Every year at the annual SEMA show in Las Vegas, hundreds of specially made cars, trucks, and SUVs are introduced to the automotive industry. Designed by both automotive manufacturers as well aftermarket parts companies, these special edition models are the highlight of the expo year after year. Most of these specially designed vehicles will never make it to market, but every year there are a few deemed worthy enough for mass consumer production.
The bowtie brand had an especially successful year at the 2015 SEMA Show, and as a result, there will be new special edition Chevy trucks for sale by next year.
Chevy Silverado History
The Silverado has been produced by Chevrolet since 1999, and has been one of the best selling pickup trucks in America ever since. Winning multiple awards over the years it has been in production, Silverado pickups are exceptional examples of quality American made trucks.
Silverado drivers value the quality, dependability, and functionality that Chevrolet offers on its full size pickup. Aside from the standard model lineup, drivers have also come to appreciate the level of creativity and uniqueness that the brand strives for in its limited edition Silverado models.
Over the years, the Silverado has been sold as various limited edition models and has been offered with different special packages. Each one of these trucks is tailored to the unique attributes it represents, and the latest special edition Silverado is no different.
Chevy Announces Limited Edition Silverado Special Ops Model
One of the many special edition Chevy pickups showcased at SEMA this year, the Silverado Special Ops, has been picked up by Chevrolet for a limited production run. Designed specifically with the United States Navy in mind, this is one of the most patriotic Silverado pickup truck models to ever hit dealer showrooms.
Based on the Silverado 1500 Z71, the Special Operations Silverado model is expected to go on sale this upcoming Spring of 2016. For viewers who were paying attention during the Army vs. Navy football game in early December, the new Special Ops Silverado made an appearance on the field before the game started. The exterior design and added touches to this Silverado model were striking, to stay the very least.
The production run of the Special Ops Silverado pickup is not likely to feature the exact specifications of the truck that appeared at SEMA back in November, or at the Army vs. Navy football game in December. Despite this fact, industry insiders are expecting many of the truck’s attributes to appear on the limited production release of the Special Ops Silverado. And from everything we have seen of this truck so far, we sure hope they are right!
Unique Exterior
The first thing that is noticeably different on the Special Ops Silverado model, is the exterior paint job. The incredibly unique exterior treatment is a black and blue camouflage pattern, inspired by the Navy military branch. The camouflage treatment is subtle, offering a unique take on the pattern without being overbearing.
Aside from the paint job, the Special Ops Silverado includes other great exterior features unique to this limited edition model. Among these exterior additions include a sport bar, underbody shield, LED off-road lights, 20-inch aluminum wheels with off-road tires, custom rocker guards, and wheel flares. The Specials Ops Silverado was designed for off-road adventure, and comes equipped ready to tackle any terrain, at any time of day.
Chevrolet has not announced any further details on the limited production run of the Special Ops Silverado truck. While we expect the exterior to mirror that of the truck showcased at the SEMA Show, any further details would be purely speculative.
More Than Simply a Truck
Despite their lack of any further information regarding the Special Ops Silverado pickup, Chevrolet has announced that part of the sales from each of these trucks will benefit the Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida. Drivers who purchase one of these unique Silverado pickups, will be playing an important part in securing the history of one of America’s military branches.
Chevrolet’s commitment to the United States and the various programs they have in place to give back to the local and national communities, is just a small part of what makes the Silverado more than simply a pickup truck, and Chevrolet more than simply an automotive manufacturer.
At the same time Chevrolet gave the official word that the Special Ops Silverado will make it into mainstream production, the bowtie brand also announced that their military discount program is expanding. The Chevy Salutes program will now include all 23 million United States veterans and their spouses, which makes it the largest program of its kind.
7 Things to Know About Silverado 1500 Z71
Seeing as how the recently announced Special Ops Silverado is based on the 2015 Silverado 1500 Z71 model, we thought it would be helpful to include an overview of the popular pickup. We may not know everything Chevy has up its sleeves for the Special Ops Silverado, but we can discover the best features that the truck it’s based on includes.
The exterior styling of the Special Ops Silverado is pretty well set, so let’s take a look at seven of the most impressive features on the Silverado 1500 Z71 model, to help us get a better picture of what Chevy has in store for the limited edition pickup.
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Automatic Rear Locking Differential
Standard on the Z71 model of the Silverado, it is a safe assumption that the Special Ops version will also include this technology. This system works by sensing a difference in wheel speed, and locks both rear wheels at the same time, for added traction.
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Trailering Package
Also included on Z71 Silverado models, this package features a trailering hitch platform, a 2-inch receiver, 4-pin connector, and a 7-wire harness for secure trailering circuit connections. This pickup can safely haul any trailer with hook ups to parking lamps, turn signals, brake lights, and more.
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MyLink Infotainment System
This advanced entertainment system from Chevrolet features a 4.2-inch diagonal color screen, USB ports, an auxiliary jack, and an SD card slot.
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Bluetooth Connectivity
Drivers can seamlessly and safely connect their smartphone to the Silverado’s Bluetooth technology interface. Drivers can make and receive phone calls through the pickup’s audio system, without taking their hands off the wheel.
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Intuitive Storage Solutions
The Silverado Z71 pickup features front 40/20/40 split seats, complete with an under seat storage compartment for added convenience.
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Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
The leather wrapped steering wheel is also standard on this model, and also features audio controls integrated into the steering wheel column.
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OnStar Plan
The Silverado Z71 includes the OnStar Directions and Connections plan for the first six months of vehicle ownership, helping drivers find their way, no matter how far they end up from home.
These seven things come standard on the 2015 Silverado 1500 Z71 model, and are the features that we hope make it to the Special Ops Silverado model when it is released this Spring. There is no guarantee that Chevrolet will include the same standard features of the pickup it is based on, but with no further information from the bowtie brand – it’s as good of a guess as any.
