Trucks And SUVs Truck and SUV Reviews and News
The new 2019 Chevy Silverado!
Pickups are a misunderstood love affair by the general public. One only has to attend the unveiling of a new full-size pick truck to understand the commitment and dedication a manufacturer has for its product and its customers. Truly, one can get emotional if they allow themselves to be swept up in the moment.
The launch of the new 2019 Chevy Silverado was one such event. The new truck means a lot to its fan base and GM invited a few hundred customers to attend the unveiling. They, and we members of the media, were not disappointed.
The new Silverado rides prouder, and more majestic. It is 1.6” (41 mm) longer, roughly an inch taller but the real news is that the wheelbase, depending on trim, can stretch an extra 3.9” (100 mm). With the new grilles, shortened overhangs and deeper bed, the Chevrolet looks down-right massive, almost Heavy Duty like. Be that as it may, the new truck is actually up to 450 lbs. (205 kg lighter than the old Silverado thanks to the use of more high-strength steel and aluminum.
The biggest gains from these new dimensions are a larger bed and generally roomier, more accommodating cabins. The bed is unquestionably the most important portion of the truck. Depending on trim, a class-exclusive power up/down tailgate and 120-volt power outlet will nice additions. Those looking carry more will be pleased to learn that regardless of the bed’s length, the new Silverado’s will offer far more cargo volume. For example, the short-box provides 63 cubic feet of volume, or up to 20% more than the competition. The bed floor has been widened by approximately 7”. Storage bins can be added to the bed and they sit over the wheel wells. They provide at least seven cubic feet of lockable cargo space and do not encroach on useable bed space. In fact, a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood will still slide flat onto the cargo floor.
Of the many guiding principles behind the new 2019 Chevy half-ton pickup is that there’s a Silverado for everyone. With eight trims on offer, buyers will be able to spec out a good ‘ol WT (Work Truck) or a loaded super luxury limo-like chrome-clad king of the road, and off. The High Country and LTZ are meant to please the more discerning buyers and the RST, or the Sport Appearance packaged Silverado, is for those that want more street cred through the offered 22” wheels and physical add-ons. The coolest is without a doubt the Trailboss, available as an WT or an LT. It gets a 2” suspension lift with Rancho shocks, the Z71 Off Road Package with locking rear differential, skid plates, and black 18” wheels with Goodyear Duratrac off-road tires. A specific black-out grille completes the look.
When we say that we weren’t disappointed, we’re referring to the announcement that a 3.0-litre Duramax diesel V6 engine will be added for 2019. Mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, it should put down some impressive numbers in all respects. Back for 2019 are the 6.2-litre and 5.3-litre V8. They now feature Dynamic Fuel Management that actively shuts off one to seven cylinders depending on driving conditions. The 6.2-litre will also be joined to the 10-speed automatic transmission. Three other engines will join in when the Silverado arrives.
We know little else at the moment. Production will kick off later this year, likely in the fall. We do know that pricing information and crucial powertrain information will be shared over the coming months and we look forward to finding out more.
