Boasting a completely new chassis and updated mechanical hardware, the new 2011 Chevrolet Silverado made its official debut today at the Chicago Auto Show. And if it looks no different than the 2010MY, that's because General Motors focused its attention on what matters most for work trucks the chassis and engine lineup resulting in improved payload and trailer capability as well as better fuel economy.
The most significant change to the 2011 Silverado is the all-new, fully-boxed frame assembly. GM says that the bending and beaming stiffness of the frame is increased 92 percent and 20 percent, respectively, with the fully boxed sections enhancing torsional stiffness by a factor of five.
There's also a redesigned independent front suspension system that offers up to a 25-percent greater front axle weight rating – up to 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg) front gross axle weight rating (FGAWR), while at the back, there's new, larger asymmetrical leaf-spring design.
The standard four-wheel disc system has also been upgraded with a set of larger 14-inch front and rear rotors while Duramax-equipped models now get a new exhaust brake system.
Under the hood, GM re-engineered the Duramax 6.6-liter V8 diesel delivering more power and torque along with an 11 percent increase in fuel economy on the highway.
The Duramax is linked to an Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission that has been strengthened to handle the higher torque capability of the improved diesel engine.
The company said that with the Duramax/Allison combination, preliminary testing showed 0-60 mph times of less than 9 seconds and quarter-mile times of less than 16 seconds in 2500HD models. That's about 0.3-second and 0.5-second quicker, respectively, than previous models.
For those that prefer gasoline fuel, the Vortec 6.0-liter V8 with variable valve timing returns to the new heavy-duty trucks, along with a strengthened version of the Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission.
Detailed specifications on both engines are to be released at a later date.
So what does all this mean in terms of towing and payload capability? According to GM, the maximum conventional (ball hitch) towing rating has been increased to 16,000 pounds (7,257 kg), while the 3500HD crew cab/long box can tow up to 20,000 pounds (9,091 kg) with a fifth-wheel hitch. The maximum payload capability for the 3500HD is 6,335 pounds (2,873 kg).
As for the styling updates, most will find it hard to spot the differences as they are limited on the outside to a power dome-style hood with a new, louvered design, restyled grille and full-width chrome steel front bumper plus a new lineup of 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheel/tire combinations.
The new Silverado will go on sale in the States this summer.
15 Comments:
looks like every other POS chevy truck to come out of detroit since 1998. HUUUUUGE step ahead with OUR money. Thanks Chevy!
The Americans likes Them Tiny...
6.6 Diesel
and screw the world
You know, because tradesmen wouldn't ever use one...given how the service-based economy has probably never done any hard work beyond a pissing spreadsheet.
it's ugly.
Looks fine to me I don't know what all this bickering is about. It's a WORK TRUCK and they made a good deal of improvement's which all around make it better. Better fuel economy, better handling, higher payload capacity. I don't know where anonyass is from but people here in the US of A don't buy work truck's because they're pretty they buy them because of the functional purpose they serve.
But people will bitch about anything these days, lol.
exactly Adr1ft, since most Americans in the great US of A buy work trucks to actually use them for work. You know all of these pickups i see here in TX are just chalk full of hay bales and towing big trailers and all. I have yet to see an empty pickup truck bed with a man in a suit going to a 9-5 desk job, or a mom dropping off kids at an elementary school. that just never happens. and im sure they need that extra 6' of cargo space to get those groceries home... all that milk would never fit in a Tuareg.
It's because many people nowadays overlook the working class.
Work in the working class like I did, and you won't see vehicles like these was wasteful, but as a labour saving tool that your livelyhood depends on.
c'mon (some of you) guys were Americans. We need to stand by OUR big three. I'm proud of e'm!
Ah! Another brutish, commercially themed truck for the fearful and self-loathing, emasculated American male.
My penis may have shriveled away, but I have a BIG macho truck and my country can bomb you into oblivion.
All salute the god of war with a 'Dick Cheney' special edition coming soon to a Chevrolet dealer near you.
^ clearly someone who's not of the working class nor understands thier struggles.
^_ Hardly
Working at mcdonalds doesn't count as working class.
^ Now that is news... Lets poll the fast food workers of America...seems we have a new sub-class of workers, or is that a 'Sub-sub' class.
"C'mon (some of you) guys were Americans. We need to stand by OUR big three. I'm proud of e'm!"
-Im really happy with the big three, MY big three. My girl's happy too.
"^ Now that is news... Lets poll the fast food workers of America...seems we have a new sub-class of workers, or is that a 'Sub-sub' class."
Yeah, workers wiht no formal training; THEY AREN'T WORKING CLASS!!!
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