Chevy Silverado HD, a pretty
big truck is now even bigger. Unveiled at the NTEA Work Truck Show in
Indianapolis, the new Siverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD is a medium-duty truck, not in pickup terms, but in commercial truck terms.
The new addition to the Silverado range takes
General Motors back into the Class 4, 5, and 6 chassis-cab truck market for the
first time since discontinuing the Chevy Kodiak (and GMC TopKick) in 2009. That
puts the latest Chevy trucks back in direct competition with the Ford
F-450/F-550 and F-650/F-750, and the Ram 4500/5500 Tradesman.
But while the 4500/5500/6500 Silverado HDs are
decidedly targeted at commercial users, they’ve been designed to be as
consumer-friendly as possible. They’ll also be “the most connected commercial
truck available,” with features like 4G LTE internet, Apple CarPlay and Android
Auto connectivity, and wireless cellphone charging.
Truck drivers, fleet managers, upfitters, and
technicians may be more concerned about the oily bits that’ll get the job done.
To that end, the big new Silverados will come powered by a 6.6-liter Duramax
diesel, kicking out 350 horsepower and a monstrous 700 lb-ft of torque. The
engine’s mated to an Allison transmission and can be had in two- or four-wheel
drivetrains.
It’ll also be offered with seven cab-to-axle (CA)
sizes ranging from 60 to 162 inches and with five axle-to-back-of-frame (AF)
lengths offered in 8-inch increments. There’ll be a rear air suspension offered
as well, filling out what’s sure to be a huge range of configurations to cater
the new ultra-heavy-duty Silverado to the job for which it’s needed.
The new model joins the Colorado, Silverado,
Silverado HD, Express, and (Isuzu-made) Low Cab Forward models in an expanding
Chevy Trucks lineup. Expect a GMC version to follow as well.
