Chevy Unveils New Camo Silverado, We Bet You Can’t Spot It
Outside of putting a rippling star-spangled flag across your rear windscreen, there really isn’t anything more American than a camo-clad Chevy truck. It’s a styling cue that signifies a driver’s affinity for Mother Nature, and that he’s not afraid to slap her around a bit with some mud-hugging all-terrain tires and a locking differential. So when Chevrolet introduced an outdoor-inspired 2016 Silverado Realtree Edition the other day, GM-supporting sharpshooters and fishermen across America must have been overjoyed.
Designed to appeal to enthusiasts, Chevy says this collaboration “leverages the strength, versatility and personalization possibilities of the Silverado and distinguishes it with camo graphics from Realtree, the world’s leading camouflage brand,” a move that comes in the wake of a decade-long partnership between the two companies.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the name “Realtree,” know that it’s one of the world’s leading camouflage designers, marketers, and licensors, with over 2,000 licensees utilizing the camouflage brand. Outside of adorning a big-ass Silverado, thousands of outdoor and lifestyle products are available in Realtree camouflage patterns, and the brand recognition associated with it remains significant to say the least. Committed to “supporting individuals and groups that work to ensure our outdoor heritage,” Realtree is also an active conservationist of natural habitats, and encourages the preservation of the wildlife that resides there.
In an effort to honor these core values, Chevy’s Realtree Edition package will be offered on Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71 crew cab models, and includes exterior camo graphics and Realtree logos embroidered on the front-seat headrests. Additional touches will feature more Realtree camo logos and graphics, along with some specialty black trimwork, black Chevy bow ties, off-road assist steps, and a set of black 20-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. Equipped with the renowned Z71 off-road package, this rugged offering will also include Rancho monotube shocks, Hill Descent Control, an underbody shield, and a G80 auto-locking rear differential.
“The capability of Chevy trucks has always enabled customers to go where they want to go and that’s the inspiration for the new Silverado Realtree Edition,” says Sandor Piszar, director of Chevrolet Truck Marketing. “Personalized for the outdoorsman, this great-looking, very capable Silverado offers another choice for customers looking for a truck with style, capability and dependability.”
“Working with the team at Chevrolet on this new Realtree Edition Silverado really brought home to me just how important the right truck is for outdoor enthusiasts,” said Bill Jordan, Realtree designer and president. “You just don’t realize how much goes into building a true performance vehicle until you look behind the scenes. The men and women at Chevy truly delivered on this project. This truck has the perfect combination of features, comfort and safety – whether you’re driving around town, on the highway or off road.”
Building upon what is commonly known as “the most dependable, longest-lasting full-size pickup,” the Chevy Silverado has morphed into a high-strength steel tank, backed by cylinder-deactivating V8 power that also boasts surprisingly respectable efficiency numbers. When we got to test and review the 2016 Silverado 1500 back in the fall, we were in complete agreement that this new model indeed builds on Chevy’s ongoing legacy with a fresh face that is highlighted by LED lighting, more advanced connectivity than ever before, and that clever cylinder management system.
Since the Realtree model is a modified Z71 package, buyers can expect to see four-wheel disc brakes with Duralife rotors, and Chevrolet MyLink, which comes standard so that smartphone users can connect with applications such as navigation, hands-free messaging, and more via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The Silverado’s Android Auto also now comes standard on a larger 7-inch radio and is reportedly growing to 8 inches later in the model year.
Much like the rest of the brand, the Silverado comes equipped with 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity for up to seven devices, those equipped with front bucket seats get wireless phone charging capabilities, and an available remote locking tailgate can be added for additional fee. While Chevy still has yet to announce pricing for its Realtree package, it has announced that this limited version is slated to go on sale by spring of 2016.
So grab your camping goods, fishing gear, pocketbook, and sense of adventure, because the great outdoors are waiting, and you might want a truck that’s been modified to meet it head-on for a fun little tussle next time.
