Along with approving nods from the press have been the votes cast by customers. In the first quarter of 2007, Silverado sales were up 5 percent, including a 26-percent jump alone in February.
“The redesigned Silverado is a winner in all respects,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “Its combination of style, capability and refinement make it the segment benchmark and we’re working all the time to make it even better.”
The Silverado lineup is built on an all-new platform that was introduced last year. It supports a smoother ride and confident handling while delivering segment-leading capability and power. A lineup of powerful small-block V-8 engines complements the stronger chassis to deliver the light-duty segment’s highest-rated towing capacity for the higher-volume crew and extended cab models (10,500 pounds / 4,763 kg), horsepower (367 hp / 274 kW)*, with a maximum payload capacity of 2,160 pounds (980 kg).
There are three cab styles – regular, extended and crew cab – and three cargo box lengths: 5 foot 8 inches (short), 6 foot 6 inches (standard) and 8 foot (long). The pickup is available in four trim levels: WT, LS (crew cab only), LT and LTZ; and is available in 2WD and 4WD.
Changes to the Silverado 1500 for ’08 are minor, reflecting customer preferences enhancing its value story. They include standard XM Satellite Radio on all models, availability of a power-adjustable driver’s seat on regular cab models with a bench seat, brighter instrument pointers in the gauge cluster and two new exterior colors: Dark Cherry Metallic and Deep Ruby Metallic.
Also new is an integrated trailer brake controller that is available on extended cab and crew cab models. Previously, this feature was only available on heavy-duty models; it is integrated with the ABS system and provides immediate and measured brake force signaling to electric-controlled trailer brake systems. There is no requirement for external and/or aftermarket brake control systems. The Bbake controller switch is conveniently mounted on the lower-left section of the instrument panel.
Silverado’s pure pickup design
The Silverado’s exterior design delivers on its reputation as the industry’s strongest, most dependable and longest-lasting pickup truck It has a broad, chiseled face, which accents a broad-shouldered stance and gives the Silverado a powerful, muscular presence. The front-end appearance is unique to Silverado, including the front fenders, grille, headlamps, bumpers, power dome hood, taillamps, box design and flared rear fenders.
Silverado’s large grille and a prominent gold bow tie are flanked by premium-look, reflector-optics headlamps. A power dome hood rises from the front end, alluding to the workhorse power plant beneath it. The large, vertically stacked headlamps are pushed to the outer edges of the body and have a detailed, jeweled appearance that reinforces the trucks’ refinement.
A chrome bumper is standard on LT trim level models, while LTZ trim level models receive body-color front bumpers. The door handles are robust, grab-style designs, which are designed for easy use with gloves. The popular Z71 Off Road package offers unique exterior appointments and body side identification.
Silverado models are offered with a range of 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheels. Eighteen-inch wheels are optional with the Z71 package. Twenty-inch wheels are available on LT and LTZ models.
Spacious, refined interior
The Silverado features two completely distinct interiors to meet the diverse needs of today’s pickup consumer. The WT, LS and LT trim levels feature the pure pickup interior and the LTZ trim level features the same luxury-inspired interior that is currently available on Chevrolet’s full-size utilities.
Silverado models are more spacious inside, with increased storage capacity. Spaciousness is enhanced with new, “low and forward” instrument panels. The instrument panel offered as part of the LTZ trim level is five inches lower and farther forward than previous-generation models. The WT, LS and LT trim level features an instrument panel that is 3.5 inches lower and farther forward.
The pure pickup interior offered on WT, LS and LT trim levels features larger controls and door handles that are easier to use with gloves. A large-capacity, double glove box is integrated into the instrument panel. Cloth seats are standard on WT, LS and LT models; leather seating is available on LT models along with a six-way, power-adjustable driver seat. A new, lockable in-seat storage bin is built into a new 40/20/40-split bench; it is large enough to store a laptop computer and features a 12-volt power outlet. WT models are offered in a Dark Titanium interior color; LS and LT models are offered in Ebony or Ebony/Light Titanium and Ebony/Light Cashmere combinations.
LTZ models feature a luxury-inspired interior with a unique instrument panel, door panels, larger-capacity center console that offers 20.1 liters of undivided storage and other distinct trim. Heated, 12-way, power-adjustable leather front seats are standard, along with a Bose speaker system and heated windshield washer system. Crew cab LTZ models add rain-sensing automatic windshield wipers, a rear-seat audio system and large glove box that offers approximately five liters of storage capacity. LTZ interior color schemes include Ebony, Dark Titanium/Light Titanium and Ebony/Light Cashmere combinations.
Standard on crew cab models and available on extended cab models is a stadium-style rear seat with a 60/40-split design and folding center armrest. It can be easily folded up with one hand, without using a release handle, to provide an uninterrupted load floor. Or, either section of the split seat can be stowed independently, allowing room for both cargo and a rear-seat passenger.
Entry to the rear seat/storage area of extended cab models is eased with rear access doors that open 170 degrees. Power-operated rear side windows lower completely into the 170-degree access doors, providing 100-percent openness on LT and LTZ trim level vehicles. A power sliding rear window is available on extend cab and crew cab configurations with LT and LTZ trim levels.
