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ECOTEC3

Like a Rock: Chevrolet Silverado

May 22, 2015 by admin 6 Comments

The Chevrolet Silverado offers rock solid performance with three new engines to show for it. The Silverado is the type of truck is fit for both work and family with three cabin choices available.

2015 Chevrolet Silverado
2015 Chevrolet Silverado.

Chevrolet and its GMC consort provide the only compilation of heavy-duty, full-size and midsize pickup trucks in the industry. While Ford is chasing aluminum in a bid to reduce weight and increase fuel mileage, General Motors is staying the course with its steel trucks. And not that the company had much choice: the 2014 model year marked the onset of the current generation of its large trucks — GM’s plans were thoroughly in place when Ford announced its initiative. Thus, it will be another four or five years before GM can make a change.

Is GM worried about Ford’s supposed engineering edge? No one is quite certain, although the automaker is not showing concern. And why should they? Demand for both brands is strong as lower gas prices and a broad number of models have coalesced to help GM outdistance Ford as the largest constructor of passenger trucks.

Rear-Wheel Drive Tester

I’ve had the pleasure of driving an assortment of GMC and Chevrolet pickup trucks over the past year, including the new midsize twins. A Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Double Cab was a recent weekly driver and it delivered the one thing that had been absent to date: a 4×2 or rear-wheel drive configuration. In the test model I didn’t mind the extra doors as it gave me extra interior storage space with the rear seat folded up.

As for the generational transmutation between the current and the previous truck, GM played it relatively safe by carefully modernizing the design, updating the sheet metal, overhauling the engine and introducing the third generation of its large pickup truck engines.

The two smaller engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission while the largest V-8 is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. And for the first time cylinder deactivation comes to the V-6, what shuts down two of the cylinders in certain driving conditions. In doing so, the top fuel mileage for the Chevrolet Silverado is now pegged at 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

In effect, GM chose engine finagling over aluminum engineering to nearly match Ford’s turbocharged V-6, coming in at just 2 mpg under. As for Ford’s naturally aspirated V-6, the Silverado’s fuel economy is dead even.

However, fuel economy is not the concern that it is in 2015 as it was more than a year earlier when prices were averaging a dollar or more per gallon higher than they are today. What’s big on a full size pickup truck owner’s list is payload and towing. The V-6’s payload is 1,800 pounds and its standard towing is 5,600 pounds (7,100 with the 4×4). With trailering packages for the V-8 engines, maximum towing passes 11,000 pounds.

Three EcoTec3 Engines

GM’s EcoTec3 engines — the 4.3-liter V-6 (285 horsepower and 305 foot-pounds of torque), a 5.3-liter V-8 (355 horsepower and 383 foot-pounds of torque) and a 6.2-liter V-8 (420 horsepower and 460 foot-pounds of torque) come with two other features besides cylinder deactivation: direct injection and variable valve lift technology. Furthermore, the powertrain trio are outfitted with an advanced combustion system, ideal when trailering on a hot day — GM says the engines “reduce the need to trim back spark advance to control detonation,” what typically happens when towing on a hot day. In addition, emission output has been reduced.

Typical for this class is that you can order a Silverado in regular, extended (Double) and crew cab editions. Notably, there is an important distinction between the extended Silverado and the extended F-150. Whereas the Chevrolet has front-hinged, rear doors you get rear-hinged doors with the Ford. However, with the Ford, you must open the front door to get to the back door, an extra step the Chevrolet eliminates.

On the negative side, both extended cab models are tight getting in and out and lack sufficient leg room. If you have a work crew, invest in the crew cab.

Exterior Demeanor

Pickup trucks are among the largest passenger vehicles on the planet and they look it. The Chevrolet Silverado is marked by a substantial, horizontal chrome grille flanked by stacked headlamps over a chrome bumper. A generously proportioned lower grille opening is present.

A muscular hood gives way to strong shoulders, slab siding and wheel well character lines. At the rear is a lift and fold tailgate. Access is provided by way of the corner step bumpers on either side. The Double Cab is outfitted with a six-foot-six-inch box, the crew cab has a 5-foot-eight-inch box; an eight-foot box is standard with the regular cab.

