Chevrolet Silverado

For the Chevrolet C/K series Silverado, see Chevrolet C/K.

Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra

Manufacturer	General Motors
Also called	GMC Sierra Chevrolet Cheyenne (Mexico Only)
Production	1998-present
Assembly	Oshawa, Ontario, Canada Flint, Michigan, United States Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States Pontiac, Michigan, United States Silao, Mexico
Predecessor	Chevrolet/GMC C/K
Class	Full-size pickup
Body style(s)	2 door regular cab 3 door extended cab 4 door crew cab Dually
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive
Manuals	Service Manual

The Chevrolet Silverado (along with its GMC counterpart, the GMC Sierra), is the latest line of full-size pickup trucks from General Motors.

As of 2007, the Silverado pickup is the 2nd largest volume vehicle in the United States, behind the Ford F-Series pickup truck. Combined with platform-mate GMC Sierra, the platform usually outsells the Ford F-Series, which is actually made of two different platforms for standard and heavy duty models, not counting SUV derivatives such as Suburban, Tahoe, Escalade, or Yukon. For the first half of 2008, 231,320 Silverados were sold in the U.S., compared with 274,713 Ford F-Series. With 83,174 GMC Sierras also sold in the same period, the GM vehicles outsold the Ford pickups by 14.5% (compared to just over 15% for the same period of 2007).

History

Although General Motors introduced its first pickup truck in 1930, the term "Silverado" was a designation only used to detail the higher-level trim for the Chevrolet C/K pickup trucks from 1975 through 1999. GMC used a few variations of the "Sierra" name (Sierra, High Sierra, Sierra Grande, Sierra Classic) to distinguish the different trim levels through 1987, though the "C/K" nomenclature was continued through 1999. "C" (or "R" for 1987) trucks had rear-wheel drive while "K" (or "V" in 1987) models had four-wheel drive. Both Chevrolet and GMC dropped the "C" and "K" designations in 1999.

The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks have been essentially the same for their entire history. The Silverado today is generally advertised as the "lower" version, while the Sierra has more luxury options. There are some trim and option variations as well. Early models included variations in the engine and equipment, but the present differences are slight. The 1999 redesign included different grilles and interior trim, and certain features (e.g. Quadrasteer) were included at different times on the two trucks.

GMT800

GMT800 Half-ton

Production	1998-2007
Platform	GM GMT800 platform
Engine(s)	Vortec 4300 (4.3 L) V6 Vortec 4800 (4.8 L) V8 Vortec 5300 (5.3 L) V8 Vortec 6000 (6.0 L) V8
Transmission(s)	4-speed 4L60E automatic 4-speed 4L65E automatic 4-speed 4L80E automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	119 in (3,023 mm) 133 in (3,378 mm) 143.5 in (3,645 mm)
Length	203 in (5,156 mm) 227 in (5,766 mm) 246 in (6,248 mm) Hybrid: 230.2 in (5,847 mm)
Width	79 in (2,007 mm) Hybrid: 78.5 in (1,994 mm)
Height	74 in (1,880 mm) 77 in (1,956 mm) Hybrid 2WD: 71.2 in (1,808 mm) Hybrid 4WD: 73.9 in (1,877 mm)

The GMT800 Silverado/Sierra 1500 (light pickup trucks) were released in 1998 as 1999 models. The "classic" light-duty GMT400 C/K trucks were continued in production for that first year alongside the new models, and the Heavy-Duty GMT400 pickups (alongside the GMT400 SUVs) were continued through 2000, with the new GMT800 Silverado/Sierra HD (Heavy Duty) introduced in 2001.

Light duty

There are a number of models of light-duty Silverados and Sierras, including the half-ton, SS, and Hybrid.

The light-duty trucks generally use the 1500 name. They are available in three cab lengths, 2-door short cab, 3 or 4-door extended cab, and front-hinged 4-door crew cab. Three cargo beds are available, including a 69.2 in (1757.7 mm) short box, 78.7 in (1999 mm) standard box, and a 97.6 in (2479 mm) long box. The short box is only available with the extended or crew cab, and is the only option on the latter.

