Straight Outta Detroit…the 2019 Chevy Silverado

This past weekend’s Detroit Auto Show helped to ease the sea of speculation that seemed to separate us from an understanding of what form the 2019 Chevy Silverado would take. With weight-reduction being a hot-button topic over the last few model years, it was clear that a response from GM was past-due.

After all, weight reduction had found itself linked more intrinsically to other concerns which consumers have become fixated upon. Of course, weight reduction would play a role in increasing both output and fuel economy, but today’s informed drivers are also conscious of overall sustainability, and safety (ie: braking capabilities) remains at the forefront of many developing technologies.

But in light of criticism lavished upon Ford for their use of aluminum to shed hundreds of pounds from F-Series offerings, Chevy found themselves in a precarious situation. Would they take a similar path, or would they clear a more distinctive and innovative path?

While some of the speculation was silenced, it will still be months before Chevy releases the full gamut of details, specifications, and ratings for the 2019 Silverado line-up. One thing that was certain is that the new Silverado had more reasons (than just weight reduction) to get people talking.

So what do we know?

How Much Weight Was Dropped

Based on the reveal, the 2019 Silverado enjoys a 450-pound weight reduction. This matches Ford’s precedent while nearly doubling the weight reduction that FCA was able to achieve in its RAM 1500.

How Weight Was Dropped

At the core of any speculation was the debate over which materials would be employed. As now confirmed, approximate 80% of the truck’s steel components would be built from GM’s mixed-materials strategy, consisting of several grades of high-strength steel. Battling the commonly-held misconception that steel equates to weight gain, Chevy’s strategy seems to have paid off.

It was also revealed that all of the Silverado’s mobile panels (ie: hood, doors, and tailgate) would be composed of lightweight, albeit reinforced aluminum. On the other hand, the bed floor would be made of an upgraded roll-formed high-strength steel creating an even stronger and more durable bed.

In and Over the Bed

In addition to the updated bed construction, the new Silverado will feature a total of 12 fixed tie-downs, the strength of which has been doubled (to 500 lbs) over previous offerings. Combined with a total of nine moveable tie points, the Silverado’s functionality in terms of securing a load has increased exponentially.

Also increased is the cargo volume for each bed length offered. In fact, the short-bed configuration boasts up to 20% more than the nearest competitive offering.

The 2019 Silverado also enjoys an overall refinement in body styling, intended to enhance its aerodynamics. One of the most distinctive features is the inclusion of a roof spoiler, which serves to lift the departing airflow across the bed and over a secondary spoiler placed upon the tailgate. The result is an estimated 7% reduction in the drag.

The class-exclusive power tailgate is another notable feature, operable manually, from an interior button or from the ease of the key fob.

Engine Configurations

While it was announced that the 2019 Silverado would be offered with six different powertrain configurations, Chevy engineers seem adamant in retaining some sense of mystery. What details they were willing to share was there would now be a 3.0-liter I6 turbodiesel engine. While both RAM and Ford had introduced 3.0-liter diesels back in 2014 and 2018, respectively, Chevy’s inline design positions the catalytic converters closer to the exhaust port of the turbo.

It was also shared that V8 engines will be served up in 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter variants. The latter (along with the 3.0-liter diesel) would be paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission; and both B8’s would feature a new GM feature, which they call Dynamic Fuel Management. This evolution of their cylinder-deactivation system can reduce fuel consumption per individual cylinder as needed, depending on the overall engine load.

Eight Trim Levels

Reflecting consumer feedback, the Silverado will offer eight distinct trims, intended to service three types of Chevy truck owners, and distinguishable by (of all things) the extent at which chrome is featured, or absent.

To quote their official press release, the buyer profiles and intended trims are as follows:

“High Value” customers want the capability of a full-size truck at a great value. The trim levels designed with these customers in mind consist of:

• Work Truck features “CHEVROLET” graphic across the grille and tailgate, blacked-out trim and 17-inch steel wheels for maximum durability. The interior features durable vinyl or cloth seats and 7-inch color touchscreen.
• Custom features a body-color styling theme, 20-inch painted aluminum wheels, LED signature taillamps and available integrated dual exhaust.
• Custom Trailboss (new for 2019) adds off-road equipment to the Custom, including a 2-inch suspension lift and the Z71 Off-Road Package with a locking rear differential, skid plates, Rancho shocks, 18-inch wheels and Goodyear Duratrac off-road tires.

“High Volume” customers represent the heart of the truck market, requiring the capability of a full-size truck as well as the creature comforts of a passenger vehicle. Such customers will be offered the following trims:

• LT features chrome accents on the bumpers, front grille and mirror caps, Chevrolet bowtie in the grille, LED reflector headlamps and signature daytime running lights. The interior features an 8-inch color touchscreen and available leather seating surfaces
• RST (new for 2019) brings a street-performance appearance to the LT, with body-color trim, full LED lighting (fog lamps, headlamps, and taillamps) and up to 22-inch wheels with all-season tires.
• LT Trailboss (new for 2019) adds off-road equipment to the LT, including a 2-inch suspension lift and the Z71 Off-Road Package, including locking rear differential, skid plates, Rancho shocks, 18-inch wheels and Goodyear Duratrac off-road tires.

“High Feature” customers represent the fastest-growing part of the truck market and want luxury-car refinement and appointments without sacrificing capability or durability. These customers are expected to enjoy:

• LTZ features chrome accents on the bumpers, front grille, mirror caps, door handles and hockey-stick beltline as well as power folding and heated outside rearview mirrors. Leather interior trim is standard equipment.
• High Country features an exclusive front grille design with two-tone chrome and bronze finish, body-color accents plus chrome assist steps from wheel to wheel. It also includes the power up/down tailgate as standard equipment.

Looking Forward

Bottom-line: the Detroit Auto Show released enough to wet our appetite over the 2019 Silverado and Acadia, but we can’t wait for all of the details to be released. Stay tuned.