GM Updates 2012 Silverado, Increased HD Capabilities

[FenwickHockey65]

Brains and Brawn – Chevy Silverado for 2012
Design updates and navigation radio complement proven capability and fuel efficiency
Link to Press Release

August 29, 2011

DETROIT – Chevrolet Silverado bolsters its position as the segment’s most capable and diverse lineup with enhancements for 2012 that improve appearance, comfort and connectivity.

New front-end designs, available heated/cooled seats (LTZ models) and a special White Diamond Edition enhance appearance and comfort, and a new navigation radio delivers on connectivity. It offers an updated screen and integrated hard drive that eliminates the need for discs with map data. Silverado also offers segment-exclusive OnStar and SiriusXM satellite radio, as well as Bluetooth and USB connectivity – and a dealer-installed Wi-Fi system.

With the exception of Hybrid models, all Silverado 1500s now feature Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist as part of the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, enhancing performance under a variety of driving and trailering conditions.

“Silverado’s dependable V-8 performance, highly competitive fuel economy, and broad range of models continue to have a strong appeal to truck customers, and Silverado sales were up 7 percent through July of this year,” said Maria Rohrer, Chevrolet Truck marketing director. “The changes for 2012 enhance the rugged and capable Silverado with a fresh, updated design and available navigation radio and Wi-Fi systems that can make driving more convenient and enjoyable.”

The new and revised design for 2012 includes a chrome mesh grille matched with either a chrome surround on LS and LT models or a body-color surround on LTZ. LS and LT models now feature a silver-painted lower bumper fascia that is more aerodynamic on 2WD models without tow hooks, and a new 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheel.

Four new exterior colors: Silver Ice Metallic, Mocha Steel Metallic, Carbon Flash Metallic, and Graystone have been added. Two new interior color combinations are available: Dark Titanium/Light Titanium and Dark Cashmere/Light Cashmere.

Cruise control and a spare tire lock are now standard on all Silverado 1500 models.

The White Diamond Edition is available in LT or LTZ trim. Content includes a unique White Diamond Tricoat exterior color, chrome mirror caps and door handles, and body side moldings with chrome accents on LT models. The LTZ version adds the Z60 high-performance suspension package, 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, touring tires and a chrome tow hook and exhaust tip package.

Customers seeking a more rugged-looking Silverado can choose the Z71 Off-Road Appearance Package. It is available on LT and LTZ extended cab and crew cab models equipped with the Z71 suspension and includes Rancho front and rear shocks, body colored front end appearance, 18-inch aluminum wheels with on/off-road tires, fog lamps, bold Z71 graphics and more.

Purposeful technology

Silverado offers a number of technical features that enhance its capability for both work and recreation, including new navigation radio. It offers an enhanced display and now has a hard drive that eliminates the need for discs with map data. Silverado also is equipped with segment-exclusive OnStar Directions & Connections with Turn-by-Turn Navigation and Automatic Crash Response, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth for phone and USB connectivity.

Chevrolet WiFi powered by Autonet, available through Chevy dealers, turns the Silverado into a mobile internet hot spot and an office on wheels, providing multiple users with full internet access inside the vehicle or up to 150 feet from the exterior of the vehicle.

For work sites, Chevy WiFi offers instant access to online ordering sites, municipal sites with building permits and building code information and more. For families on the go, passengers can connect with friends on social media sites, stream videos, find maps, check weather or search for fishing and camping sites.

Silverado also offers comprehensive confidence and control features. Trailer sway control, which uses the truck and trailer brakes and the powertrain controls to keep the vehicle and trailer on the intended path, is now part of StabiliTrak, as is Hill Start Assist, which avoids roll-back before accelerating on inclines.

Silverado’s 6-speed transmission is enhanced so that in normal mode the transmission downshifts during deceleration to use engine compression to assist in braking to slow the vehicle more efficiently, reducing brake wear. This Cruise Grade Braking feature now works in and out of Tow/Haul mode and applies to 1500 models with the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8 engines

Custom Sport Truck Package

Looking to provide full-size pickup owners with more amenities is nothing new for Chevrolet. In 1967, Chevrolet introduced the Custom Sport Truck package. That package included a chrome front bumper, bright trim and badging on the exterior and full carpeting, 40/20/40 bucket seats (a Chevy truck first) with underseat storage, and chrome interior details. It was a hit and sales increased each of its three years.

To celebrate the 45th Anniversary, Chevrolet is reintroducing the Custom Sport Truck package with updated content for today’s buyers. The package includes:

• Vortec 5.3L V8 engine
• 6-Speed automatic transmission
• Heavy-duty trailering package
• Automatic locking rear differential
• Heated power-adjustable, manual-folding outside mirrors with chrome caps
• 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels
• Bodyside moldings with chrome accents
• Chrome door handles
• EZ-Lift locking tailgate
• Power driver seat
• Steering wheel controls
• Bluetooth phone connectivity
• Audio system with USB port
• Dual zone automatic climate control
• Fog lamps

The Custom Sport Truck package is available nationwide on Silverado 1500 Extended Cab models and in California, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida and select counties in Arizona, New Mexico, Arkansas, Kansas, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi on Silverado 1500 Crew Cab models.