Interior Design

It is nearly impossible to convey the number of trim levels, package options and other permutations that Chevrolet offers with its Silverado line. For the most part, those differences pertain to audio, navigation and seating arrangements — the bones are essentially the same.

Notwithstanding some differences, the Double Cab 4×2 has a roomy front cabin, tight rear quarters and lots of plastic. That plastic is of both the softened and hardened varieties. It covers the dashboard, surrounds the instrument panel and center stack, and is found on the doors and door handles.

Padded material covers the armrests and door inlays and the seats are covered in stitched cloth. Even the steering wheel is polyurethane. Rubberized vinyl floor coverings are included.

All Silverado models come equipped with remote keyless entry, a tilt steering wheel, power accessories, air conditioning and cruise control. The instrument panel is a six-analog layout with large tachometer and speedometer readings flanking a digital driver information center. At the top of the panel are battery, radiator, fuel and oil gauges.

So, the center stack is the preeminent focal point of today’s vehicles, right? It is that way in the Silverado too. But you will have to pay for it. Indeed, a 4.2-inch color display is included — tiny by today’s standards —and it does include a three-month SiriusXM satellite trial subscription. Navigation is extra and there is no backup camera — a feature that will be universally applied to US-spec vehicles beginning in 2016.

Beneath the display are knobs and buttons for the audio system with additional knobs and buttons for climate control below that. Two big switches for disconnecting traction control and activating the box light are also present. At the base of the stack is a storage compartment and a 12-volt outlet.

To the left of the steering wheel is where you would find the controls for the 4×4 models. To the far right is a two compartment glove box. Up above is sunglasses storage and reading lights. All four doors come with bottle holders and storage cubbies.


2015 Chevrolet Colorado

View manufacturer details and pricing


Seating For Six

The Silverado Double Cab was the first pickup truck I’ve driven with six seating positions. Surely, you get the requisite bucket seats up front, but you also get a flip up middle seat that doubles as a storage compartment. Let’s just say that this particular seat position should only be used in a pinch. And that means for short drives and with an equally short passenger. Leave the compartment in place and you get three cup holders, storage nooks, a place to hold your cell phone, two USB ports, an auxiliary input port and a 12-volt outlet.

Consider the rear seat sufficient for holding three people, but with a few caveats: legroom comes at a premium and the seat is much too thinly padded to be considered comfortable. So, instead, I drove around with the seat folded up most of the time, enjoying the sizable interior storage space gained.

The driver’s seat is supportive and manually operated — you must upgrade to get the power-operated seats.

A Proven Workhorse

As tested, the media fleet special was priced from $31,940 and added several packages including the smallest of the V-8 engines ($1,095). A custom wheel package ($1,290) brought in 20-inch silver painted aluminum wheels and chrome embellishments. Other options included a stunning deep ocean blue metallic finish ($495), a spray-on liner ($475) and a trailer package with auto locking rear differential ($770). With discounting included, the final price came in at $35,660.

Initially I had thought that I was getting the V-6 engine and had hoped as much, knowing that its near 50 percent boost in performance has made it a worthy power plant. So worthy that it no longer is consigned to base work trucks as it is now available across the Silverado line.

The small-block V-8 is a proven workhorse and likely the powertrain of choice for most Silverado shoppers. While one of Chevrolet’s competitors is resorting to turbocharging to gain some much desired boost, the V-8 is naturally-aspirated and delivers the required performance. Pairing it with an 8-speed automatic would extend its usefulness and give this truck an optimum combination of performance and efficiency. Altogether you get what you need and for pickup truck buyers that amounts to everything.

If there is a particular deficiency with the Silverado line it would have nothing to do with light weighting, but everything to do with a diesel option. Presently, only a turbo-diesel is available with the heavy-duty trucks. At this instant, Ram has a turbo-diesel and beginning in 2016 the Nissan Titan will gain one too. Its an option that is not all that important when fuel prices are relatively low, but when the competition heats up and gas prices with it, diesel power is advantageous.