For the first year, only the regular cab and 3-door extended cab were available, along with the Vortec 4300 V6 (regular cab only), Vortec 4800 V8, and the Vortec 5300 V8. A 4-door extended cab was added for 2000, and output on the 5.3 L engine increased by 15 hp (11 kW) and 10 lb·ft (14 N·m).

The 6.0 L Vortec 6000 V8 was added for the 2001 Heavy Duty models, rated at 300 hp (224 kW), with the GMC Sierra 1500 C3 getting an uprated 25 hp (19 kW) version of this engine. The Silverado Z71 got an optional lighter composite box, with a suspension package for towing, but lacked the high-output engine. The C3 became the Denali for 2002, and Quadrasteer was added.

GM launched a reworked version of the Silverado/Sierra in 2003, with a new front end, and a slightly updated rear end.

Models

Model	Year	Engine	Power	Torque
1500 Regular Cab	1999	4.3 L Vortec 4300 L35 or LU3 V6	195 hp (145 kW)	260 lb·ft (353 N·m)
	1999	4.8 L Vortec 4800 V8	255 hp (190 kW)	285 lb·ft (386 N·m)
	2000		270 hp (201 kW)	285 lb·ft (386 N·m)
	1999	5.3 L Vortec 5300 V8	270 hp (201 kW)	315 lb·ft (427 N·m)
	2000–2003		285 hp (213 kW)	325 lb·ft (441 N·m)
	2004		295 hp (220 kW)	335 lb·ft (454 N·m)
1500 Extended Cab	1999	4.8 L Vortec 4800 V8	255 hp (190 kW)	285 lb·ft (386 N·m)
	2000		270 hp (201 kW)	285 lb·ft (386 N·m)
	1999	5.3 L Vortec 5300 V8	270 hp (201 kW)	315 lb·ft (427 N·m)
	2000–2003		285 hp (213 kW)	325 lb·ft (441 N·m)
	2004		295 hp (220 kW)	335 lb·ft (454 N·m)
	2006	6.0 L Vortec 6000 V8	345 hp (257 kW)	380 lb·ft (515 N·m)
	2008	6.0 L Vortec 6000 V8	367 hp (274 kW)	375 lb·ft (508 N·m)
2500	1999–2005	6.0 L Vortec 6000 V8	300 hp (224 kW)	360 lb·ft (488 N·m)
GMC Sierra C3	2001	6.0 L Vortec 6000 V8	325 hp (242 kW)	370 lb·ft (502 N·m)
GMC Sierra Denali	2002–2005
	2006	6.0 L Vortec 6000 V8	345 hp (257 kW)	380 lb·ft (515 N·m)
Chevrolet Silverado SS	2003

• 

  1999-2002 Silverado 1500

• 

  1999-2002 GMC Sierra 1500

• 

  2004-2005 Silverado 1500 crew cab

GMC Sierra C3/Denali

Sierra Denali with Quadrasteer

GMC created an upscale version of its Sierra 1500 in 2001 called the Sierra C3. It used all-wheel drive and included the 6.0 L Vortec 6000 V8 rated at 350 hp (261 kW) with other upscale equipment. For 2002, the name was changed to Sierra Denali, but the specifications remained essentially the same except for the addition of Quadrasteer. The Denali received the 375 hp (280 kW) Vortec 6000 engine, previously used in the Silverado SS.

The Denali is rated for towing 9,100 lb (4,674 kg) and hauling 1,595 lb (715 kg) in the cargo box.

The Sierra Denali was initially equipped with Delphi's Quadrasteer system as standard equipment. It was a 4-wheel steering system that greatly reduced the truck's turning radius and improved lane changing while towing. General Motors dropped Quadrasteer from its entire lineup after 2005 due to poor sales of this expensive option.

