One of two Chevrolet Colorado concepts that were presented at the 2017 SEMA Auto Show is reportedly headed to production. That’s the word coming out of Off-road.com, which alluded to the Colorado ZR2 AEV as the concept that could be turned into a full-blown production model. Specific details have yet to be revealed, but if it’s true, the production version of the Colorado ZR2 AEV will probably carry the “ZR2 Bison” name.

You’re in luck if you’re one of the people who was impressed by the ZR2 Concept that Chevrolet built in partnership with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). According to a Chevy dealer who talked to Off-Road.com, General Motors has plans of turning the concept into a full-blown production model. That was made clear in a GM dealership meeting in Las Vegas where the automaker showed the production model and confirmed that the model will be available in dealerships “soon.” No official timetable was given, but the expectation is that the ZR2 Bison could be a 2018MY unit.

If it does end up getting that name, it will be a fitting answer to speculation surrounding General Motors’ trademark of the “ZR2 Bison” name earlier this month. The trademark filing even included a logo that read “ZR2 Bison,” which just so happens to be the same animal that you can find on AEV’s logo. Coincidence? I don’t think so.

As far as the model itself is concerned, the report indicates that, apart from a few missing components, it’s going to look a lot like the concept that was showcased at SEMA. Some of the elements that won’t make it to the production model include the snorkel, bed rack, and the air compressor access panel. It is possible, though, that these pieces could still be included as options.

Beyond that, we can expect the ZR2 Bison to feature plenty of items from the concept, including the new long-travel suspension setup that was developed by Chevrolet Performance. The Bison could also get new bumpers, high-clearance fender flares, complete underbody skid plate protection, deadlock wheels, and a set of 35-inch BF Goodrich KM2 Mud-Terrain tires.

Most of the other items featured on the concept could also be packaged as aftermarket kits from AEV itself. I can’t imagine Chevrolet offering an ARB refrigerator, aluminum storage cases, NATO-style fuel cans, a James Baroud USA awning in the bed, and a Warn 9.5xp-s winch and a Hi-Lift jack as standard equipment, so if a customer wants them included in the ZR2 Bison, they could probably get it through AEV.

A 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine is probably what will power the ZR2 Bison. It’s unclear if Chevy’s going to tune the mill to generate more power, but in standard form, it has 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque at its disposal. There’s also the possibility that the special edition pickup will be available with a 3.6-liter gasoline engine, though don’t get too excited about that unless we get confirmation from the General or the Bowtie.

Ultimately, the success of the ZR2 Bison as a production model will largely depend on its cost. The same source told Off-Road.com that the special edition pickup could cost around $45,500, while a fully outfitted version, complete with all the bells and whistles from AEV, will run up to around $50,000.

References

Read our full review on the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado.

Read our full review on the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 AEV Concept.

Read more Chevrolet news.