SEMA is a place of wild extremes and outlandish fantasy. Custom vehicles sit in the Las Vegas convention center with candy apple paint jobs, insane lift kits, and high-horsepower add-ons. The Chevy Silverado 2500HD Alaskan Edition Concept is not one of those builds. In fact, Chevy brought this concept to preview a production truck. For 2017, the Silverado 2500HD can be had with the Alaskan Edition – a snow plow prep package.

The production version of the Alaskan Edition adds front hook-ups for a snow plow, 18-inch wheels, Goodyear DuraTrac tires, roof market lights, a spray-on bedliner, a 220-amp alternator, skid plates, and heavy-duty front springs. All these items are included in the Alaskan concept, but Chevy added several other components to make it stand out.

These one-off items include a unique silver-accented blue body color with a grizzly bear graphic; chrome finishing on the bumpers, grille, and mirror caps; 20-inch wheels; a front suspension leveling kit; and the huge stainless steel snowplow. Snowplows aren’t generally included in snowplow prep packages, leaving the customer to choose the right one for his particular application and budget.

There are a few more details to check out, so keep reading for more information.

Continue reading to learn more about the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Alaskan Edition Concept.

Exterior

This rendering shows what Chevy dreamed up before ever building the Alaskan Edition Concept. It also looks very close to the actual concept sitting at SEMA. As far as changes, the most obvious is the massive snowplow. This aftermarket item allows the driver to plow a road free from snow in several different ways. The plow can be angled to either side, or can be V-shaped to gather and push snow forward. This is all controlled by the frame-mounted support that holds the plow in place. What’s more, the driver can control most of these changes from in side the cab. The plow also boasts bright halogen lights for nighttime work.

Behind the plow sits the 2017 Silverado 2500HD. It wears a unique shade of blue that’s accented by the silver grizzly bear logo on the cargo bed. The truck is fitted with the Silverado’s exterior chrome package, which brings the chrome grille, bumpers, side mirror caps, side steps, and wheels. The truck also boasts a amber warning light atop the cab. And while the production version of the Alaskan Edition comes with 18-inch wheels, this SEMA concept truck boasts 20-inch wheels.

All told, the truck wears subtle changes that give it a more in-your-face appearance that’s perfect for SEMA.

Interior

Note: Standard Chevrolet Silverado HD interior shown here.

Not a whole lot changes with the interior of this truck, however there are some differences. First, the production version of the Alaskan Edition is only available on Work Truck and LT trim levels. This particular concept truck is build off the LTZ trim level, giving it a more upscale feel. Next, Chevy included a rubberized floor covering to make it easier to keep clean. There are no worries of snow or mud staining the carpet with this setup. Lastly, the standard-issue LTZ leather seats have the grizzly bear logo embroidered on.

Drivetrain

Chevy left the drivetrain alone for this build. That’s because its GM’s newest version of the 6.6-liter Duramax V-8 turbodiesel. It’s nearly completely new for the 2017 model year and it boasts more horsepower and torque than before. In fact, its horsepower figure is currently class-leading. The big V-8 makes an impressive 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of toque.

Note: Standard Chevrolet Silverado HD drivetrain shown here.

Mated to the Duramax is a revamped version of the Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission and two-speed, electronically controlled transfer case. Out back, the Silverado comes with the Eaton G80 automatic locking differential.

Conclusion

The Silverado 2500HD Alaskan Edition Concept isn’t for everyone. In fact, it’s designed to appeal to those hard-working folks who need a plow truck yet want something they can daily drive. That might be a niche market, but it seems Chevy doesn’t mind catering to it.

It’s also worth noting that both Ford and Ram offer snowplow prep packages with their trucks, but neither market the accessory as a “special edition package.” Maybe Chevy is onto something here. Maybe more folks will understand the Alaskan Edition’s purpose more than an just an obscure option box on an order form like Ford and Ram currently have. It’ll be interesting to see of they follow Chevy’s lead in this. Let us know what you think in the comments below.