Leave it to Chevrolet to make beasts out of their vehicles!
Chevrolet just introduced a new concept, a “high-performance desert running” vehicle that looks like something straight out of an action movie. The automaker company is showing off the latest military-inspired design as part of its yearly SEMA Show, as reported by a press statement.
The Chevy Beast is a four-seater-off-road vehicle with a customized pickup body that sits on a modified Silverado chassis and runs on a Chevrolet Performance LT4 650-horsepower supercharged crate engine. The V8 engine comprises of 10-speed automatic with a two-speed transfer case that runs the Beast’s four-wheel-drive system with ease.
The beastly vehicle also uses a long-travel suspension concept system with a five-link rear suspension which allows for a wider 91-inch track to help in better stable handling during off-road runs or cruising through the desert safari.
Jim Campbell, vice president of Performance and Motorsports of General Motors U.S says the Beast is “a vision for a new dimension of Chevrolet Performance capability from a brand that’s been pioneering performance and supporting customer personalization for more than 50 years.” The automaker company also recently announced a new 1000-hp, 10.4 liter crate engine which makes it a bold decision during an era where everyone else is converting to electronic vehicles.
The concept design of the Beast takes inspiration from the Defense Infantry Squad vehicle which is being developed by Chevrolet’s parent company General Motors. Still, “there’s nothing else like The Chevy Beast,” says Jeff Trush, GM program manager, Pace Car and Specialty Show Vehicles. “It delivers a ton of performance and capability, which makes it adept at conquering rough terrain — and it flat-out flies in desert running.”
But unlike the Defense Infantry Squad vehicle, which is in development phase, the Beast is just a concept for the time being and it’s plausible that we won’t get to see it anytime soon but hey, one can dream right?