The SEMA concept Volunteer Firefighters Chevrolet Silverado Double Cab, equipped with the Z71 off-road suspension, was developed with the National Volunteer Fire Council. Photo courtesy of General Motors.
Chevrolet revealed two new concept trucks, the Volunteer Firefighter and Black Ops, using the 2014 Silverado full-size pickup at the Texas State Fair on Sept. 27.
Chevrolet developed the Silverado Z71 Volunteer Firefighter concept truck to honor the service of grassroots first responders. It was designed with input from the National Volunteer Fire Council. The concept vehicle features a full range of rescue equipment on a new Silverado double cab equipped with Z71 off-road suspension.
The Silverado Volunteer Firefighter concept has room for personal gear such as a turnout coat and pants, firefighter helmet, air pack, and gloves. It’s also outfitted with the tools and safety equipment needed in a support vehicle.
The Black Ops concept is based on the Silverado Crew Cab 4x4. Features include custom-fabricated lower body armor and a lockable, bed-mounted Truck Vault storage unit.
The SEMA Black Ops concept, based on the Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab 4x4, would be used during emergencies. Photo courtesy of General Motors.
Chevrolet Design Manager Dave Ross called the Black Ops concept "a survival kit on four wheels."
A generator, fuel can, and water can are mounted atop the storage unit, as well as a crate stocked with food. The Silverado’s available CornerStep bumper makes it easier to reach into the bed to retrieve the survival gear, while the available locking tailgate with EZ-Lift-and Lower feature enables easier operation. An internal torsion bar reduces the effort to raise and lower it while a rotary damper allows for a controlled and more gradual lowering motion.
It features a front-mounted winch with a custom cover that has a bright, light-emitting diode, or LED, spot light and integrated tow hooks. The truck also has a raised suspension that provides extra ground clearance. Additional exterior concept equipment includes custom bed rails and a light bridge – equipped with forward- and rearward-facing light bars, bolt-on fender flares, and four-inch tubular assist steps, and off-road tires.
