While the SEMA show might not be open to the general public, it’s still fun to look at and fantasize about the different concept models featured there. With last year’s show drawing more than 60,000 consumers, it only makes sense that a lot of automakers want to get in on the action this year, and proudly display their logo and concept vehicles. Therefore, it’s not surprising to see Chevy pump out some absolutely badass concept cars for the 2016 show, which is set to take place between November 1-3.
Let’s take a look at a few of these rides, and mingle tears with our drool as we realize that we Average Joes will never get our hands on any of these vehicles — not even for a test drive.
Chevy Silverado 1500 High Desert
Ah, the Silverado – perhaps the most iconic Chevy vehicle ever built. A truck that truly inspires men and women to get out of bed early in the morning, lace up their boots, and work until the sun goes down.
But, the days of sacrificing comfort for utility are over. The High Desert concept is a great example of this. While it’s actually a range-topping trim that currently exists at dealerships, available on the LT, LTZ, and High Country models – with a package that adds Magnetic Ride Control – Chevy made sure to include some extra goodies on this year’s SEMA rig.
Starting with a performance exhaust, which adds an extra 7 horsepower, bigger brakes, illuminated bowtie grille emblem, and all-weather floor liners. While that light-up bowtie logo makes Chevy fans jump with joy, it’s actually the 22-inch anodized bronze finish wheels that steal the attention of your eyes.
Chevy Camaro Turbo AutoX
While the concept of autocross racing might be a humorous concept to some of you, there is nothing funny about the Camaro Turbo AutoX concept model.
It has a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine, stiffer suspension, easier-breathing intake/exhaust systems, and better brakes. Why the four-banger? Because the power-to-weight ratio makes it much easier for autocross, which involves a lot of technical driving and tight turns between cones as you try to beat the clock. While I can agree on that point, the 20-inch wheels seem like an odd choice for that type of driving.
Oh, and there is also a GoPro camera mounted on the body, too. Pretty sweet, huh?
Chevy Colorado Z71 Hurley
The Colorado has gained a lot of attention from Chevy over the last few years: winning Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year Award in 2015 simply for kicking ass overall, then winning the same award again thanks to the introduction of a diesel engine in 2016 — which also made it the first midsize truck to have a diesel engine. In 2016, Chevy also collaborated with the military to make a drool-inducing hydrogen-fuel cell powered concept rig.
So, is it really a shock to see another Colorado concept model at the SEMA show? Why slow down if there is so much hype built up around their midsize mogul, am I right?
Anyway, the Colorado Z71 Hurley concept looks like the truck for beach bums. That’s Hurley as in the board-clothing line that you see all over the place, by the way. It’s meant to be a mobile beach house, with a surfboard rack, plenty of storage, and even water-resistant seats.
An illuminated black bowtie makes an appearance, along with off-road lights, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and sport steps to round off that more adventurous look. In other words, it’s totally tubular, bro.
Chevy also unveiled three other concept rides, including a COPO Camaro — which is supposed to be a hallowed tribute to the fastest Camaro drag model that was ever produced. But, like with all concept cars, most of us can only play the look but don’t touch game.
