Chevrolet is gearing up for the 2016 SEMA show by launching this Silverado 2500HD Carhartt Concept ahead of the show. The truck is a collaboration between Chevy and the iconic workwear brand Carhartt, bringing the two together in this one-off truck. We wouldn’t be surprised, however, if this concept became a limited edition production model.

For those not familiar, Carhartt makes heavy duty work clothing designed to be functional, durable, and warm. The brand is popular around job sites and in the agricultural and equestrian fields. Carhartt jackets, the brand’s most popular item, have even become a fashion statement among the blue collared crowd. Chevy is undoubtedly trying to capitalize on this, just like it has with RealTree in the past.

In a press release, Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet Truck’s marketing director, said, “Chevrolet HD trucks are designed for hard work, and just like your favorite Carhartt, their functionality transcends the workplace to become a style statement. This concept vehicle mirrors the lifestyles of countless Chevy truck owners, demonstrating the personal connections with the tools of their trades.”

Piszar continues saying, “Thousands of people go to work every day and earn their paycheck in a Chevy truck while wearing a Carhartt. Those products’ durability and versatility earn respect and loyalty that’s passed on — and that’s exactly what this concept explores.”

Now with that understanding down, let’s have a look at the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Carhartt Concept.

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

Exterior

The Carhartt Concept takes a conventional Chevy Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab Z71 and adds several bespoke and dealer-available parts to give the truck a one-off look. The truck is painted in a two-tone black color scheme, with the lower half coated in a glossy black finished while the upper portion receives a Carbon Flash matt finish. The two are separated by a pinstripe color keyed to Carhartt’s iconic Duck Brown color.

Up front, the grille receives unique Antique Nickel accents that match the mirror caps, fog light surrounds, and 20-inch, five-spoke wheels. The front bumper gets a single-row LED light for off-road use and bespoke triangular tow hooks. The hooks are also finished in the Antique Nickel color. Around the sides, the Carhartt C is painted onto the door just above the Silverado logo. Black side steps help ease entry and exit from the cab.

Around back, the cargo box features a toolbox and swing-out tool chest – both of which are dealer add-ons already available. The tonneau cover is completely unique, being made from the same fabric as a Carhartt jacket. The rear bumper also has the triangular tow hooks like the front. The bed also features electrical outlets for powering tools. We’d not be surprised to see this item make production for 2018.

The truck’s 20-inch wheels are unique to this concept, but remind us of the five-spoke wheels once used on the Silverado SS. They come wrapped in mud-terrain tires for superior traction when off the beaten trail.

Interior

Note: Standard Chevrolet Silverado HD interior shown here.

A collaboration between an automaker and a clothing maker generally results in a bespoke interior featuring familiar materials as offered by the clothing maker. This concept is no different. Carhartt and Chevy worked together to integrate the Carhartt material into the seat bolsters, arm rests, and door panels of the Silverado – all being stitched together with Carhartt’s triple-stitching method. The Carhartt logo is also laser-etched into the headrests, giving the truck a true Carhartt branding.

Beyond those changes, the 2017 Silverado 2500HD’s interior is stock. Still, it includes all the latest tech from Chevy, including the MyLink infotainment system, large driver information screen, and Chevy’s new exterior camera system.

Drivetrain

Powering this truck is Chevy’s completely revised 6.6-liter Duramax V-8 turbodiesel. Just about everything with this engine has been changed except for its displacement. It features a cast-iron block with induction-hardened cylinder walls, and a deep skirt design. The four-bolt main bearings are cross-drilled for added strength and the crankshaft is now made of forged micro-alloy steel and feature larger-diameter connecting rod journals.

The engine also has a new oiling system said to keep temperatures down and lubricity up, giving the engine a longer life. The oil cooler is also 50 percent larger than before and a two-piece oil pan helps with weight reduction and sound deadening. New cast aluminum pistons and aluminum cylinder heads are present – the latter of which is a segment first in diesel engines. A new variable-geometry turbo generates 28 psi of boost, helping generate the added 48 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque the 2017 Duramax has over its previous generation.

All told, the improvements give the engine 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque.

The engine comes mated to the Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission, which also gets a slew of upgraded internal components designed to handle the Duramax’ newfound torque. The Carhartt Concept is also 4WD, meaning GM’s heavy-duty, part-time transfer case is mounted to the Allison. It offers RWD, 4WD high, 4WD low, and neutral positions.

Conclusion

The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Carhartt Concept seems to be a match made in blue collar heaven. Both brands are well respected within our skilled labor force and the concept should make quite a splash at the 2016 SEMA show in Las Vegas. For those who want to see the truck in person, SEMA kicks off on November 1, 2016 and lasts through November 4.

SEMA will undoubtedly be full of wild and crazy concept trucks, but this collaboration between Chevy and Carhartt will probably be one of the more feasible and respectable at the show. Chevy would likely be very wise to send this truck into production.

Let us know what you think about this concept in the comment section below.