I saw the announcement this morning and it's a little different than what I was expecting. Then again, for an out-the-box offroad-capable rig like the ZR2, it's pretty hard to improve on the mild lift and suspension ride it already has. So, what else...
The bumpers are nice, rear corners are eased and have slider protection, good recovery points. Front bumper looks a little tame, no recovery points, except for what looks like some tow hooks UNDER the bumper. If it's winch-capable, why aren't there pictures of it reeling in a new Warn? The driving lights are nice I guess, but they're probably low-power OE halogen and it looks like it causes less ease of the bumper corners versus the ZR2's. Probably not a big deal, but, also, did anyone pause to think that the lamps look a little Toyota-ish? More of a question, and less of a negative point.
I'm not real enthused with the wheels because they appear to be cosmetic-only. They are nice. AEV wheels that you'd buy for a Jeep come in a different offset so a much larger tire can be fitted, and the other 'meh' point: GM elected to retain the 31" Duratracs which are NOT A LIGHT TRUCK TIRE. The OE tire on a ZR2 is for standard passenger loads. So basically it's just a unique wheel design with no extra function which is fine, but it seems to be less aggressive/trail-looking than the stock ZR2 design.
Some badges, a new plastic grille, embroidery, all cool stuff for what will probably be at least a $5k add-on to the sticker of a ZR2, but it's a really neat rig apart from the decal-job. Maybe not Jeep AEV-conversion cool, but it has some of the flavor, and one of its better points, it comes from the factory equipped with the AEV bits already.
I think one of the real value points is in the skid plates. If the truck isn't getting higher, then at least it can drag easier. Diff plates, fuel tank plate, all good stuff to help out a longer-wheelbase vehicle like a truck in real offroad situations.
Snorkel...I'm not going there. Thankfully it's an add-on accessory.
As for the "Bison" name, it's kind of confusing since when I think "Bison" I think of this gargantuan animal, like maybe it would be a nameplate for a full-size truck. I guess "Elk" didn't quite convey the kind of presence GM/AEV were looking for. But it's still cool, GM/AEV are making me want one, unfortunately they already got me with the ZR2!!