Chevrolet Silverado 1500

GM Diesel Pickup Fast Facts

August 29, 2019 by admin 2 Comments

A third Duramax GM diesel becomes available.

GM’s latest Duramax diesel is this inline-six.

The General Motors Company makes diesel engines under the Duramax name. Most of us are familiar with the 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V8 available with heavy-duty Chevrolet and GMC models. We may even be familiar with the 2.8-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine available in smaller trucks such as the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.

But there is a third engine, this one a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-six, which has received much press lately. This particular engine is available in light-duty Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 models. Importantly, it is the first time in a generation we’ve seen a light-duty diesel engine for these models. Thus, we’ll explore certain salient points about the new engine, an option to consider when shopping these models.

7 Fast Facts

1. Delayed by one model year.

GM originally planned to release the new diesel engine late in the 2019 model year. It was the last engine on the docket for the rollout of the all-new 2019 models, but the EPA slowed things down. After a three-month delay, GM decided to release the engines for the 2020 model year. As of publication, the first models equipped with the new turbo-diesel are available.

2. A clean-sheet design.

The new Duramax diesel isn’t a derivative of any other engine on the market. It is a clean-sheet design, which utilizes a lightweight aluminum engine block and cylinder head. Ceramic glow plugs ensure a quicker start on frigid days, thus an engine block heater isn’t needed until temperatures reach -22 degrees F (-30 C).

3. Copious amounts of power.

Small in size, the inline-six is a powerhouse with an output of 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Ninety-five percent of its peak torque is reached at a very low 1,250 RM, with 100 percent sustained from 1,500 to 3,000 RPM. GM marries this engine to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Ford also utilizes a 10-speed, while Ram has an 8-speed. One further note: neither the competing Toyota Tundra, nor the Nissan Titan offers a diesel option (The Titan XD has a 5.0-liter Cummins turbo-diesel, but that engine is going away after 2019).

4. Robust payload and towing.

Choose the four-wheel-drive Chevy or GMC and you’ll find maximum payload of 1,870 pounds and a top towing capability of 9,300 pounds. The truck’s trailering capabilities will satisfy most needs, with the 6.2-liter gas V8 handling the rest.

5. Top-notch fuel efficiency.

Fuel economy hasn’t always been a big deal in a segment that emphasizes size, payload, and towing capabilities. Indeed, gas engines typically average 15 mpg, which pales in comparison to what cars are making these days. The new engine, however, changes that as equipped two-wheel-drive models earn an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway for a combined 27 mpg. Choose the four-wheel-drive model and these numbers are 23/29/25 mpg city/highway/combined.

6. Best in class fuel economy.

GM claims bragging rights with the new diesel, beating its top competition, namely the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150. Both manufacturers have diesels with nearly identical displacements. The two-wheel-drive 2019 Ram makes an EPA-estimated 20/27/23 mpg city/highway/combined, while the four-wheel-drive version comes in at 19/27/22 mpg. As for the 2019 F-150, its best fuel rating is 22/30/25 for two-wheel drive, while the four-wheel-drive model earns 21/28/24 mpg. It’ll be interesting to track how these numbers hold up under real-world conditions.

7. No price penalty.

Shop for an efficient engine and you’ll pay through the nose for it, right? This seems only logical, but happily, it isn’t so. You’ll still pay extra to acquire this engine, but GM assures us that you won’t. Notably, the company says this about the cost: “It is priced identically to the 6.2L V-8 as a $2,495 premium over a 5.3L V-8 model or $3,890 over a 2.7L Turbo model.” We like that GM is holding the line on prices.

Looking Ahead

The new turbo-diesel engine should serve as a boon for Chevrolet and GMC. Much has been made about the Chevrolet Silverado ceding its second-place sales standing to the Ram 1500 this year, but we think the new engine will serve as an important marketing catalyst. Competitively priced and efficient, we may see a spike in diesel demand across the board. The only significant downside is availability, as not all service stations carry diesel. And for those that do, diesel costs .25 to .50 more per gallon than regular gasoline, yet still costs less than premium-grade gasoline.

See Also — Like a Rock: 2019 Chevrolet Silverado

Photo copyright the GM Company.

New Pickup Truck Shopping Tips

April 3, 2018 by admin 2 Comments

Find the right truck at the right price.

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Centennial Edition. — 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z71 Centennial Edition.

If you are in the market for a new pickup truck, you may be considering a brand you are already familiar with. That’s a sensible approach as pickup truck buyers are typically brand loyal. In particular, they are more likely to stick with what they already know and like. For everyone else, shopping for a new truck requires research in an effort to make an informed decision. The following points are worth considering as you undertake your quest.

When Size Matters

When shopping or purchasing a new truck, there are essentially three size categories to consider: medium, full-size and heavy duty.