2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Double Cab 4×2

  • Sticker price from $31,940
  • Price as tested: $35,660
  • Seats 6 occupants
  • 5.3-liter 16-valve V-8 gasoline engine
  • 355 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
  • 383 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,100 rpm
  • 3.78 inches bore by 3.62 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 11.0-to-1
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 143.5 inches
  • Length: 230 inches
  • Width: 80 inches
  • Height: 74.2 inches
  • Passenger volume: NR
  • Storage volume: 61 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 5,600 pounds (11,000 pounds with trailering package)
  • EPA: 16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway
  • Regular grade gasoline required
  • Fuel tank: 26 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 5,073 pounds
  • NHTSA safety rating: Five stars
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/100,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 6 years/100,000 miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Wentzville, Missouri

2015 Chevrolet Silverado photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.


See Also — Driven: 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab LT 4×4

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2015 TRUCKS, 4x2, Chevrolet Silverado, ECOTEC3, FORD F-150, GM, Gmc, PICKUP TRUCKS

Handsome Truck: 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD Crew Cab SLT

October 4, 2013 by admin 4 Comments

2014 GMC Sierra SLT
2014 GMC Sierra SLT.

The large pickup truck segment has rebounded from its recessionary lows when sales fell by more than half in 2009 before beginning a steady recovery in 2010. Ford continues to lead the segment with its F-150, but it by no means has the newest truck on the market. The Toyota Tundra along with GMs twin models the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are new for 2014, with the latter a recent Auto Trends test vehicle. That vehicle, a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 44 Crew Cab SLT pickup truck represents the top-of-the-line of the GMC fleet (outside of the Sierra Denali), a fully-loaded model that retails for about $50,000.

Even as fuel prices flirt with $4 per gallon, the market for large pickup trucks remains strong. Indeed, there are five manufacturers in this segment: Ford, GM (Chevrolet and GMC), Chrysler (Ram), Toyota and Nissan, but only Toyota and Nissan sell small trucks. North American pickup truck buyers have demonstrated that they want the room and the utility that the big trucks offer, and manufacturers continue to pour their resources into building and improving these models. And with gas mileage for the smaller trucks coming in at no better than 3 mpg above the most efficient large truck, consumers clearly are not showing much concern about pain at the pump.

2014 GMC Sierra SLT

2014 GMC Sierra SLT

2014 GMC Sierra SLT

GM Truck Brands

That GM continues to sell two truck brands may seem a mystery to some buyers. GM has long contended that GMC targets professionals while Chevrolet aims for the work truck set or the mass market. The sticker price for GMC trucks is higher than similarly equipped Chevrolet models, with essentially the badging the only thing separating the two. When it comes to negotiating your final price for either truck, likely you will find the GMC has the heavier discount. In other words, the final price for both trucks should be nearly the same.

The 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 is priced from $24,090 or just $500 more than the base Chevrolet Silverado. You can buy this truck in regular, double or crew cab configurations, choose from three bed sizes, opt for a 42 or 44 model, and choose from base, SLE and SLT trim levels. Not all configurations are available with every trim level. You also have your choice of three engines: one V-6 or two V-8s. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard across the entire Sierra 1500 model line.

The Test Model

As tested, the Sierra 1500 44 Crew Cab SLT came equipped with the smaller of the two V-8 engines, a 5.3-liter small block motor that has powered many GM vehicles for decades. It is the third generation of this famous engine, an EcoTec3 design that features direct injection, cylinder deactivation and continuously variable valve timing. GM claims that the new generation of truck engines are more powerful and more efficient, teamed with its proven six-speed automatic transmission to deliver the goods. All three engines shut down unneeded cylinders at highway cruising speeds, operating as four cylinder engines under these conditions. With V-8 powered Sierras, you can see when the change from V8 to V4 and back is made on the digital driver information display as outlined by symbols that switch from a red V8 to a green V4 at various times in the driving cycle.

How do you improve on the slab side styling of todays pickup trucks? For one, you maintain what works including the solid body-on-frame construction that defines these vehicles. Other than that you carefully select what changes will enhance this model without upsetting the status quo.