Capability and efficiency

The Silverado 1500 lineup is built on GM’s full-size truck architecture, which supports a smooth ride and confident handling. A lineup of powerful small-block V-8 engines and six-speed automatic transmissions complement the strong chassis by enabling a maximum payload capacity of 1,937 pounds (879 kg) on the 2WD crew cab (with the Max Trailering Package).

When equipped with the available Max Trailering Package and the 6.2L V8, the Silverado 1500 can tow up to 10,700 pounds (4,853 kg).

Thanks to ongoing development and fuel-saving technologies such as Active Fuel Management and variable valve timing, Silverado’s mainstream 5.3-liter V8 is highly competitive in fuel economy.

For 4WD pickups, which make up approximately 70 percent of retail sales, Silverado V8 matches the EPA combined estimate for a competitor’s boosted V6, and provides better warranty coverage -- a 100,000 mile/ 5-year powertrain limited warranty.

For those seeking even better economy, Silverado offers two V8 alternatives. The Silverado XFE incorporates improved aerodynamics, a 5.3L/six-speed automatic powertrain, and other enhancements to deliver an EPA-estimated 22 mpg on the highway. The segment-exclusive Silverado Hybrid returns for 2012, too, combining EPA estimates of 20 mpg city/23 mpg highway with Silverado’s traditional capabilities – including a 6,100-pound (2,767 kg) towing capacity.

Value

In addition to competitive fuel economy and the best coverage of any full-size pickup, Silverado offers a variety of popular packages and model discounts. The All-Star Edition continues to be available on 1500 Extended and Crew Cabs. New for 2012 is a $1,000 LTZ Value Discount on 1500 Crew Cabs making the highest trim level even more attractive to shoppers.

2012 Silverado HD is more Capable than Ever
Award-winning truck gets segment-leading payload and towing ratings
Link to Press Release

August 29, 2011

DETROIT – Redesigned for 2011, the Silverado heavy-duty lineup rolls into 2012 with even greater towing and payload capacities to lead the segment, including:

• Best-in-class 1-ton fifth-wheel towing capacity of 23,000 pounds (10,430 kg)
• Best-in-class conventional towing capacity of 18,000 pounds (8,164 kg)
• Best-in-class payload of 7,215 pounds (3,272 kg)

“The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado HD builds on the award-winning foundation created for 2011,” said Rick Spina, vehicle line executive. “We worked to raise the bar even further, developing engineering updates and conducting additional validation with the goal of making the new Silverado HD the most capable heavy-duty pickup ever.”

Thanks to a major update for 2011, Silverado HD won a number of awards and competitions, including 2011 Motor Trend Truck of the Year. Silverado HD also performed well in several head-to-head tests conducted by media such as PickupTrucks.com’s “Rumble in the Rockies.”

“The heavy-duty truck segment is one of the industry’s most competitive. The customers know what they need and how the competitors stack up,” said Spina. “When they compare the 2012 Silverado HD, they’ll find everything they’re looking for and more – including capabilities the competition can’t match.”

Also new for 2012 are an available navigation radio with a built-in hard drive, heated/cooled seats for LTZ models, and a Z71 Off-Road appearance package. Four new exterior colors: Silver Ice Metallic, Mocha Steel Metallic, Carbon Flash Metallic and Graystone have been added. Two new interior color combinations are available: Dark Titanium/Light Titanium and Dark Cashmere/Light Cashmere. For 3500HD dual rear wheel models, a new forged polished aluminum wheel is standard on LTZ models

Strategic enhancements

Silverado HD’s greater capability for 2012 comes from strategic enhancements incorporated into the chassis. Updates to the trailer hitch receiver (available in the fourth quarter), for example, enable the increase in conventional towing to 18,000 pounds from 17,000 pounds for 2011.

For greater fifth-wheel towing capacity, engineers strengthened the pickup box sills and other box structures along with the rear springs, U-bolts, and box mounts. The also revised the shock tuning, all of which contributed to the Silverado 3500 HD best-in-class tow rating of 23,000 pounds, up from 21,700 pounds in 2011.

Similarly, Silverado leads the class in payload, with a 7,215-lb. capacity. And as Chevrolet demonstrated in its recent HDtoHD video series, Silverado HDs strengths are evident on the road as well as the spec sheet.

“We encourage customers to test drive the Silverado HD against the competition,” Spina said. “Based on our testing, we are confident that the Silverado HD will prove to be the best choice for real-world towing and hauling.”

Chevrolet offers 10 2500HD models and eight single- and dual-rear-wheel 3500HD models, including regular cab, extended cab and crew-cab body styles offered in 2WD and 4WD. All share key architectural and performance features, including:

• Fully-boxed, high-strength-steel frames
• Available 6.6L Duramax diesel delivers 397 horsepower and 765 pound-feet of torque and B20 biodiesel capability
• 36-gallon fuel tank and engine efficiency to enable up to 680 miles (1,090 km) between fill-ups with the 6.6L Duramax turbo diesel
• Smart exhaust brake feature provides greater control on grades and reduced brake pad wear
• An array of standard and available control features, including trailer sway control, integrated trailer brake control, hill start assist, automatic grade braking, intelligent brake assist, and large brakes.