These days, your medium truck options include the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and the slightly larger Honda Ridgeline. Models from Ford (Ranger) and Ram (Dakota) left the market in recent years, although the Ranger is set for a return.

The smaller models offer extended and crew cab choices. You’ll also typically find standard and extended beds.

The main segment for pickup trucks are the full-size models. The Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan compete in this segment, with each supplying a variety of cabin configurations and truck bed sizes.

The heavy-duty truck market is essentially controlled by the American truck manufacturers. The Ford Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500HD/3500HD and the Ram 2500 and 3500 occupy this segment. Each heavy duty line has oversized gasoline or diesel engines.

Nissan also offers a model that straddles the standard full-size and heavy-duty lines, the Titan XD. This truck has a higher towing capacity than the standard Titan, although models such as the light-duty F-150 now match or beat those limits.

2WD vs. 4WD

What you use your truck for will go far in helping you determine what type of drivetrain layout that is right for you. Two-wheel drive trucks come with the rear wheels while four-wheel drive trucks can activate all four wheels as needed. Choose the latter and your truck can give you the traction and off-road prowess as you desire.

The Honda Ridgeline is the lone exception to the 2WD vs. 4WD debate. This model is all-wheel-drive or powered by its front wheels most of the time with its rear wheels activated as needed.

Payload and Towing

Of big concern to many pickup truck owners is how much weight a truck can carry (payload) and how much weight it can pull (towing). These numbers vary from truck to truck and even from model to model. It is advisable to find the manufacturer’s payload/towing capacity chart, usually supplied right on its sales page.

The payload includes the weight of the driver, his passengers, fluids and what’s stored inside the pickup and in the bed. Towing is the ability of any truck to pull something behind it when hitched — such as a boat, a trailer or a camper. Add towing and payload together and you get your vehicle’s gross vehicle weight.

Consider all three numbers when buying a new truck.

Convenience Features

Today’s pickup trucks come well equipped and outfitted with many of the luxury appointments you can find in a premium sedan, such as leather seats, a heated steering wheel and wood trim. Still, when buying any new vehicle, you should determine which amenities are important to you.

Most pickups offer standard equipment such as an automatic transmission, power accessories, cloth seating surfaces, climate control, an audio system, multiple storage compartments and important safety features such as airbags and antilock brakes.

Popular options include fog lamps, off-road tires, power side mirrors, a navigation system, a rear backup camera, folding rear seats, an overhead console, a rear DVD entertainment system and a lined cargo area.

Truck Fuel Economy

There was a time when buying an economical pickup meant choosing the smallest truck and opting for the manual transmission. These days, your choices have improved considerably, although few trucks get 30 mpg on the highway. These come with a turbo-diesel engine.

What you will usually find are trucks that get 25 mpg on the highway, something both the smaller Toyota Tacoma and larger Ram 1500 achieve. The smaller trucks come with inline-four or V-6 gas engines, while the larger trucks are usually equipped with a standard V-6 or optional V-8 gasoline engines. Again, only select models offer diesel engines.

As for transmissions, you’ll find very few manuals. Most pickups have six-, eight- or even 10-speed automatic transmissions. The few manual gearboxes available come with the median-sized trucks.

Other matters to consider when buying a new pickup is its price, with your cost ranging from just over $20,000 for a basic medium pickup to well over $65,000 for a fully optioned heavy-duty model. Each manufacturer offers a dizzying array of model variations, enabling you to customize your truck to suit your needs and budget.

See Also — How to Buy a Repo Vehicle

High Country Chevy Silverado Delivers a Premium Package

March 30, 2018 by admin 2 Comments

High Country Chevy is at the apex of the Silverado range.

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 — 2018 Chevrolet Silverado High Country Crew Cab.

Mostly everyone knows the next-generation Chevy Silverado 1500 is on its way, with production beginning this fall and the first models arriving sometime ahead of the Thanksgiving-Christmas-New Year holiday season.

The good news here is a larger, more powerful and lighter 2019 Silverado model is planned. The bad news, at least from Chevrolet’s perspective, is that you may forget the current model is widely available and will be for the rest of the calendar year.

Take heart Chevrolet, because the current Silverado is still in demand. Further, with nearly 700,000 shoppers choosing a new Silverado or Colorado in 2017 in the US alone, you’ll find enough consumers who simply won’t want to wait.

Lastly, from the consumer’s perspective, big discounts on outgoing models are always a huge draw. Although we don’t delve into them when writing our reviews, as of this writing they’re quite strong. Just saying!

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2018 Chevrolet Silverado Overview

The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado comes in eight trims. Yes, eight!

Chevy starts things off with the Work Truck, then rolls out LS, Custom, LT, LT Z71, LTZ, LTZ Z71 and High Country trims. You have a choice of standard two- or available four-wheel drive.

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Moreover, regular, double and crew cab options along with short, standard and long box options will keep you busy in your search for the right truck.

