AMERICANS ARE WELL KNOWN FOR doing things bigger and better than anyone else, and that certainly applies to their pick-up trucks (as you can see above, the Chevrolet Silverado is even too big for our screen!)
The latest model to join the GMSV portfolio is almost here, with news that the all-new Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty LTZ Premium is due to commence local right-hand drive production in November.
“We’ve enjoyed a huge response to the new Chevrolet Silverado product and, with the impending arrival of the new HD, will have three very different truck propositions to satisfy a huge variety of customer needs and wants,” said Director of GMSV, Joanne Stogiannis.
“We anticipate the key to the success of the new Silverado HD is a commitment to maintain a truck-worthy, torque-rich diesel engine, as it’s a powertrain which has widespread appeal.”
The HD is the biggest Silverado offered by GMSV and packs a massive 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V-8 into the engine bay. It’s partnered with an all-new 10-speed transmission, delivering one of GM’s toughest drivetrain/powertrain combinations to date.
“The HD is a strong and capable V8-diesel truck and complements the existing models in the line-up, but don’t let its rugged looks deceive you as it’s loaded with safety features and technology-related attributes,” said Ms Stogiannis.
First impressions of the HD are of a bold, sculptured muscular-model loaded with performance potential. There is a clear family lineage with other Silverado models in the GMSV range evident but, perhaps surprisingly, the roof is the only common panel shared between the three models – every other piece of sheet metal is exclusive to the Silverado HD.
To further differentiate the HD from other models in the GMSV range, a fitted-as-standard ‘Appearance Pack’ provides for further personalisation.
Aesthetic enhancements include Body colour front and rear bumpers, black hood vent and lower skid plate, black belt moulding, body colour door handles, black exterior badges, black bow tie on horn pad, 20-inch high-gloss black painted wheels with black centre caps, spray-on bed liner and black tubular side steps.
Ride and handling is enhanced courtesy of a Z71 Off-Road Package, consisting of Off-Road suspension with Rancho twin tube shocks, Hill Descent Control, Skid plates finished off with Z71 badge and grille emblem.
Once inside the HD, it’s evident that plenty of thought has been put into making the cabin a relaxing and inviting environment.
For the driver, there is a heated leather steering wheel with mounted controls, a Multi-Colour 15-inch Diagonal Head-Up Display plus an 8-inch diagonal colour driver information centre.
The driver and front passenger enjoy heated and ventilated leather seats, while dual-zone automatic climate control and a power sunroof complete the interior.
The HD will come standard with the ‘Technology & Safety Pack 2’, consisting of a suite of active safety features including Front and Rear Park Assist, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, IntelliBeam automatic headlamp control, Following Distance Indicator, Safety Alert Seat and Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control.
“The Rear Cross Traffic Alert is especially useful as a safety device when operating a vehicle of this size, effectively providing an extra set of eyes for the driver,” said Ms Stogiannis.
“When reversing, it can warn the driver of traffic approaching the vehicle from the left and right hand sides, which can help prevent the likelihood of a cross-traffic accident happening.
“Additionally, Forward Collision Alert can warn the driver if it detects a potential front-end collision within a distance of 60 metres, which works in conjunction with Automatic Emergency Braking at speeds between 8km/h and 80km/h.”
When towing, additional assistance is provided courtesy of an Advanced Towing Package which features Rear vision camera Hitch Guidance, Hitch View, Integrated Trailer Brake Controller and power extendable external mirrors.
One of the standout attributes of the new Silverado HD is the sheer size of the cargo area. The tray itself measures 2104mm long, is 1814mm wide and can accommodate 1968 litres of volume.
The level of appointment afforded to the work area is also due special mention. For example, the Durabed tray combines roll-formed high-strength steel with 12 tie-down points, rated at 127kg per corner.
It also has a Chevytec spray-on bedliner, an attractive black, textured, non-skid surface that covers the bed interior surface below the side rails, front bed top rail, gauge hole plugs and tie-downs.
“One of the thoughtful creature-comforts of the new model is a Power Up and Down tailgate,” said Ms Stogiannis.
“The tailgate can be opened or closed one of four ways – using the key fob, pressing a button on the tailgate, a switch via the instrument panel or manually lifting the tailgate 10-centimetres, after which time the power assist takes over.”
The recommended retail price of the MY21 Silverado HD LTZ Premium is $144,990 (plus on road costs).
Full technical specifications will be confirmed after final certification is completed, which is anticipated to be early in Q4.
In the meantime, registrations of interest can be made via the GMSV website or at any of the GMSV Dealers in Australia.
Australia recommended retail price
| MODEL | ||
| Chevrolet Silverado | LT Trail Boss | $106,990 |
| LTZ Premium with Tech Pack | $114,990 | |
| Chevrolet Silverado HD | LTZ Premium with Technology and Safety Pack | $144,990 |
All prices plus on road costs