a 6.2-liter V-8 engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. As such, it will produce 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.

New to the Silverado, and just for this ZR2 package, are the Multimatic 40mm DSSV spool-valve dampers. These, paired with the new uniquely tuned springs will increase maximum front and rear suspension travel. A new 2-inch lift, 18-inch wheels with 33-inch tires plus front and rear e-lockers which are user selectable provide an increased approach and departure angle. The one-pedal rock crawling feature and unique skid plate package also add to the off-road capability.

The ZR2 will only have crew cab configuration with either the short bed or long bed.

The bottom line on buying a 2022 Silverado ZR2

We don’t think it’s a bad thing to get back to the dealership method. Sure, that process can be long and grueling and full of exhausting negotiations. But dealers are currently struggling with inventory issues and this affects jobs and the economy.

And hey, I might be the only one who likes the art of negotiation when it comes to the buying process. I see the appeal of pre-ordering, but I also like the actually going to the lot, finding the truck you like, actually driving it and then hopefully walking away with a great deal.

What do you think? Do you like going to a dealer or would you rather just pre-order a truck?

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3 comments

  • Yes this just means dealers are taking advantage charging $10-20 “market adjustment” no thanks i can wait until they are not charging this.

  • All this means is that dealers are going to soak you for a market adjustment.

  • GM is obviously limiting production, so dealers will mark up the price over the MSRP. I would never buy one under these conditions!

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