My recommendation for shoppers is this: acquaint yourself with the Configurator on the brand’s site at Chevrolet.com. It’ll help you understand what you’re getting, including packages and accessories. Drill down and you’ll find the payload and towing information. It is quite a useful tool, one that I recommend.

Earlier this year, I drove the Silverado LTZ Z71 with the Centennial package. This past week, it was the top-of-the-line Silverado 1500 High Country -— a crew cab model with four-wheel drive. As you might guess, there is quite a price disparity between models, but it narrows significantly when you choose the same cab, engine and drivetrain configurations. As for the drive, I covered those details earlier, so let’s take a deep dive into all things High Country.

2018 Chevrolet Silverado High Country

1. Exclusive crew cab.

You won’t find the High Country name attached to regular or double cab models. It is only available as a crew cab, but you do still have a choice between rear- and four-wheel drive.

2. Short or standard boxes.

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Box size is important to pickup truck buyers. The High Country offers both 5-foot, 8-inch or 6-foot, 6-inch beds. You’ll also find chrome assist steps and four tie downs, and an available multi-fold hard tonneau cover along with cargo box lighting.

3. Chrome embellishments.

Bling is often the sign that your vehicle is a cut above the rest. To this end, the High Country features 20-inch chrome wheels with 22-inch wheels available.

Chrome is also heavy, so much of the bling found on the top-end Silverado covering the grille, mirror caps, handles and other surfaces is brightwork plastic. You’ll also find High Country badging placed strategically on the exterior as well as imprinted on the front headrests.

4. Your choice of V8s.

Chevrolet has two V8 gas engines in its arsenal. One is ubiquitous with its big trucks and SUVs. The other is typically found in heavy-duty applications.

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 The standard V8 is GM’s small-block engine, a 5.3-liter with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. If that’s not enough power, then the 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque might do. Both engines deliver the off-the-mark kick and passing power you want, which is especially noticeable in the larger engine. Add in the throaty sound of either one and a smile will likely cross your face.

Keeping the happiness going is a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Who needs 10 cogs when eight will do?!

5. Premium interior.

How do you dress the High Country’s interior? You start off with wide bucket seats up front and a 40/20/40 split-fold-up bench seat in the rear. You cover the seats in leather and do likewise with the steering wheel.

Double stitching surrounding the dashboard and door handles adds elegance. Woodgrain and other brightwork trim raise interest. Add in heated and cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel and you have one very comfortable cabin.

Notably, back row passengers aren’t cheated here. In fact, the seats are plush and supportive. Further, you’ll find in-door drink holders and storage pockets, USB ports and a 12-volt outlet.

See Also — 2019 Chevrolet Silverado & a Turbo Four

6. Generous tech features.

Chevrolet may have the best tech features of any mainstream brand. They’ve long offered OnStar, which still supplies a guidance plan and includes 4G LTE with a WiFi hotspot. There is something about accessing the Internet while on the road with no connectivity nearby. Create your own hotspot and connect up to seven devices.

You’ll also find an eight-inch color display, USB ports, an auxiliary jack, Bluetooth and a seven-speaker Bose audio system with a subwoofer.

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

High Country Shopping Considerations

There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping the High Country.

First, the Cajun Red Tintcoat on my test model was one of three premium colors beyond the five standard ones. This one cost $495, the other two were $395 or $995.

Second, the side assist steps are handy, but they’re fixed. If you plan on going off-road, the power-retractable assist steps are the better choice for avoiding possible damage. They’re part of a $6,995 High Desert Package or you can order them as part of a High Country Deluxe Package ($7,730, reduced to $4,230).

Third, wheel choices can get quite pricey. The 22-inch silver wheels are included in the package, but upgrading to black wheels will set you back by nearly $3,000. Then again, the Configurator may have you swap out the wheels at no charge, depending on your package.

Fourth, the Performance Brake Upgrade System may be ideal for heavy-duty towing. Here, you get red Brembo six-piston fixed aluminum calipers and large rotors. The brake pad and rotor areas are larger too, so you’ll pay $2,795 for this upgrade. Add $1,249 for the available cat-back exhaust system.

Fifth, a rear entertainment system is available. Consider this option if you buy a Silverado with your young family in mind. For $1,620 you get a drop down 9.2-inch color display, a Blu-Ray/DVD player and wireless headphones.

Add in most of the available amenities and your price will likely come in somewhere above $70,000. Again, not all discounts have been factored in. Find out from your dealer which ones apply to your vehicle.

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country

Parting Thoughts: Silverado High Country

I’m not here to tell you to buy this truck or opt for that model year. What I can tell you is that for pickup truck shoppers wanting the maximum package, the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado High Country does not disappoint. If your budget for a crew cab is below $50,000, you still will find ample choices. Some trade-offs in engine availability and creature features will factor in, but a truck to your liking is certainly within your reach.

