Chevrolet Beast concept to debut at SEMA

American maker’s big pick-up truck is headed for Australia later this year and it has shown just how radical it could be.

2021 Chevy Beast SEMA concept.

American car maker Chevrolet has debuted a wild new ute concept.

Dubbed “The Beast” the wild off-road focused utility packs powerful performance and rugged rock-hopping ability.

It’s based on the Silverado pick-up truck, which is due to go on sale locally later this year via Aussie importer and converter General Motors Special Vehicles (GMSV).

The Beast is powered by a massive V8 engine.

Chevy has taken the regular Silverado ute and packed in a beefy 6.2-litre supercharged V8 engine that makes a whopping 485kW and an estimated 850-plus Nm. This is matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission driving all four wheels.

The regular Chevrolet Silverado HD headed for Australia is powered by a 6.6-litre V8 turbodiesel engine that in the US pumps out 332kW and 1234Nm. Australian power figures will be confirmed after final certification. It can tow up to 6000kg.

It is designed to showcase the brand’s aftermarket accessories and parts.

The Beast is scheduled to make its debut at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, which is where companies show off their aftermarket wares.

To highlight its aftermarket ability Chevrolet has added plenty of extras.

There are massive 20-inch wheels wrapped in 37-inch all-terrain tyres, and Brembo brakes add impressive stopping power.

It has a wider track than normal and has boosted suspension that aims to provide impressive handling during high-speed off-roading.

The Beast uses the Chevy Silverado as a base.

There are impressive approach and departure angles and heaps of ground clearance along with skid plates for tackling rough tracks.

Two spare tyres in the tray, open cabin and off-road LED lights round out the Baja desert racing vibe.

Inside there are two seven-inch screens that monitor the vehicle’s performance and the front seat passengers are strapped in the Recaro sports seats via heavy-duty four-point harnesses.

Jeff Trush, GM program manager, pace car and specialty show vehicles says there is nothing like The Beast,

“It delivers a ton of performance and capability, which makes it adept at conquering rough terrain — and it flat-out flies in desert running,” he says.