Hunting Raptors: Chevrolet reveals Beast Concept

Chevrolet unleashes Silverado-based Beast Concept

Chevrolet has just revealed one helluva concept truck that could give the F-150 Raptor a good scare. Called the 'Chevy Beast', this souped-up truck is the bow-tie brand's idea of a high-performance desert runner.

“The Chevy Beast concept takes the popularity of high-performance off-road trucks to the next level. It’s 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,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance and Motorsports.

Using a shortened Silverado chassis, the Beast is a large open vehicle with partial doors, angular body panels, and steel tubing for added protection should the vehicle roll over. In order to maximize its capabilities off-road, Chevrolet made sure it has little to no overhangs to maximize its angle of attack on steep grades. The result is an approach angle of 45 degrees, a departure angle of 46.5 degrees, and a break-over angle of 35 degrees.

Complementing the vehicle's short overhangs is a custom suspension system. The front axle has concept upper and lower arms race-spec adjustable struts with remote reservoirs. Meanwhile, the rear has a concept 5-link system with a Panhard bar and fully-adjustable racing shocks with remote reservoirs.

As far as stopping power is concerned, the Beast uses four-wheel disc brakes with Chevrolet Performance Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers at the front. Traction comes in the form of 37-inch AMP Terrain Attack M/T tires on 20-inch beadlock wheels.

At the heart of the Beast is a 6.2-liter supercharged V8. It makes an impressive 650 PS and is hooked up to a ten-speed automatic transmission. In true 4x4 fashion, it has a 4WD system and a two-speed transfer case.

While the Beast Concept will unlikely make it into production, it could serve as a prelude to a souped-up Silverado that might give Ford something to think about. Heck, we won't be surprised if some of its parts will find their way to production 4x4 models as optional upgrades or for a special 4x4 model.

If you could take the Chevy Beast for a spin, where will you take it?