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab

High Country Edition

- 2WD sticker price from $52,000 (plus $1,395 destination charge)
- 4WD sticker price from $55,300 (plus $1,395 destination charge)
- Price as tested: $65,000 (est.)
- Seats five
- Engine No. 1: 5.3-liter V8 gas
- 355 horsepower @ 5,600 RPM
- 383 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,100 RPM
- Engine No. 2: 6.2-liter V8 gas
- 420 horsepower @ 5,600 RPM
- 460 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,100 RPM
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- Wheelbase: 143.5 inches
- Length: 230 inches
- Width: 80 inches
- Height: 73.8 inches
- Passenger volume: NR
- Storage volume: 5-foot, 8-inch or 6-foot, 6-inch bed
- Towing capacity: 11,700 (4WD), 12,500 (2WD) pounds
- EPA: 15/20 mpg city/highway (est.)
- Regular (5.3L); Premium (6.2L) gasoline
- Fuel tank: 26 gallons
- Curb weight: 5,036 (2WD), 5,300 (4WD) pounds
- IIHS safety rating: Good, except for marginal driver side small overlap
- Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
- Corrosion warranty: 6 years/100,000 miles
- Vehicle assembly: Silao, Guanajuato MEXICO

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The Next Centennial: 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

January 18, 2018 by admin 4 Comments

2019 Silverado launches Chevrolet’s second century of trucks.

In the wild: 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Yesterday, we looked at the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado in Centennial trim, a model that both marks an important milestone and brings the curtain down on the final model year of the current generation. Later this year, an all-new 2019 Chevy Silverado debuts, a full-size pickup truck that is longer, but lighter than the current one.

True, the 2019 Silverado’s initial unveiling took place at a special event last month marking the brand’s truck centennial. But the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit was the first major show for the truck’s official appearance. Over last weekend, Chevrolet offered a more comprehensive press conference, outlining most details left unknown in December. Most, but not all.

The following are the highlights of the 2019 Silverado:

1. Eight distinct models. The major manufacturers have long delivered numerous sub-models based on the main truck model. Manufacturers may call them models, but they are in reality grades or trims. No matter, you’ll find no less than eight when the 2019 Silverado rolls out: WT (work truck), Custom, Custom Trailboss, LT, RST, LT Trailboss, LTZ and High Country. Add in three cab sizes — regular, double and crew, short and long box beds, rear- and four-wheel drive, and various package choices, including Z71.

2. Longer and lighter. Depending on the model, the 2019 Silverado is up to 3.9 inches longer between the wheels with an overall length that is 1.6 inches longer. Despite the larger footprint, the new model is up to 450 pounds lighter. Chevrolet realized weight savings in several areas thanks to a greater use of mixed materials. For example, all door, hood and tailgate swing panels are aluminum while fixed panels such as the roof, bed and fenders are steel. Furthermore, mixed materials are in the suspension, while higher-strength steels are present elsewhere.

3. Six engine/transmission combinations. Chevrolet has long offered a family of three gas engines for the Silverado 1500, including one V6 and two V8 engines. Those engines displace at 4.3, 5.3 and 6.2 liters, respectively. For 2019, a 3.0-liter Duramax inline six-cylinder engine becomes available. Both the diesel and the largest V8 work with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Word has it that the 3.6-liter V6 used in other GM products will replace the 4.3 liter. In any case, an eight-speed transmission seems likely with the 10-speed optional. Another powertrain choice may include a hybrid. In any case, GM said six powertrain combinations are in the offing, while leaving some details out.

4. Increased cargo capacity. Chevrolet claims the 2019 Silverado beats the competition in the cargo carrying compartment. The short box now offers 63 cubic feet of volume, giving it a 20 percent edge over the nearest competition. Chevrolet increased the volume by widening the maximum width of the truck bed by seven inches. In addition, the truck bed now has 12 fixed tie-downs along with nine moveable tie points. Accessory bins are optional, designed to fit over the wheel wells to deliver seven cubic feet of lockable space. Lastly, a 120-volt outlet and LED Rear Task Lighting are also available.

5. An updated interior. Just as the Silverado benefits from a new exterior, the cabin features a fresh design. Most importantly, the interior is roomier with more rear legroom and additional storage space. Newly available storage features include a pair of 10-liter bins integrated into the second-row seatbacks, ideal for holding gloves or tie-downs. You’ll also find a 24-liter storage tray under the rear seat, suitable for carrying groceries or your outdoor gear.

2019 Chevy Silverado

The next-generation Silverado arrives as the segment continues to enjoy modest year-over-year growth in a passenger vehicle market that pulled back slightly in 2017. Even if sales slip below 17 million units in 2018, in all likelihood pickup trucks will command a bigger share of the pie going forward. An all-new Silverado arrives in time to gain a bigger slice of said pie.