Chevy S-10 ZR2: Big Tires, Serious Off-Road Credentials

5 inches larger than most off-road tires on mid-sized pickups and SUVs. The size offers better flotation on soft surfaces, thicker sidewalls for puncture resistance, and increased ground clearance.

But bigger tires bring drawbacks: higher rolling resistance cuts fuel economy, and the extra weight (about 12 pounds per tire) can overwhelm stock shocks, leading to a bouncy ride. GM spent $30 million to redesign the S-10's front end, including a new subframe that raises the ZR2 two inches and maintains wheel travel.

The package also includes nearly two-inch-diameter Bilstein shocks and four-inch fender flares.

The ZR2 rides quieter and more calmly on highways than other trucks with similarly sized tires, thanks to progressive leaf springs and a Panhard rod. The tires, developed with BFGoodrich, have a round shoulder for a longer footprint, keeping steering precise.

Power comes from a 4.3-liter V-6 with either 165 or 195 horsepower, the stronger engine is recommended. Zero to 60 mph takes 9.1 seconds, and the EPA city rating is 17 mpg. The part-time four-wheel-drive system can be engaged at any speed, and aluminum skidplates protect the underside.

The column-mounted automatic shifter is imprecise, often landing in second gear when downshifting from fourth to third. Still, the ZR2 impresses on pavement. The package costs $1,685 on an S-10 LS regular cab starting at $15,760. GM expects to sell 15,000 units, just five percent of S-10 sales.

The hardware will appear on 1995 Blazer, Jimmy, and extended-cab models.