2014 GMC Sierra SLT

2014 GMC Sierra SLT

2014 GMC Sierra SLT

Exterior and Interior Changes

Because the changes to the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 are more evolutionary than revolutionary, at first glance you may think that you see the same vehicle as 2013 and earlier models. The changes become apparent when you take note of the projector beam headlamps, the LED daytime running lights and the new chrome grille with black inserts. Black wheel arch moldings, more aerodynamic side mirrors, and available chrome trim on the side mirror caps, the door handles and across the belt line are also apparent. The Sierra 1500 also brings in unique rear bumper corner steps and four movable upper tie downs. New for 2014, the double cab now features front-hinged rear doors with regular door handles. A 6-foot, 6-inch bed option for the crew cab now joins the standard 5-foot, 8-inch bed.

Inside, the cabin is not unlike what you’d find in a premium sedan. On the Sierra Denali level, leather seating surfaces are among the best that you will find, providing a look that parallels Cadillac craftsmanship.

2014 GMC Sierra SLT

2014 GMC Sierra SLT

2014 GMC Sierra SLT

The Sierra 1500 44 Crew Cab SLT offers seating for five with bucket seats up front and a 60/40 split bench seat in the back. That back seat folds up in two sections, providing ample interior storage capacity when needed. Extra storage is available in the two-tiered glove box, the deep storage between the front seats, the front seat back pockets, and the in-door pockets with beverage holders. The front seats are power operated and provide lumbar support. A tilt and telescopic steering wheel column and adjustable pedals provide numerous seating adjustment possibilities. As equipped, this model comes with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

A new instrument cluster features six analog dials and one digital drivers information display. The digital display can be changed via a steering wheel mounted button that displays local speed, actual speed, trip information, fuel mileage and other driving measurements. To the left of the steering wheel column is a switch that controls the trailering setting and another switch that allows the driver to select 2WD, 4WD and automatic driving modes. Below the center stack, itself outfitted with an oversized GMC Intellink infotainment screen, are switches for stability control, hill descent and other vehicle controls. The SLT edition also comes with dual zone climate control and a nine-speaker Bose audio system.

The Refined 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 Pickup Truck

View manufacturer details and pricing

Safety and Road Highlights

In recent years, GM has been experimenting with various safety enhancements including a collision warning system that features a seat alert system. Specifically, the drivers seat vibrates when an accident is imminent such as when you are about to back into your neighbors hedge. That vibrating feeling is a surprise at first and becomes annoying after a while. Fortunately, you can change the vibration to an audible chime, but some drivers may not like the nanny support whatsoever.

On the road, the Sierra and its small block V-8 worked like a charm. This truck has good acceleration and shifts smoothly as it ascends through its six forward gear ratio. Slam on the brakes and you will come to a quick stop; the ABS kicks in without the overwhelming clunking noise that some vehicles have. Steering is crisp with an electric motor aiding the cause. There was no time to hook up a trailer to demonstrate the Sierras towing prowess, but past tests with similar models showed that the big pickup trucks perform quite well in this department. Still, some shoppers may prefer the larger 6.2-liter V-8 to handle the tougher assignments especially when seeking its 12,000-pound towing capacity.

2014 GMC Sierra SLT

2014 GMC Sierra SLT

2014 GMC Sierra SLT

Final Thoughts

Pickup truck buyers are usually very knowledgeable about what is available to them and may already have cabin layout, engine size and drive configuration settled before shopping. With the GMC Sierra crew cab there are now two bed sizes to choose from and the engine choices have been whittled down from three V-8s to two plug a V-6. The $17,000 price range from base crew cab to the fully optioned SLT should be scrutinized with buyers sufficiently armed with information to drive down their final price.

