Silverado 1500

Make
Chevrolet
Segment
Sports Car

GM already gave us a good look at the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado at the end of 2017 during a truck event in Texas. Now the new Silverado has been revealed in full at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show and there is a lot to talk about. For starters, the 2019 Silverado is larger than the previous model, with a wheelbase that is up to 3.9 inches longer and an overall length that is 1.6 inches longer. This gives the new Silverado more cargo volume in the bed as well as more interior volume for all cab lengths.

Despite being larger and more spacious, the '19 Silverado has still managed to drop 450 pounds when comparing crew-cab V8 models. The weight savings comes from the use of aluminum on all exterior swing panels (doors, hood and tailgate). Unlike the Ford F-150, the Silverado's fixed panels (fenders, roof and bed) are made of steel. The theme of mixed materials continues on the front independent suspension, which features new forged-aluminum upper control arms that are lighter than the stamped component that was used on the old truck. The live-axle rear suspension is also redesigned with carbon-composite second-stage springs on LT models that saves 12 pounds over the steel springs they replace.

The LT is one of eight trims that will be offered. Chevrolet says that its customers didn't want a "one size fits most" truck, so it wanted to give a variety of options on the new Silverado. The eights trims are divided into three categories which include high value, high volume and high feature. The high value models include the base Work Truck, the Custom, which adds 20-inch wheels, LED taillights and dual exhaust. The Custom Trailboss (new for 2019) adds the Z71 Off Road Package with a locking rear differential, skid plates, Rancho shocks, 18-inch wheels and Goodyear Duratrac off-road tires.

The high volume models include the LT, RST and the LT Trailboss (the latter two are also new for 2019). Finally, the high feature models include the LTZ and High Country models, which both focus on luxury. In addition to the eight trim options, the Silverado is also available with six engine and transmission combinations. The 5.3 and 6.2-liter V8 engines make a comeback, although Chevy hasn't given any details on their performance or fuel economy figures. Both engines have been updated with a new Dynamic Fuel Management system that can shut down any number of cylinders in order to achieve better fuel economy.

Apparently, this means that the Silverado can run as a one-cylinder engine under certain circumstances, which sounds very interesting. The Silverado 1500 will also be available with a new Duramax 3.0-liter inline-six turbo-diesel. Chevy didn't give any details about this new diesel engine, but claims that it should have better numbers in power, economy and towing than the recently announced F-150 diesel and the Ram 1500 diesel. The diesel and the 6.2-liter V8 will be mated to a new Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic transmission with start/stop technology.

The Silverado's interior has also been given an update, but it isn't radically different looking on the inside compared to the old truck. Chevy says it focused on giving the truck more comfortable seating, more interior cargo storage and more functional, easy-to-use controls. The Silverado clearly doesn't lack storage, with two 10-liter bins integrated in the second-row seatbacks as well as a large 24-liter storage tray under the second-row seat. The Silverado also comes equipped with 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity, Apple Car Play, Android Auto, wireless phone charging and OnStar safety and security features. Pricing has not been announced, but we can expect more details soon.