As before, the Silverado shares a platform with the Tahoe and Suburban full-size SUVs. These models were the first on this all-new platform, making their 2007-model debut earlier in 2006. General Motors has tried to share the best attributes among these different models and the sister trucks from the GMC brand while keeping them distinct. Even for one model, the varieties are a lot to wade through: The Silverado comes in regular, extended and Crew Cab body styles and offers short, standard and long cargo box lengths; there are eight powertrain combinations, five suspension packages and three trim levels.
The new trucks get new engines as well. The standard engine is a 6.0-liter V-8 that produces 312 hp and 373 pounds-feet of torque. A 6.6-liter turbo-diesel is optional; it makes 365 hp and 660 pounds-feet of torque. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.History
Available in a number of trims boasting up to 367 horsepower and capable of towing up to 10,500 pounds, the Silverado can be fitted with an optional 5.3-liter V8 that cuts engine power to four cylinders when less power is needed, and furthermore can run on E85 (ethanol) fuel. Unfortunately, our experience with GM's fuel-saving efforts, based on time in a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe and 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche , have yet to prove positive, but GM insists the technology works, so your results may indeed differ.
Revised suspension, including coil-overs in the front, should help these big trucks handle slightly better, as should the optional 20-inch wheels. There are other improvements that should bring GM up to the level of the Ford F-150, including a Nissan-Titan-like bed-rail tie-down system and rear doors that open 170 degrees on the extended cab. But overall, nothing seems too groundbreaking about these new trucks. They, for example, still have four-speed automatics, and there?s no under-bed storage a la Honda Ridgeline.
As before, both pickups are available in standard, extended, and four-door crew-cab style. Bed length is also a Goldilocks-esque situation with 5 feet 8 inches, 6 feet 6 inches, and 8 feet lengths from which to choose. We're thinking the middle of each, extended cab with standard bed, will be just right. There are six engine offerings, eight if you count the E85-capable flex-fuel version of the two 5.3-liter V-8s as separate powerplants.
Chevrolet says the rear seats are more supportive and offer more legroom in both extended and Crew Cabs. The crews have split rear seats that raise to provide more storage space. They're optional in extended cabs, which now have Nissan Titan-style access doors, which open 170 degrees. They also have power windows in the higher trim levels.
At the bottom of the spectrum is a 4.3-liter V-6 rated at 195-hp and 260-lb.-ft, followed by an iron-block 4.8-liter V-8 with 295-hp and 305-lb.-ft. The aforementioned 5.3-liter comes with either an iron or aluminum block in both gasoline or flex-fuel. All four variants put out 315-hp and 338-lb.-ft. There is also a 367-hp, 375-lb.-ft 6.0-liter V-8, which, like the 5.3-liter, features Active Fuel Management. At the top of the range is a 6.2-liter aluminum V-8 rated at 400-hp and 417-lb.-ft found only on the Sierra Denali. An enhanced towing package raises tow capacity to over 10,000 pounds, the highest of any light-duty pickup.