Fox Factory opened a performance vehicle development division to create turnkey trucks that can compete with the best off-roaders on the market, with the performance ceiling directly proportional to the buyer’s checkbook. The PVD department has already put its magic wand on the Ford Bronco to introduce the Fox Factory PVD Ford Bronco KOH Edition and on the Jeep Wrangler to produce the Black Widow Edition Wrangler (Fox also owns the Jeep specialist Black Widow) . Next up is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST, whose conversion to a Fox Factory Edition gives bowtie lovers the chance to run through the dunes in the manner of the Ford F-150 Raptor and Ram TRX.
First and foremost are the changes: a Whipple GenV 3.0-liter supercharger and billet aluminum air-to-water intercooler, increasing the 6.2-liter V8’s stock 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque to about 700 horsepower and 640 lb-ft increases. This mountain of momentum is distributed in one direction to both axles via the Silvy’s standard 10-speed automatic transmission and two-speed transfer case. The front and its 3.73 gears have been reinforced with RCV Performance CV axles, while a custom JE Reel driveshaft spins 3.73 gears in the full-width Dana 60 semi-floating axle, upgraded with an ARB closer. At the corners there are forged 17-inch Method wheels with Bead Grip technology – street-legal beadlock rims – on 37-inch BFG KO2 tires. The other outlet for the engine’s waste products is a Borla cat exhaust.
The magic of the home team lies in the electronically controlled, semi-active FOX 3.2 Live Valve threaded shock absorbers, whose various damping programs can be selected at the push of a button in the driver’s cab. The shock absorbers use the Brenthel Industries long-stroke Baja kit front and rear, and the rear leaf springs are replaced by a multi-link arrangement with long-stroke aluminum trailing arms. Fox says the usable travel (the wheel arch, not the shock extension) is 14.5 inches at the front and 15.5 inches at the rear. That beats the Raptor with Fox shocks and 35-inch tires by half an inch at each end (the Raptor R with 37-inch tires has less travel than the Raptor) and beats the TRX and its Bilstein shocks with 35-inch tires. Inch tires back by 1.5 inches front and rear. At high speeds, the Fox Factory Silverado ensures smoother landings thanks to hydraulic bump stops.
The chassis work widened the pickup’s standard track by six inches, which equates to a 7.5-inch widening of the body to 88.5 inches when counting the body panels. The designers covered the interior parts in carbon fiber everywhere, from the bed to the front fenders and rear bed sides. Powder-coated steel bumpers at both ends ward off enemies and 60,000 lumens of Nacho lights illuminate the road ahead. Another unicorn in the standard kit is the setup of a single or double spare tire in the bed.
Of course, inside you’ll find lots of Alcantara and carbon fiber, as well as a neat little pattern on the seat inserts.
Each vehicle is backed by a three-year/36,000-mile warranty. Fox is now ready to build these, its super truck being offered at a super truck price: MSRP starts at $209,999, and reservations for a spot in line require $20,000. However, it sounds like there’s more to it than just money, Fox adds: “Our team will be in touch within the next seven days to provide you with further details on the entire application process.” with you.