2014 GMC Sierra 1500

4WD Crew Cab SLT

  • Sticker price from $43,125
  • Price as tested: $49,710
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 5.3-liter 32-valve V-8 engine
  • 355 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
  • 383 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,100 rpm
  • 3.78 inches bore by 3.62 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 11.0-to-1
  • Six-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 143.5 inches
  • Length: 229.5 inches
  • Width: 80 inches
  • Height: N/A
  • Passenger volume: N/A
  • Storage volume: 53.4 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 9,600 to 11,200 pounds
  • EPA: 16 mpg city, 22 mpg hwy.
  • Regular grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 26 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 5,218 pounds
  • Vehicle assembly: Silao, Mexico

2014 GMC Sierra SLT

2014 GMC Sierra SLT

Further Reading

The 5 Flavors of the 2014 Toyota Tundra

On the Road With the 2013 Toyota Tundra Limited 44

Like a Rock: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

GMC Sierra 1500 photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2014 MODELS, 4x4, CREW CAB, ECOTEC3, GM, GMC Sierra 1500, OnStar

GMC Sierra Denali Moves Atop the Performance Heap

May 31, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

2014 GMC Sierra Denali

This June, General Motors will release the 2014 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado, the newest generation of its large pickup truck lines. The trucks have been receiving a lot of attention during the run up for the release, representing perhaps one of the most important new products this year for both the GMC and Chevrolet brands. No, I am not forgetting the Corvette — when it comes to a moneymaker, these trucks are it.

Truck Brand Loyalty

Pickup truck buyers are extremely brand loyal with customers typically staying with a brand from generation to generation. You’d have a difficult time persuading a Ram owner to switch to GMC or a Chevrolet owner to buy a Ford. Just ask Toyota and Nissan about luring big pickup truck buyers to these brands and you’d quickly learn that this last bastion of domestic vehicle production remains a nearly impenetrable fortress.

Still, there are tens of thousands of new pickup truck buyers that are examining the field and ready to make the jump. Fleet buyers, who have stayed out of the market for several years are back in, as the housing recovery continues and as old trucks need to be replaced. This has presented an opportunity for all large pickup truck manufacturers to push their respective brands with GMC doing so with its Sierra 1500 and most recently with its top-of-the-line Sierra Denali.

2014 GMC Sierra Denali

  • Sticker price from $48,000 (est.)
  • Available in three cabin arrangements
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 6.2-liter FlexFuel 16-valve V-8 engine
  • 420 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
  • 450 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,100 rpm
  • 4.06 inches bore by 3.62 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 11:5 to 1
  • Six-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 119/133/143.5 inches
  • Length: 205.5/224.4/229.5/239 inches
  • Width: 80 inches
  • Height: 73.7 inches (est.)
  • Storage Volume: 53.4/61/69 cubic feet
  • Towing Capacity: 12,000 pounds
  • EPA: MPG TBA
  • Fuel Tank: 26 gallons
  • Curb Weight: From 4,942 pounds
  • Payload: From 1,577 pounds
  • Vehicle Assembly: Fort Wayne, Ind.

Sierra Denali Performance

As before, the 2014 GMC Sierra will be available in regular, double and crew cab configurations. The latest generation of its engine line, dubbed EcoTec3, are featured and come in more fuel efficient and with improved performance over the previous generation powerplants.

Indeed, its largest V-8 — displacing at 6.2-liters — is its most powerful one ever with an SAE-rating of 420 horsepower and 450 foot-pounds of torque, the best in its class. That power is important to the people that need it the most, namely enthusiasts and fleet owners that demand it. It is also the engine powering the GMC Denali, representing the pinnacle of the Sierra pickup truck line. Every GMC truck is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Trailering capabilities is important to this segment too and GMC expects that the Sierra Denali will be rated to pull up to 12,000 pounds. That’s top in its class, beating out Ford, Ram, Toyota and Nissan. If you want one, however, you’ll have to wait until the fall — General Motors is releasing its large pickup trucks with the smaller engines first.

Sierra Denali Styling

The GMC Sierra Denali offers a number of features not available in other models. Its signature chrome grille, special 20-inch chrome wheels, polished stainless steel exhaust outlet and body-colored bumpers are among the distinctives noted. Inside, the Sierra Denali features special “Denali” scripting on the door sills and embossed on the front seats. An eight-inch customizable driver display features IntelliLink connectivity.

