GMC will soon launch an even more hardcore version of the already impressive 2023 Canyon AT4X in collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), briefly showing a fully covered prototype to CarBuzz. The AEV badge, however, was purposely left uncovered. This comes only a few days after Chevy released its own teaser images of the also-upcoming Colorado ZR2 Bison, which is set to be revealed on May 31. GMC has not provided a reveal date just yet but it will definitely happen this year.

Chances are the AT4X AEV Edition - which is what we're calling it until GMC announces the official name - will be very similar to the ZR2 Bison in terms of packaging and overall capabilities. It makes sense for GMC to have a ZR2 Bison equivalent as the brand continues to expand its vehicle trims. The just-revealed Sierra HD AT4X AEV Edition is proof.

Based on the ZR2 Bison and what we saw in person, the Canyon AT4X AEV will come equipped with hardcore off-roading features like a lifted suspension, 35-inch tires, and a unique front bumper with fog lights. What we'd really like to see is a more powerful version of the 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is rated at 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque in the Canyon AT4X (pictured below caked in mud). GMC, as expected, had no comment when we inquired.

It's unlikely that either the ZR2 Bison or AT4X AEV will offer a diesel variant, unfortunately. The previous generation ZR2 Bison had an optional 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel four with 186 hp and 369 lb-ft. GMC did a good job of hiding the truck's details but, again based on Chevy's teasers, it's fair to assume the AT4X AEV will boast additional features like dual front-mounted tow hooks, a skid plate, and some trim-specific styling bits. And it definitely won't come cheap.

The 2023 Canyon AT4X Edition 1 costs $66,290, including the $1,495 destination fee, so definitely expect the AT4X AEV to be pricier. The hardcore mid-size truck war is about to get underway with not only these GM trucks but also the upcoming Ford Ranger Raptor. An all-new Toyota Tacoma is right around the corner as well and we're anxious to see what TRD has in store. It probably won't be quite as extreme as the Ford, Chevy, and GMC.

Our Canyon AT4X test drive review is coming soon and based on what we experienced with that the AT4X AEV is going to be truly phenomenal. Stay tuned.