Confident and capable driving experience
Built on GM’s new full-size truck platform, the Silverado incorporates features such as a fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. It also has wide front and rear tracks that enhance stability and driving confidence through a more secure road feel.
Responsive ride and handling traits deliver a heightened feeling of control while supporting class-leading capability, including segment-best towing capacity of for crew and extended cabs 10,500 pounds (4,763 kg) and a maximum payload of 2,160 pounds (980 kg).
The front suspension consists of a coil-over-shock design that delivers linear, solid and unwavering ride-and-handling characteristics on all road surfaces. Steering is handled with a responsive rack-and-pinion system that provides precise control and strong on-center feel. A Hotchkiss-type rear suspension provides superior isolation and ride with a splayed arrangement for the shock absorbers.
Silverado is offered with five suspension systems, each tailored to suit specific driving requirements:
* Z83 – Delivers a solid, smooth ride with monotube front shocks and twin-tube rear shocks.
* Z85 – Designed for enhanced handling and trailer towing, with monotube front and rear shocks.
* Z71 – Delivers enhanced off-road capability; features specific monotube front and rear shocks.
* Z60 – Designed for maximum street performance and offered with 20-inch wheels.
* NHT – Designed for maximum towing capacity; it includes monotube rear shocks, 17-inch wheels and off-road tires, and high-capacity rear springs
A high-capacity brake system with a four-channel ABS system provides superior stopping capability. ABS is standard on all models and is linked to the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system to help mitigate the occurrence of rollover events.
GM’s sophisticated StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is standard on crew cab models and available on extended cab models – and is a segment exclusive. Partnered with new brake system and four-channel, four-sensor electronic brake controls, the system provides more precise, controlled ABS stops, as well as enhanced traction/yaw stability.
Small-block-based powertrains
Silverado models are powered by an efficient lineup of engines, led by the segment’s highest-rated V-8 engine family. Advanced technology, such as Active Fuel Management (AFM) and variable valve timing (VVT), helps Silverado deliver the segment’s best fuel economy. A FlexFuel engine is available – and partnered with fuel-saving AFM – giving customers the choice of powering their truck with E85 ethanol, gasoline or a combination of both fuels. Light-duty engine offerings include:
* 4.3L V-6 (LU3), rated at 195 hp (145 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm).
* 4.8L V-8 (LY2), with iron block; rated at 295 hp (220 kW) and 305 lb.-ft. of torque (414 Nm)*.
* 5.3L FlexFuel V-8 (LMG), E85-capable with iron block and Active Fuel Management, rated at 315 hp (235 kW) and 338 lb.-ft. of torque (458 Nm)*.
* 5.3L FlexFuel V-8 (LC9), E85-capable with aluminum block and Active Fuel Management, rated at 315 hp (235 kW) and 338 lb.-ft. of torque (458 Nm)*.
* 5.3L V-8 (LH6), with aluminum block and Active Fuel Management, rated at 315 hp (235 kW) and 338 lb.-ft. of torque (458 Nm)*.
* 5.3L V-8 (LY5), with iron block and Active Fuel Management, rated at 315 hp (235 kW) and 338 lb.-ft. of torque (458 Nm)*.
* 6.0L V-8 (L76), with aluminum block, variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management, rated at 367 hp (274 kW) and 375 lb.-ft. of torque (508 Nm)* – this engine is available on LT and LTZ extended and crew cab models as part of the maximum trailering package.
The engines are backed by proven Hydra-Matic electronically controlled automatic transmissions, including the proven 4L60 four-speed automatic and, with the 6.0L engine, a high-capacity 4L70 four-speed automatic.
The maximum trailering package combines the 6.0L V-8 and 4L70 four-speed transmission with a heavy-duty 9.5-inch rear axle, locking differnetial 4.10 axle ratio, heavy-duty cooling system and other enhanced features to enable the segment-best (crew and extended cabs) towing capacity of 10,500 pounds (4,763 kg).
Safety and security
Silverado delivers 360 degrees of safety protection through a stronger frame and body structure as well as industry- and segment-leading technology. It is also designed to provide increased compatibility with other vehicles. Features include segment-first StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation technology, roof-mounted rollover-capable head curtain side air bags, which are integrated into strengthened chassis and body structures to provide excellent passenger protection, and segment-first safety belt pretensioners that activate during a rear-end crash. The rollover capable head curtain side airbags are available on LT and LTZ models.
Additional safety features are offered on Silverado, including factory-installed remote vehicle starting (a segment exclusive), Autotrac active transfer case to help keep the vehicle sure-footed in slippery driving situations, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist and a revised, easier-to-use tire pressure monitoring system.
All retail models come standard with the OnStar Generation 7 system, including a one-year subscription to the Safe & Sound plan. The OnStar service includes the General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, making crash data available to emergency services to potentially dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster. If the vehicle is in a crash that activates an air bag, the OnStar system automatically notifies an OnStar advisor who will check on the occupants or summon emergency help if necessary. OnStar also can assist authorities in locating a vehicle if it is reported stolen and provides remote door-unlocking service (for vehicles equipped with power locks).
*SAE certified.