Daily Slideshow: Return of the 2019 Silverado Packs Powerful Choices

Bigger

“Truck customers value capability and functionality above all else,” according to Tim Herrick, executive chief engineer of full-size trucks at Chevrolet. For the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado that translates into a longer wheelbase, plus more passenger and cargo volume. The totally redesigned frame is fully boxed and sits on a wheelbase that's up to 3.9 inches longer than the current Silverado's, depending on bed length, with the overall length growing as much as 1.6 inches. That growth allows more room for rear-seat passengers, adding almost 3 inches more legroom, as well as additional storage space in the rear seatbacks and beneath the rear seat bottoms. The beds of every version of the Silverado will get floors that have been widened by nearly 7 inches, with storage bins available from Chevrolet Accessories that fit over the wheel wells and provide additional lockable space. Also new for 2019 is an optional power tailgate that can be operated by hand, interior button, or key fob.

>>Join the conversation about the 2019 Silverado right here in LS1Tech Forum.

Lighter

The extra size doesn't come with a weight penalty, thanks to increased use of mixed materials for 2019. The new Silverado incorporates aluminum, but unlike the Ford F-150, which uses the metal for both cab and bed construction, Chevrolet's pickup reserves it for "swing panels," i.e. the doors, hood, and tailgate. Changes in materials were also made to the suspension, with aluminum upper control arms and composite second-stage springs (on LT models) that save about 24 pounds over the steel units they replace. All told, the changes result in a body that's 88 pounds lighter, a frame that's another 88 pounds lighter, and a total weight reduction of up to 450 pounds for the Silverado V-8 crew-cab model.

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Engines

Chevy is offering the new Silverado in six engine/transmission combinations, including two new V-8s in 5.3-liters and 6.2-liters—both featuring GM’s new Dynamic Fuel Management system that can shut off any number of cylinders in order to maximize fuel economy. Also available is another a new 3.0 liter turbocharged Duramax diesel inline 6 cylinder engine, though Chevy hasn't divulged power or economy numbers on any of the powerplants yet. Both the 6.3 V-8 and the 3.0 diesel with be available with a new Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic transmission.

>>Join the conversation about the 2019 Silverado right here in LS1Tech Forum.

Trim Levels

Variety is the spice of life and Chevrolet is offering the 2019 Silverado in eight varieties of trim. The base model aptly named the Work Truck, comes with either cloth or vinyl interiors, 17-inch steel wheels, and businesslike black exterior trim—though it does come equipped with a 7.0-inch touchscreen system. Next comes the Custom model trim level that shares the Work Truck's bowtie-less grille treatment, but receives 20-inch aluminum wheels, as well as LED taillights, while the Custom Trailboss features a 2.0 inch lift and the Z71 Off-Road package (which includes a locking rear diff., skid plates, Rancho shock absorbers, and 18-inch wheels shod in Goodyear Duratrac off-road tires). Next up, the Silverado LT gets the bowtie up front, a larger touch-screen, LED headlights, and additional chrome, and naturally, the LT Trailboss combines the Custom Trailboss's off-road goodies to the LT package's features. A new RST trim package is one level up and throws body-color trim and available 22-inch wheels into the mix. The LTZ and High Country trim levels occupy the top of the luxury heap and provide all the amenities one would expect, including leather seats and powered folding mirrors on the LTZ, and chrome running boards as well as the aforementioned power tailgate on the High Country.

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To Be Announced

According to GM, the changes made to the Silverado's appearance aren't merely cosmetic—borrowing front functional air curtain technology from the sixth-gen Camaro reduced drag and, along with other changes like a spoiler integrated into the rear edge of the cab, resulting in a 7% increase in overall aerodynamic efficiency. As we mentioned, that's about the only efficiency number GM has released for now—we're still waiting on fuel economy figures and engine output numbers, and GM has yet to quote pricing on any of the new Silverado 1500s. We'll keep you posted as info comes in, but until then, tell us which of the new features would be most likely get you to pull the trigger on a new 2019 Silverado.

>>Join the conversation about the 2019 Silverado right here in LS1Tech Forum.

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