Chevy adds a supercharged engine to a Silverado frame by adding a chromoly tubular framework.
Chevrolet’s new concept, the Chevrolet Beast, is an off-road vehicle that looks rugged and military. It will be at this year’s SEMA Show. Don’t expect to see this machine speeding through desert terrain anytime soon.
The Beast rides on a short-bed Chevy silverado chassis. Attached to the upper section of 4130 chromoly-steel tubing are a few angular panels and a clamshell section. The vehicle is mostly open, with only small partial doors and partial windshields. The roof is dominated by a small light bar. The rear section houses a pair full-sized spare tires.
The Chevrolet Performance LT4 supercharged 6.2 liter V8 produces 650 horsepower (485 kilowatts). It can be hooked up to a 10-speed automatic transmission with a 2-speed transfer case, which sends power through the four-wheel-drive system.
The suspension is receiving a major overhaul in comparison to the Silverado. Concept upper and lower control arms are featured with remote reservoirs. The back uses a five-link configuration with Panhard bars and adjustable shocks. It is equipped with off-road tires measuring 37 inches and wrapped around 20-inch beadlock wheel.
These components allow for 12 inches (30.48 cmimeters), and 15.5 in (39.37cimeters), of wheel travel at each end. The track measures 91 inches (231.1 cms) and the ground clearance 13.5 inches (34.9 centimeters).
Chevy does not provide a clear view of the cabin, but describes it as having a minimalistic and functional design. Two seven-inch LCD screens display all the information on the instruments. The people in front view them. Recaro racing seats are used by the four passengers.
The Beast’s overall appearance is reminiscent the GM Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle (video above) that the company is currently building for the military. The Beast is built for utility and speed more than speed. It can transport a nine-man squad of soldiers and is powered by a Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with over 186 horsepower (139 kW) or 369 pound-feet (599 Newton-meters).