Work Hard, Play Harder

Chevy’s Silverado gets ripped, yet embraces the luxury lifestyle.
By Bill Heald

To follow the history of the American full-size pickup is to journey from the roughest work site to the finest five-star restaurant. What started out as a farm implement has evolved into a true James Bond vehicle in terms of the balance between job performance and sophistication, and the iconic Chevy pickup has always been a player in this interesting transformation. To say the modern truck has to do everything well is now an understatement, and GM has done a full “hood to hitch” overhaul of the Chevy Silverado 1500 (and its near twin, the GMC Sierra 1500) to keep it at the cutting edge. This is the kind of serious change that the engineers have taken on with the knowledge that, as the company’s bestselling vehicle, they have to address the previous design’s shortcomings while sharpening and increasing the attributes that have made the truck so successful. As a result, the new Silverado is more capable and fuel-efficient than ever before, but also refined to the point that it has luxury-car levels of class when you select the top trim options. It also features the latest in infotainment technology, so you literally sacrifice nothing when the workday is done and you head downtown for some high-class relaxation.

One thing pickups have had over cars is a huge assortment of configuration options to tailor your ride exactly to your needs. This starts with the cab, which includes a standard two-door and two four-door variants (double cab and crew cab). The popularity of four-door models is ramping up thanks to their versatility, and following in the wheel tracks of RAM and Toyota Tundra pickups, the double-cab Silverado now has conventional rear doors instead of the rear-hinged units that marred the previous model. This means you don’t have to open the front door before you can open the rear door, which was a pain. The new crew cab is roomier than ever before, meaning you can transport several exotic dancers comfortably to their next gig while hauling their poles and other props in the bed out back (and multiple bed lengths are offered).

The robust, fully boxed frame is now even stronger than previous models, and has special mounts to further isolate the cab from vibration, whether you’re encountering rural rocks or urban potholes. Three new EcoTec3 engines are offered, engineered to improve efficiency by enabling them to operate in four-cylinder mode when possible, thus saving precious fuel. These are specifically tuned to provide the horsepower and low-end muscle trucks need. The lineup includes a stout 4.3-liter V-6 that is the most frugal of the bunch, but strong enough to power the larger crew-cab model and/or pull a trailer. Next there’s an updated version of the ever-popular 5.3-liter V-8, with added power and torque over the previous model, and finally a brawny 6.2-liter V-8 that’s an all-new design that Chevy claims is “engineered to be the most capable engine in any light-duty pickup.” All three engines get a six-speed automatic transmission that includes auto grade braking, which downshifts when you’re on long downhill stretches to reduce brake wear and help keep your speed under control (especially when carrying a heavy load). Standard four-wheel disc brakes feature GM’s Duralife rotors with a hardened surface that resists rusting, potentially doubling their life and lowering maintenance costs.

All this durable construction is largely unseen as it operates, but what is conspicuous is how polished and accommodating the new interiors are. Everything a tech lover demands is integrated into the vehicle’s electronics when you select the appropriate option packages, and driver controls are designed to not only be close at hand but also easy to operate while wearing gloves (whether the work variety or part of your formal wear). This really expresses the dual personality of these kick-ass trucks. The Silverado has never been more rugged, yet more urbane, in its long, impressive history.