Purposeful technology

For 2012, Silverado HD offers a number of technical features that enhance the capability of the truck for both work and recreation, including a new navigation radio. It offers an enhanced display and now has a hard drive that eliminates the need for discs with map data. Silverado also continues to offer segment exclusive OnStar Directions & Connections with Turn-by-Turn Navigation and Automatic Crash Response, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth for phone and USB connectivity.

Chevrolet WiFi powered by Autonet, available through Chevy dealers, turns the Silverado HD into a mobile hot spot and an office on wheels, providing multiple users with full internet access inside the vehicle or up to 150 feet from the exterior of the vehicle.

For work sites, Chevy WiFi offers instant access to online ordering sites, municipal sites with building permits and building code information and more. For families on the go, passengers can connect with friends on social media sites, stream videos, find maps, check weather or search for fishing and camping sites.

Silverado HD also offers comprehensive confidence and control features. Trailer Sway Control, which uses the truck and trailer brakes and the powertrain controls to keep the vehicle and trailer on the intended path, is now part of StabiliTrak, as is Hill Start Assist, which avoids roll-back before accelerating on inclines.

New Z71 Appearance Package

Even trucks that work for a living should look good while doing it, so for 2012 Silverado HD will offer a HD Z71 appearance package for LT and LTZ models that includes a body-colored grille surround with a chrome mesh grille, body-colored bumpers and lower fascia, 18-inch polished forged aluminum wheels and other details.

[Silverlsinva]

reading that makes me miss my 07 silverado which i would still have if gas prices didnt skyrocket to over 4bucks a gallon. I do have one problem with picking of what u want in the truck is that u can only get the 6.2 in a 4 door and u can only get leather with ext cab or 4dr I just want my dream truck 6.2 reg cab long bed z71 4wd with heated seats and usb please tell chevy to offer all motors in all cab config.

[Russo]

regular cab long bed?

[Scrappy Doo]

They still need an engine update. And yes the economy is the same as Ford's ecoboost in half ton 4wds, but Chevy does it with 50 less hp and about the same in torque.

[FenwickHockey65]

Probably won't see new powertrains until the K2XXs in CY2013.

[coolman]

Sorry, but It looks like the same old truck to me. I love all of my 2011HDs ,but I don't care for the 1500s. They need a major overhaul in powertrains and exterior looks.

[AZCamaroFan]

eh, too much reading

[el ess X]

Lot of flair, lacking in real substance. Meh, at best.

And for gawd's sake, WHY make a big deal about the navigation system. My Droid Charge does all that and more from a cell phone. More crapola that can break.

And this diamond tricoat stuff? We got that on our Caddy CTS wagon, and it's just the exterior exterior of the car. Door/hatch/hood jambs are plain friggin' white. Pretty lame if you ask me. Also, looks like it's going to be a PITA to color match rock chips.

[Silverlsinva]

Originally Posted by Russo

regular cab long bed?

Yes whats wrong with that? U can put a 4wheeler and some stuff in the bed without having the tailgate down. I dont have a family so i dont need a ext cab or 4door.

[wbt]

GM needed to make some interim changes to remain competitve. I am shopping for a used truck atm. Test drove quite a few yesterday including several 5.3 Silverado's. I was highly disappointed. I recall my 2000 GMC Sierra 4.8 running much better. That all said, the truck I liked the best was the Nissan Titan. It has balls, looks nice, and drives better than the rest in my price range of roughly 18K. I would have never guessed I would have chosen it.

[TheCaptain]

I was wondering why the Avalanche and Tahoe got cooled front seats on LTZ while the Silverado didn't... until now.

[Dr Jkel]

What is the difference in the diesel engines? I have an 06 LBZ motor and right now they are the hottest thing going in my area.....A lot of people do not want the new motor because of some emission, exhaust things they do not want to fool with.

I even had the local dealer call me and a couple of my friends trying to buy our trucks. SO I was just curious.

[GtSmoke]

The new diesel has 9 injectors (one in the exhaust, which is for emission crap), it requires diesel piss (urea), it also has the DPF (diesel particulate filter). Essentially the same motor with more emissions stuff and a better tune for increased power.

[Dr Jkel]

Originally Posted by GtSmoke

The new diesel has 9 injectors (one in the exhaust, which is for emission crap), it requires diesel piss (urea), it also has the DPF (diesel particulate filter). Essentially the same motor with more emissions stuff and a better tune for increased power.

I guess that is why everyone wants the older version. They say the new ones are expensive to operate and the main reason I have no bought a new one. Appreciate the info Shane.

I have an Edge box on mine so I get pretty decent mileage 17 to 18.5, not bad with a lift kit and 35's

[big hammer]

man the 5.3 is a tired engine. gm needs to make the 6.2 an available option in any 1\2 ton version.