For now, just call it the “Chevy Off-Road Concept.” This is because Chevrolet has quietly memory-holed the “Beast” name from its media materials, following its bombshell debut at the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas a month ago. And while it’s officially going by a new alias, we believe fans will continue to refer to it as the “Chevy Beast” for quite a while. Because, with 650 horsepower, military-inspired styling, and top-shelf off-road performance hardware, it’s exactly that. A beast.
A Chevrolet spokesperson provided MC&T the following statement:
*We were recently approached by an entity objecting to our use of the Beast name. The team is evaluating alternatives for the Chevy LT4 crate engine off-road concept vehicle shown at SEMA 2021.*
It was clarified from Chevrolet that the Beast name) was not under any sort of trademark and copyright dispute, even as bespoke automaker Rezvani uses the “Beast” name for its Ariel Atom-based sports car that hits 60 in under 3 seconds.
When asked if the “entity” would object to other devilish names in the industry such as “Demon” and “Hellcat“, we were told that there’s “nothing more to add at this time.”
Image copyright Manoli Katakis, Muscle Cars & Trucks.## “Chevy Off-Road Concept”: Details
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 Chevy Off-Road Concept, 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 Off-Road Concept, née 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.
Image copyright Manoli Katakis, Muscle Cars & Trucks.
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.
Chevy Beast Concept was not too far away from being street legal as shown. It would need an actual windshield, a defroster, fender flares that cover the tires, and windshield wipers. The LT4-powered off-road vehicle also features a “producible” suspension system. Keen observes may also have noticed that the steering wheel appears to be from the C8 Corvette parts bin.
As for whether or not you’ll ever get a chance to buy one, a Chevy Performance engineer said to “make your voices heard” if customers want to see it put into production.
Chevy Beast Concept Specs:
Wheelbase126.87 inchesOverall length204 inchesTrack91 inches (front and rear)Maximum suspension travel12 inches (front)
15.5 inches (rear)Ground clearance13.5 inchesApproach angle45 degreesDeparture angle46.5 degreesBreakover angle35 degreesEngineLT4 6.2L V-8 supercharged (650 HP)Transmission10L90 10-speed automaticDriveline4WD (with 2-speed transfer case)Front suspensionConcept upper and lower control arms and fully adjustable racing strut assemblies with remote reservoirsRear suspensionConcept 5-link with Panhard bar and fully adjustable racing shocks with remote reservoirsBrakesFour-wheel discs, with Chevrolet Performance Brembo front brakes equipped with six-piston calipersWheels20 x 10-inch Raceline RTM260M Avenger True beadlockTires37 x 13.5-inch AMP Terrain Attack M/T
Image via Chevrolet
