Manoli Katakis 
Unfortunately, a supercharged Chevrolet Silverado isn’t happening from the factory anytime soon. And it’s a bummer, as deep-pocketed customers these days seem to be lining up around the block paying top dollar for performance trucks these days. Just as well, it’s led to some crazy third-party conversions and projects. Look no further than the six-figure Rezvani Tank or the Hoonigan Warthog as examples. And today, on the the eve of the 2021 SEMA Show, we bear witness to the LT4-powered Chevy Beast concept. And it looks like it’s driven by The Master Chief himself.
Chevy Beast Concept: LT4 Power, 37-Inch Tires, Recaro Seats
The Chevy Beast concept is actually based on a modified Silverado short-bed chassis, but you’d be forgiven if you couldn’t tell, due to the incredible body work that looks straight out of a video game. And while a supercharged Silverado isn’t happening, it’s clearly not far from the thoughts of whoever designed the Beast, as it features a Chevrolet Performance LT4 650-horsepower supercharged crate engine paired to a 10L90 10-speed automatic. This is the same power unit that can be found in the Camaro ZL1. A two-speed transfer case is included as well.
To prep the chassis of the Chevy Beast, its Silverado frame was shortened and a custom-designed, 4130 chromoly tubular safety structure was integrated. Because this thing looks to get down on the trails. Handling the sandy bumps at high speed is a long-travel off-road five-link suspension system, which Chevrolet is describing as a “concept”. The supercharged Silverado-based truck also features a widened track measuring 91-inches, 20-inch beadlock wheels wrapped around 37-inch off-road tires, as well as the Chevrolet Performance Big Brake Upgrade System.
Looking at the body of the Chevy Beast, we can see tubular doors, a custom front grille that looks inspired by the 2022 Silverado ZR2, and a clamshell-type front end, while the rear of the truck features little overhang. In the truck bed, we see a pair of super necessary spare tires, along with Baja Designs off-road lights on the roof.
The Chevy Beast designers even took the time to integrate four Recaro racing seats with four-point harnesses, as well as a pair of 7-inch-diagonal LCD screens that monitor vehicle functions and performance data, including pitch and roll during off-road driving scenarios.
Hopefully there are enough hand raisers at the 2021 SEMA Show for Chevy to consider producing this supercharged super truck.
Chevy Beast Concept Specs:
| Wheelbase | 126.87 inches |
| Overall length | 204 inches |
| Track | 91 inches (front and rear) |
| Maximum suspension travel | 12 inches (front) 15.5 inches (rear) |
| Ground clearance | 13.5 inches |
| Approach angle | 45 degrees |
| Departure angle | 46.5 degrees |
| Breakover angle | 35 degrees |
| Engine | LT4 6.2L V-8 supercharged (650 HP) |
| Transmission | 10L90 10-speed automatic |
| Driveline | 4WD (with 2-speed transfer case) |
| Front suspension | Concept upper and lower control arms and fully adjustable racing strut assemblies with remote reservoirs |
| Rear suspension | Concept 5-link with Panhard bar and fully adjustable racing shocks with remote reservoirs |
| Brakes | Four-wheel discs, with Chevrolet Performance Brembo front brakes equipped with six-piston calipers |
| Wheels | 20 x 10-inch Raceline RTM260M Avenger True beadlock |
| Tires | 37 x 13.5-inch AMP Terrain Attack M/T |
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