Other stand out Sierra Denali features include heated and cooled front bucket seats, a seven-speaker Bose audio system, a heated steering wheel, a power sliding rear window with defogger and projector-style headlamps accented with LED signature daytime running lights.

Segment Competitors

The GMC Sierra Denali occupies the top-end of the pickup truck segment competing against similar Ford and Ram models. The Ford F-150 includes King Ranch, Platinum and Limited editions while Ram serves up the 1500 Laramie Longhorn.


See Also — Handsome Truck: 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 4×4 Crew Cab SLT

Photo courtesy of General Motors Company.

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: 2014 MODELS, ECOTEC3, Ford, GM, GMC SIERRA, NISSAN, RAM, SIERRA DENALI, Toyota

Pickup Truck Wars: Chevy Claims Mileage Edge Over Ford

April 3, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

Chevy, Ford pickup truck battle.

2014 Chevrolet Silverado
2014 Chevrolet Silverado.

From the 1950s through the 2000s Chevy vs. Ford was the brand battle for the ages. The two best-selling makes for General Motors and the Ford Motor Company have long fought for the top position among car brands, with Toyota jumping in more recently in a bid for brand supremacy.

Still, Ford vs. Chevy remains a big battle for domestic bragging rights, something neither automaker is easing up on even as global auto sales rise and other company brands come into play, especially for GM.

Pickup Truck Engines

The latest battle is on a front that is of significant importance to the domestic three: large pickup trucks. These models, the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado, are sales leaders and profit makers, vehicles that have kept each company in the game even as its foreign competitors dominate elsewhere. For 2014, GM releases the next generation of the Chevrolet Silverado and its GMC Sierra twin, trucks that it says will trump Ford in fuel economy.

The next generation GM full-size pickup trucks are powered by a familiar trio of engines: a 4.3-liter V-6, a 5.3-liter V-8 and a 6.2-liter V-8 are available. What is different for 2014 is that all three have been modernized and outfitted with direct injection, cylinder deactivation and continuously variable valve timing for improvements in horsepower, torque and fuel efficiency. These EcoTec3 engines perform so well that GM claims that the two-wheel drive GMC Sierra will get 16 mpg around town and 23 mpg on the highway, the latter figure coming in higher than Fords EcoBoost V-6 or Fords smallest V-8 displacing at 5.0-liters.

Indeed, GM is touting that its small-block V-8, long a cornerstone of its large car and pickup truck fleet, beats everyone else including Ram, Toyota and Nissan. Moreover, the Sierra and Chevy Silverado will offer class-leading towing capacity of up to 11,500 pounds.

What Truck Buyers Want

Gas mileage was once of little concern to pickup truck owners. When gasoline was retailing for $1 even $2 per gallon, the higher cost was simply worth bearing given the utility of these models. Those days, however, are gone as automakers strive to comply with more rigid EPA fuel requirements and as $4 per gallon gasoline pinches the wallets of even the most loyal pickup truck owners.

GM is touting the smaller V-8s benefits as it is the go to engine for large pickup truck buyers. Three out of every four GMC Sierra shopper goes for the V-8, while most Ford owners now choose one of two V-6 engines offered.

Beating Its Competitors

Cylinder deactivation plays a large part in helping GM gain a fuel mileage edge. All three pickup truck engines can operate in four-cylinder mode at highway speeds, providing the fuel economy difference that it enjoys over all competitors. That edge becomes a yawning gap against select competitors including the 2WD Toyota Tundra equipped with a 5.7-liter V-8 or the 2WD Nissan Titan powered by its 5.6-liter V-8. Both models are rated at 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway, although the Toyota can claim a performance edge over Chevys smaller V-8.

As of publication, the Ford Motor Company has not responded to GMs fuel mileage edge claims. They are not likely to do so either, especially if the evidence is stacked against them. Instead, Fords answer will come in about a year when the next generation Ford F-150 is released. That pickup truck, believed based on the concept Ford Atlas, may change the rules again. Internal Auto Trends reports has Ford outfitting these trucks with a 10-speed transmission and introducing a smaller diesel for its light-duty line. We may someday see not just the 25 mpg on the highway threshold breached, but 30 mpg.


