Following the introduction of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Heavy Duty pickup truck in 2018, HSV has confirmed the Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium Edition will arrive in dealerships in March 2020.
The current Silverado 1500 (platform name T1) will set the category benchmarks for power, technology, and safety when it reaches dealerships according to HSV.
It is propelled by a 313kW/624Nm 6.2-litre EcoTec3 V8 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, offering a maximum towing capacity of up to 4.5 tonnes using a 70mm ball.
The Silverado 1500 features tow/haul mode, trailer swap Control, hill start assist and auto grade braking. Everything needed to simplify towing is found in the available advanced trailering package: hitch guidance with hitch view, integrated trailer brake controller, trailer theft alert, and in-vehicle advanced trailering system.
Active safety features include: front and rear park assist, lane change alert with side blind zone alert and rear cross traffic alert. In addition there is forward collision alert, low speed forward automatic braking, front pedestrian braking, IntelliBeam automatic headlamp control, following distance indicator and safety alert eeat.
The suite of passive safety features include dual-stage frontal airbags for driver and front outboard passenger; set-mounted side-impact airbags for driver and front outboard passenger; and head-curtain airbags for front and rear outboard seating positions. In addition there is StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation technology, trailer sway control and hill-start assist.
Inside the 1500 boasts perforated leather-appointed upholstery plus heated driver and front outboard passenger seats with 10-way power and driver memory, plus a heated steering wheel. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus system, multi-touch display and advanced voice recognition is included, as is a high-definition Rear Vision Camera. Two USB ports provide power and connectivity for mobile devices, while two in the rear support charging devices.
To optimise the steering feel and the turning radius of the Silverado, the size of the Electric Power Steering motor was increased to develop higher output.
A drive mode selector allows the choice of different drive modes that alter the transmission shifts, throttle and traction systems to better handle varying road conditions. Tour is for everyday driving; Sport increases responsiveness; Tow/Haul aids in trailering; and Off-road is helpful in slippery conditions.
Performance options will include HSV Tuned suspension for those seeking more driver feedback and performance airbox/exhaust and a complete range of performance upgrades.
The Silverado 1500 has a longer wheelbase, and more cargo volume than the previous generation, yet it is up to 205kg lighter. It features high-strength steel in the frame, bed and safety cage and lightweight aluminium in the doors, hood and tailgate.
The all-new frame is 40kg lighter than its predecessor, but has 10% greater torsional rigidity according to HSV. As much as 80% of the frame is made of high-strength steel varying from 2mm to 5mm in thickness.
Vehicles will be available at HSV dealerships in March 2020 and recommended retail pricing is still to be confirmed.