For the '07 model year, the Sierra Denali shares the same billet grille from the other Denali models, and also has the same dash as the '07 SUV's. The '07 Sierra Denali is the only half ton pickup that has a 6.2 liter with 403 hp (301 kW) and 425 lb·ft (576 N·m) of torque coupled to a six speed transmission. This truck is also an all wheel drive vehicle and goes 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds.

Chevrolet Silverado SS

"

Vortec High Output / Vortec Max

2004 GMC Sierra with VHO package

The Vortec High Output (also know as the VHO by some enthusiasts) was first introduced in 2004 to a limited market (mainly consisting of Texas and several surrounding areas). The VHO package (under option code B4V) included several options previously not found on the standard 1500 model, most notably the LQ9 6.0 L V-8 engine (the same used for the Silverado SS and the Cadillac Escalade). The LQ9 motor was rated at 375 hp (280 kW) at 5200 rpm and 395 lb·ft (536 N·m) of torque at 4000 rpm, which was the same specifications shared in the SS models. The package also included one style of the newly introduced GM 20 inch wheels installed from the factory. The B4V package could only be ordered on an extended cab, or 4 door crew cab light duty, 2 or 4 wheel drive Silverado or Sierra. with or without Z71 packages. This marked the first time the LQ9 engine was available for a two wheel drive application. For the 2006 model year the Vortec Max package replaced the VHO with an array of similar features and new badges. It was also made available for crew cab models (in addition to the extended cab) and customers were able to purchase these trucks outside of the original market of the VHO. The Vortec Max Performance package boasts an industry leading 11,500 pounds towing capacity.

Hybrid

The engine compartment of a 2006 GMC Sierra Hybrid

GM launched a hybrid version of the Silverado/Sierra in 2005, becoming the first ever GM hybrid passenger vehicle.Known within GM as the Parallel Hybrid Truck or PHT it is not actually a parallel hybrid by the current defintition, but a type of mild hybrid design.The electric motor housed within the transmission flywheel housing, serves only to provide engine cranking/starting, battery charging, and powering accessories.The engine automatically shuts down as the truck comes to a stop and uses 36 Volt electric power to the starter/generator unit to restart the engine as the brake pedal is released. Besides the typical 12V automotive battery the PHT uses three additional 12 Volt valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries mounted under the rear seat to store and provide power. The truck uses a 5.3 L Vortec 5300 V8 for primary propulsion power.

The PHT features four 120 volt 20 amp AC outlets mounted in the bed. These are particularly interesting to the building/construction contractor market, since they often require AC power when on the job. Additionally, the extra reserves of power for the accessories make this truck well-suited to that market, where trucks often sit at idle for hours at a time.

Availability was extremely limited at first, with commercial buyers getting the first allotment. Later in 2005, the truck was offered at retail in Alaska, California, Florida, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Canada. For 2006-07 the truck was generally available to retail buyers throughout North America. The Parallel Hybrid Truck was discontinued for the 2008 model year with the release of the GMT900 truck line, however General Motors intends to offer the Chevrolet Silvrado and GMC Sierra equipped with a Two-Mode Hybrid powertrain for the 2009 model year.

Heavy Duty

GMT800 Heavy Duty

Production	2001-2007
Platform	GM GMT880 platform
Engine(s)	6.0 L Vortec 6000 V8 8.1 L Vortec 8100 V8 6.6 L Duramax V8
Transmission(s)	4-speed 4L65-E automatic 5-speed Allison 1000 automatic (2001-2005) 6-speed Allison 1000 automatic (2006-2007)
Wheelbase	133 in (3,378 mm) 143.5 in (3,645 mm) 157.5 in (4,001 mm) 167 in (4,242 mm) 153 in (3,886 mm)
Length	246.5 in (6,261 mm) 227.7 in (5,784 mm) 2006-07: 224.5 in (5,702 mm) 230.2 in (5,847 mm) 249 in (6,325 mm) 239.7 in (6,088 mm) 258.5 in (6,566 mm) 2001-05: 222.1 in (5,641 mm) 246.6 in (6,264 mm) 237.2 in (6,025 mm) 256.1 in (6,505 mm) 1999-2000 2500: 222 in (5,639 mm) 227.6 in (5,781 mm) 2001-02 3500: 256.2 in (6,507 mm)
Width	1999-2004 2500: 78.5 in (1,994 mm) 2003-07: 79.7 in (2,024 mm) 2003-04 2500: 79.1 in (2,009 mm) 2001-02 3500: 96.1 in (2,441 mm)
Height	77.3 in 76.2 in (1,935 mm) 1999-2002 2WD 2500: 73.7 in (1,872 mm) 74 in (1,880 mm) 74.1 in (1,882 mm) 1999-2002 2500: 74.2 in (1,885 mm) 74.4 in (1,890 mm) 74.5 in (1,892 mm) 2003-07 2500: 77 in (1,956 mm) 2001-02 3500: 76.7 in (1,948 mm) 76.5 in (1,943 mm) 76.3 in (1,938 mm)

The HD variant is a heavy-duty light truck. It is a strengthened version of the Silverado/Sierra light-duty, and is available in the 1500HD, 2500HD, and 3500 models. The 1500HD, introduced in 2001, offers a Vortec 6000 V8 with 300 hp (224 kW) at 5200 rpm and 360 lb·ft (488 N·m) of torque at 4000 rpm with a Hydra-Matic 4L80E four-speed automatic transmission. The 2500HD also offers an available Duramax V8 with 360 hp (268 kW) at 3000 rpm and 650 lb·ft (881 N·m) of torque at 1600 rpm. Also available is the Vortec 8100 V8 with 340 hp (254 kW) at 4200 rpm and 455 lb·ft (617 N·m) of torque at 3200 rpm.

The 2500HD has an available five-speed (six-speed for 2006-2007 models) Allison 1000 transmission. The Silverado 3500 offers the same engine/transmission features that the 2500HD does, however it is usually equipped with "dually" twin wheels at the rear and has a stronger suspension and axle. The HD models are primarily used for towing and high-weight cargo.

Towing capacity for the 1500HD is rated at 10,300 lb (4,672 kg), and can haul 3,129 lb (1,419 kg) in the bed. The 2500HD ups these ratings to 16,100 lb (7,303 kg) with the 8.1 liter engine or 10,600 lb (4808 kg) with the 6.0 liter engine, and 4,058 lb (1,841 kg), while the 3500 can tow 16,700 lb (7,575 kg) and haul 5,511 lb (2,500 kg). The addition of 4 wheel drive tends to reduce the towing and carrying capacity by 200 to 400 lb (181 kg), depending upon year and model. Other factors, such as options, can also affect these numbers.

• 

  1999-2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 regular cab

• 

  2003-2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 crew cab

GMT900

GMT900 Half-ton

Production	2007-present
Platform	GM GMT900 platform
Engine(s)	4.3 L V6 195 hp (145 kW) 4.8 L V8 295 hp (220 kW) 5.3 L V8 315 hp (235 kW) 6.0 L V8 367 hp (274 kW) 6.2 L V8 403 hp (301 kW)
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase	Regular: 119 in (3,023 mm) Extended & Crew: 143.5 in (3,645 mm)
Length	Regular: 205.6 in (5,222 mm) Extended & Crew: 230.2 in (5,847 mm) Hybrid: 229.9 in (5,839 mm)
Width	Regular & Extended: 79.9 in (2,029 mm) Crew: 80 in (2,032 mm)
Height	Regular & Extended: 73.9 in (1,877 mm) Crew: 73.8 in (1,875 mm) Hybrid 4WD: 73.7 in (1,872 mm)

GMT900 Heavy Duty

Production	2007-present
Platform	GM GMT910 platform
Engine(s)	6.0 L V8 353 hp (263 kW) 6.6 L Duramax diesel V8 365 hp (272 kW)
Transmission(s)	6-speed 6L80E automatic 6-speed Allison 1000 automatic
Wheelbase	Varies greatly
Length	Varies greatly
Width	80 in (2,032 mm) 95.9 in (2,436 mm) (Towing mirrors)
Height	76 in (1,930 mm)

