While details are sparse, and GMC went to great lengths to obscure nearly the entire vehicle by wrapping it in a full body suit, it was kind enough to leave the truck’s tires and wheels uncovered. This singular detail confirms AEV’s involvement in the project as its popular Salta wheels adorn the Canyon with “Salta” and “GMC” displayed prominently on the wheel face (these wheels are also offered on the 2024 GMC Sierra Heavy Duty AT4X AEV Edition announced at basically the same time). Wrapping the wheels are impressively large 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires.
If we are to let our imaginations run wild, with what we know about the previous generation Colorado ZR2 Bison, and the current 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AEV Edition, we can piece together a fairly complete picture of what GMC’s alpha midsize off-roader will be. We know that the truck’s suspension will be lifted slightly above the AT4X’s already high-riding stature, in part to accommodate the larger rolling stock. The truck will also retain the AT4X’s impressive Multimatic DSSV dampers, though they are likely to be retuned to handle the increased tire mass.
There will probably be unique front and rear bumpers and there’s a good chance that it will come from the factory with a front recovery winch, much like the 2023 Canyon AT4X Edition 1. If the 2024 Colorado ZR2 Bison teaser is any indication, the forthcoming Canyon will also be outfitted with a full complement of steel underbody skid plates, including a front bash plate, engine, transfer case, fuel tank, and rear differential skids. Yet to be seen is if these will be constructed of AEV’s heavy duty Boron steel, as they were on the first-generation Colorado ZR2 Bison.
Expect the truck’s powertrain to remain the same as the standard 2023 Canyon lineup, with a 310-hp 2.7-liter turbocharged engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. Ground clearance will improve to about 8.0 inches at the differential (11.0-inches at the body), thanks to the larger-diameter Goodyear tires. We also expect approach, departure, and breakover angles to all improve as well over a similar AT4X. Overall styling and body shape appears similar to the standard Canyon AT4X, though, and the optional rocker guards will likely come standard with an AEV snorkel finding its way to the options list.
GMC provided no information on when we can expect more information on this upcoming off-road model, however, given that the company recently pulled the wraps off the 2024 Sierra Heavy Duty AT4X AEV Edition, and that the 2023 Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition is already on sale, we suspect the wait won’t be much longer. In addition, GMC has also been mum on the truck’s name, but it’s not going to take a rocket surgeon to figure this one out.
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