If you take a quick look around the super-truck market you’ll notice one big omission; Chevrolet. Ford has its Raptor and RAM has its TRX but GM has no rival product of any kind. Now, the folks over at Specialty Vehicle Engineering are offering a smaller pickup that can keep up with both of those mainstream pickups.
Powered by a 750-horsepower supercharged 5.3-liter V8 with 600 lb-ft of torque, it’s more potent than either the RAM or the Ford. Of course, considering that it’s mounted inside the engine bay of a Colorado, it’s smaller and lighter too. If you’d rather have a RAM or Ford fighter that’s similarly sized, SVE also makes an 850-horsepower Silverado.
We think the Colorado-based Xtreme could be the way to go though. It’s not too brash or outlandish and only comes in factory paint colors. We don’t have any hard facts and figures about speed but SVE says that it “could easily qualify as the quickest limited* production mid-size pickup truck for the 2022 model year.”
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They do note that they’ll only build 50 of these and that’s why there’s an asterisk up there in that quote. All units will use the same blueprinted L83 aluminum block, a forged 1538MV twisted steel crankshaft, ARP high-strength head, and main studs, as well as an OEM-quality centrifugal supercharger.
This isn’t just about dropping a big bad motor under the hood either. SVE also uses a BDS 4-inch high-clearance lift kit, as well as six-piston brakes in front along with 13.6-inch, vented rotors. This truck should be capable of off-roading or even Dakar-style high-speed off-road driving with the best of them.
The only obvious signs that this is far more than a lifted Colorado have to do with subtle exterior touches. Xtreme badges are found on each side including on the front grille and rear tailgate. Out back, you’ll find a quad-exhaust pipe setup that very clearly marks this truck as different. Up front, the hood has a small but slick hood scoop.
Buyers can further customize the inside of their truck with upgraded leather upholstery with red and white stitching. Xtreme V8 Supercharged logos can be added to the headrests as well. No pricing has been announced but every Xtreme will come with a three-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty.