The GM Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) stands as a testament to purpose-built engineering, a rugged off-road marvel that, despite its close ties to the civilian Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, remains exclusively within the domain of military deployment. This robust machine is meticulously designed to transport infantry units and their equipment through challenging terrains, offering a glimpse into the sophisticated adaptations required for modern defense operations. Its enhanced power, specialized suspension, and tactical features set it apart, making it an object of desire for off-road enthusiasts while simultaneously being an unavailable asset for the civilian market.
The GM Defense ISV is not merely a modified civilian SUV; it's a vehicle re-engineered from the ground up for combat readiness. Unlike its consumer counterpart, the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, the ISV is stripped down to its essential components, featuring a javelin-thin exoskeleton of Spartan steel tubing. This design choice prioritizes functionality and durability over aesthetic appeal, allowing it to move nine American infantrymen and their gear into and out of hazardous environments. The vehicle's dimensions are carefully calibrated for military applications, standing 73.9 inches high, 79.9 inches wide, and 207.1 inches long, with a 128.6-inch wheelbase and 10.7 inches of ground clearance. These specifications, coupled with an impressive approach angle of 45.2 degrees and a departure angle of 40.84 degrees, ensure exceptional maneuverability across varied landscapes. Its lightweight structure, weighing 4,930 pounds, allows it to be transported by air, fitting snugly inside a CH-47 Chinook helicopter or sling-loaded beneath a UH-60 Black Hawk.
Manufactured in a dedicated facility in Concord, North Carolina, the ISV demonstrates remarkable versatility. It is not confined to a single configuration but can be adapted for various roles, including an Infantry Utility Vehicle. Furthermore, it can be outfitted as an Infantry Cargo Vehicle, featuring two seats and an extended cargo bed, which also serves as a casualty evacuation platform. Another specialized variant is the Infantry Utility Mission Power Vehicle, which offers four or five seats and integrates a high-voltage battery pack. This system stores energy generated by the vehicle's engine, allowing it to export power for critical equipment and defense systems. This variant is also engineered for low acoustic and thermal signatures, providing a tactical advantage in the field.
The powertrain of the ISV is formidable, utilizing GM’s Duramax 2.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine. This engine delivers a robust 275 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, significantly outperforming the Duramax found in the civilian Colorado ZR2 by 89 horsepower and 51 pound-feet of torque. This power is channeled through a six-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel-drive system, which includes Dana front and rear electronic locking differentials and a two-speed transfer case with a 2.62 low range. The braking system features 12.8-inch front disc brakes and 13.1-inch rear disc brakes, complemented by BF Goodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3 315/70 R17 tires equipped with run-flat inserts for enhanced durability in extreme conditions. While the ISV incorporates a high percentage of readily available commercial parts, its suspension system notably benefits from specialized Chevrolet Performance components. The vehicle boasts a payload capacity of 3,200 pounds and an overall load allowance of 5,000 pounds. A critical feature for military operations is the driveline’s StabiliTrak system and a 'Combat Mode,' which disables non-essential safety overrides to enable soldiers to extract themselves from dangerous situations effectively.
General Motors has a rich legacy of providing military vehicles to the U.S. government, a tradition that was revitalized with the establishment of GM Defense LLC in 2017. Although GM had previously sold its defense division to General Dynamics in 2003, it continued to engage in government-related projects. The ISV project, secured through a $214.3 million Army contract, marked a significant milestone for the new subsidiary. Following this success, GM Defense secured an additional $36.4 million contract in September 2021 to develop the Large Support Utility Commercial Vehicles for the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service. This initiative has since led to the production of the GM Defense Suburban Shield, an armored and upgraded version of the Chevrolet Suburban, further solidifying GM Defense’s role as a key supplier of specialized vehicles for governmental needs.
The Infantry Squad Vehicle, or ISV, epitomizes a vehicle engineered for extreme functionality rather than civilian comfort. It foregoes luxurious amenities like cup holders or navigation systems, focusing instead on a critical fusion of speed, resilience, and survival capabilities. This uncompromising design philosophy makes it profoundly appealing to serious off-road enthusiasts who appreciate its raw, unadulterated performance, even though this exceptional military-grade machine will never be available for purchase or personal use by the general public.