The redesigned GMT900 generation of the Silverado/Sierra arrived in the last quarter of 2006 as a 2007 model. It features a redesigned exterior, interior, frame, and suspension as well as a power increases on certain engines. It takes styling cues from the 2007 GMT900 SUVs and the Chevrolet Colorado pickups. Like the GMT900 SUVs, these pickups also have greatly improved aerodynamics over their predecessors like steeply raked windshields and tighter panel gaps which improve fuel economy. The GMT800 models were continued in 2007 badged as "Classic", just as the GMT400 models continued for a year after the GMT800's introduction.

The new Silverado earned the North American Truck of the Year award for 2007 and was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 2007. The half-ton Silverado has a starting price of $18,760 USD with its sibling, the GMC Sierra, being priced very similarly. Pricing for the Heavy Duty version begins at $24,575 for the 3/4-ton models, and $28,785 for the one-ton models. Like its predecessors, the new Silverado offers buyers a choice of two door regular cabs, four door extended cabs (with rear doors that now open 170 degrees similar to the Nissan Titan) and four door crew cabs with the rear doors opening in the same direction as the front doors. GM also offers the trucks in the traditional two and four wheel drive configurations.

The Generation III small block V8 engines offered in the GMT 800 trucks will be replaced in the GMT 900 series by the Generation IV small block V8 engine family, featuring upgrades such as increased power and Active Fuel Management on the 5.3 L and 6.0 L V8s. A new high performance 6.2 liter V8 (with 403 hp (301 kW) and 417 lb·ft (565 N·m) of torque) was introduced with the 2007 Cadillac Escalade and 2007 GMC Denali line, and is now available on the Silverado LTZ trim line. This addition now makes the Silverado/Sierra trucks the most powerful half-ton trucks available. After skipping the 2008 model year, with 2007 being the last for the GMT800 hybrid line, a two-mode hybrid model will be introduced in early 2008 as a 2009 model. One notable omission is that the 8.1L big-block V8 is no longer offered on the Heavy Duty models, and no replacement has been announced.

The majority of the GMT 900 trucks continue to be equipped with the four speed transmission that was found on the GMT 800 platform. A more modern 6L80 6-speed transmission is standard equipment on the GMC Sierra Denali and the similar 6L90 is standard in all Heavy Duty models. As production capacity is established, 6-speed transmissions are expected to replace 4-speed transmissions on the most truck models in coming years.

There are two dash options offered in the new Silverado and Sierra. A luxury-inspired dash that closely mimics the dash in their GMT900 SUVs, and a "pickup" dash that is more upright to make way for a passenger seat in place of a center console.

As of 2008, General Motors full size trucks are no longer sold in United States and Canada with manual transmission, only offered in Mexico in Silverado 1500 V6 engine and Silverado 3500.

• 

  2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT crew cab

• 

  GMC Sierra 1500 crew cab

Military applications

COMBATT / MILCOT (Milverado)

Production	2001-present
Platform	GM GMT910 platform
Engine(s)	6.6 L Duramax Turbo diesel V8 210 hp (157 kW)
Transmission(s)	6-speed 6L80E automatic 6-speed Allison 1000 automatic
Wheelbase	Varies greatly
Length	Varies greatly
Width	80 in (2,032 mm) 95.9 in (2,436 mm) (Towing mirrors)
Height	76 in (1,930 mm)

A military version of the 2003 Silverado is called MILCOTS (Militarized Commercial Off-The-Shelf or colloquially as the "Milverado") and is being purchased by the Canadian Forces. CF has ordered 861 units from GM Defense.

A similar but more armoured platform is being used by the US Army under the COMBATT (Commercially Based Tactical Truck) program. The GM bid beat rival bids from Chrysler (Dodge RAM 2500/3500), Ford (F-350 Super Duty) and Hummer (H1097A2 Wagon).

