Having previously worked with RAM and Jeep, AEV is not new to collaborations with car companies. Though the standard ZR2 is still a capable truck, AEV notched things higher with the ZR2 Bison. The truck offers more prowess and protection when tackling tough terrain.

Costing $5,750 more than the standard ZR2, the Bison contains features such as all-terrain 31-inch tires, as well as a steel front bumper with integrated fog lights and optional winch support. The Bison also has five steel skid plates covering the engine oil pan, front and rear differential, the fuel tank, and the transfer case.

The Bison comes with two engine options. You can have the 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine which produces 186 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, or the V6 3.6-liter gasoline engine with 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque.

With better torque and an estimated fuel rating of 18 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, the diesel option seems to be the more favored one. The diesel option can also tow up to 5,000 lb.

A Better Bison

Muscle Cars & Trucks recently reported that AEV is planning on taking the Bison a step further. Speaking to the magazine, Matt Feldermann, the company’s marketing manager, spoke about AEV’s plans of offering a bigger tire kit.

Currently going by Bison Plus, a name that is expected to change, it is set to be offered as a standalone package. Instead of having General Motors assemble the ZR2 Bison with the package; the idea is to allow consumers to buy it separately.

During the Overland Expo West, the company showed a ZR2 Bison which featured new fender flares with a much higher clearance. The high clearance is expected to accommodate the planned 35-inch tires without the need for a lift. This enables drivers to capitalize fully on the truck’s suspension geometry.

While the Bison is currently fitted with 31-inch tires, the 35-inch tires will further lower the truck’s current center of gravity. The tires will also give the truck improved grip and more clearance, making it better at tackling tough trails.

AEV Upgrades

AEV plans on exhibiting two Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison pickup trucks fitted with the special package at this year’s SEMA Show later on in November.

According to Feldermann, AEV wanted to have the ZR2 Bison fitted with larger tires from the get-go. The company discussed the issue with General Motors during development, but GM panned the idea.

General Motors would have had to take the truck through completely different sets of tests which would have cost the car manufacturer millions. It became a cost the company saw no need in incurring.

There are still a few details yet to be confirmed. One of them is how much the 35-inch tires and high-clearance fenders will go for once they are released.

The announced Bison Plus package is not the only one AEV has made available as an off the shelf purchase. Matt Feldermann further said that the company is also offering other Bison components such as the winch mounts, skid plates, and bumpers as off the shelf purchases.

This gives the consumer more options to add to their ZR2 Bison. If you want your Bison to have the bumper and skid plates, or just one of the two, you’ll soon be able to easily go and buy them.