See Also — Like a Rock: Chevrolet Silverado

Photo courtesy of General Motors Company.

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: Chevrolet, CHEVY SILVERADO, ECOTEC3, Ford, FORD F-150, GM, GMC SIERRA, MPG

At a Glance: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado

February 18, 2013 by admin 4 Comments

2014 Chevrolet Silverado
The face of the all-new Chevrolet Silverado.

Among pickup trucks, the full-size Chevrolet Silverado is one of the best sellers. Include its GMC Sierra twin in the mix and GM sells nearly as many big pickup trucks as does Ford. For 2014 the Chevrolet Silverado is all-new, the latest generation in a string of models that have upheld the brands truck heritage.

The new model is not a radical design departure from the 2013 pickup truck. You will recognize its styling cues, while noting the more robust body lines. This truck offers improved aerodynamics and built-in cooling features, and is powered by a family of new cast aluminum engines.

New Engine Family

Those engines are new versions of three tried and true truck engines that have long been used in the Chevrolet Silverado. Each engine has a new cylinder head design, features direct injection fuel systems and a smaller combustion chamber. Cylinder deactivation is used across the board as is continuously variable valve timing, all part of the EcoTec3 nomenclature assigned to this engine family. Hello EcoTec3; good-bye Vortec.

The standard engine is a 4.3-liter V-6, followed by V-8 engines displacing at 5.3- and 6.2-liters. Chevrolet says that all three offer improved torque, better overall power and improved efficiency. Each engine is married with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Quieter Cabins

Truck cabins have seen substantial improvement in recent years, with many interiors rivaling sedans. A quiet cabin is often elusive, but thanks to new inlaid doors for reduced wind noise, the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado is expected to come in much quieter.

Chevrolet describes the Silverado’s cabin as more functional as well as comfortable. In a nod to customer demand for crew cabs, Chevrolet designed the Silverado’s interior to offer sedan comfort, what it says, sets a benchmark for full-size trucks.

Soft touch materials are found throughout the cabin and most models are outfitted with a gauge cluster that includes a 4.2-inch driver information center. All cabin controls are laid out within easy reach, offering sensible and functional access. For instance, the integrated trailer brake control found on some models is placed up high and to the left the steering wheel for ease of driver access.

Technology and Safety

Chevrolet MyLink, an available infotainment system, provides linking capabilities for as many as 10 devices. MyLink features voice recognition, a feature that enables users to make phone calls, browse media services, plug in destinations and enjoy music with audibly placed commands. Each model is outfitted with multiple USB ports and comes equipped with both 12- and 110-volt power outlets.

Safety remains a big selling point for all passenger vehicles, including pickup trucks. The new Silverado offers a strengthened steel frame with the main rails and key cross members solidified. A number of safety features found elsewhere in the broad GM product line up are coming to the Chevrolet Silverado too including forward collision alert, lane departure warning, active front safety seat, and front and rear park assist. All large Chevrolet trucks are equipped with stability control, hill start assist and trailer sway control.

As before, the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado will be sold in 2WD and 4WD, and offer numerous cabin and truck bed configurations. Add in the various trim levels and you can make a truck that is uniquely your own.

Pickup Truck Competition

The new Chevrolet Silverado comes to the market following an update of the Ram 1500 and as a new Toyota Tundra rolls out. The Ford F-150 and Nissan Titan are expected to be updated within the next 12 to 18 months too, giving full-size pickup truck buyers a choice of new trucks across the board. Chevrolet, for its part, intends to compete hard for new customers as this profitable segment continues to recover following the housing bust of 2009.


See Also — Pickup Truck Wars: Chevy Claims Mileage Edge Over Ford

Photo courtesy of General Motors Company.

Filed Under: Specifications Tagged With: 2014 MODELS, CHEVROLET MYLINK, Chevrolet Silverado, ECOTEC3, GMC SIERRA, PICKUP TRUCKS

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