Chevrolet took some time at the Texas State Fair this week to illustrate the versatility of the new Silverado with a pair of concept trucks aimed at very different niches. The Silverado Z71 Volunteer Firefighter concept and the Silverado Black Ops concept are at opposite ends of the action-truck spectrum.
The Volunteer Firefighter concept is designed as the ultimate vehicle for America’s thousands of grassroots first-responders, and was developed with input from the National Volunteer Fire Council. The Silverado Z71 is painted red and silver and sports twenty-two inch wheels, a light bar and body accessories pulled from the official Chevrolet catalog including an over-the-cab gear rack. In addition, the truck features chrome fire extinguishers, an axe and Halligan tool, and 3M reflective material stitched into the seats. The Silverado Z71 Volunteer Firefighter concept’s 5.3 liter V8 engine, transmission and suspension are stock.
The Silverado Black Ops truck takes preparedness to an even greater extreme. Also built on around a stock powertrain with a slightly lifted suspension, this truck features a lockable bed-mounted storage unit that includes a solar power pack, gas masks, gloves a first aid kit, shovel and rope. Massive fuel and water storage units and a crate of food have also been mounted on the bed. A front bumper winch and spotlights have been added, while fender flares and tubular steps from the Chevrolet accessories catalog have been added. Inside, the black seats have yellow piping, and the eight-inch navigation screen ensures that Silverado Black Ops drivers will have some idea of where to go in the wasteland.