Awards

• 1999 - Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year
• 2001 - Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year (Heavy Duty Model)
• 2001 - Car and Driver magazine's Best Pickup Truck
• 2002 - Car and Driver magazine's Best Pickup Truck
• 2003 - Car and Driver magazine's Best Pickup Truck
• 2007 - North American Truck of the Year
• 2007 - Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year
• 2007 - ICOTY International Truck of the Year
• 2007 - Truckin' magazine's Truck of the Year

Marketing

Like a Rock campaign

Like a Rock campaign emphasized Chevrolet Silverado as the best-selling, longest lasting truck on the road. The campaign ended in the 2004 model year. The song was Like a Rock by Bob Seger.

Our Country. Our Truck. campaign

On September 26, 2006, Chevrolet announced plans for a multi-media marketing campaign to support the 2007 Silverado full-size pickup as an extension to Chevrolet's An American Revolution campaign. The full campaign began on October 21, 2006 and featured the new tag line Our Country. Our Truck. The advertising videos used John Mellencamp's Our Country as their theme song. Two ads premiered during NBC's new Sunday Night Football in America.

The first video, named Anthem, was designed to showcase the good and bad of the past half century and how America has made it through difficult times. The video is filled with images of historic moments in recent American history, such as a nuclear explosion, Rosa Parks on a bus, Martin Luther King giving a speech, the site of the former World Trade Center in the months after 9/11, Hurricane Katrina's devastation, then shows the trucks working to rebuild the devastated places, and ends with the tagline: This is our country. This is our truck. The final broadcast version did not include images of the nuclear explosion nor of the World Trade Center. Anthem has been criticized for using black rights activists to sell trucks and implying that there was a parallel between the struggles of the United States and the ongoing struggle General Motors is facing in today's marketplace. However, a representative from GM stated that this was not the intent of the advertisement. Rather, the intent was to show how the trucks are used for work purposes, and the main audience for these trucks is for work. The second video, titled Birthplace, showed average American developing vehicles by unconventional means.

The campaign also included a 28 minute long infomercial, premiered on 2006-12-9. The infomercial starred former NFL football player Howie Long and Gary White, General Motors' North American vehicle line executive for full-sized trucks. The infomercial premiered on channels such as Speed Channel. A 24-page publication was to be included with magazines such as Motor Trend, Field & Stream and Popular Science.

In January 2007, a Canadian version of Silverado ad started to appear, which was based on a variant of Birthplace previously shown on American channels. The ad uses a squared fonts for the texts, with images of forklifting timber, boy scouts, Dale Earnhardt, 'This is Our Chat Room' replaced by a skating hockey player, lighthouse on a rocky shoreline, and hockey player Bobby Orr. At the end of the video, the message was replaced by The Next Generation Chevy Silverado. The ad was being criticized for being unoriginal, and not truly reflecting Canadian values.

After winning the 2007 Motor Trend Truck of the Year award, another version of the ad showed the Silverado itself, with the message 2007 Motor Trend Truck of the Year at the end. Canadian version of the ad only has cosmetic and slogan changes after the Silverado had won its award.

Yearly American sales

Calendar Year	Total American Silverado sales
2001	716,051
2002	652,646
2003	684,302
2004	680,768
2005	705,980
2006	636,069
2007	618,257
2008	465,065

Calendar Year	Total American GMC Sierra sales
2001	210,154
2002	202,045
2003	196,689
2004	213,756
2005	229,488
2006	210,736
2007	208,243
2008	168,544

See also

• Chevrolet pickup truck All Chevrolet pickup trucks
• Chevrolet Avalanche - SUT; A mix between the Suburban and Silverado
• Chevrolet C/K - Chevrolet's previous full-sized pickup
• Chevrolet S10/Chevrolet Colorado - Chevrolet's compact pickup
• List of hybrid vehicles

External links

• Chevrolet.com - Official Chevrolet Silverado Website
• GMC.com - Official GMC Sierra Website