Chevrolet has revealed their all-new Silverado 1500, following closely behind Ford’s refresh of their thirteenth-generation F-150 truck as its new direct competitor. Presumably, the larger Silverado 2500 and 3500 are also due for a similar turnover, ushering in a bevy of ground-up improvements.
The new 1500, which is due to be introduced in latter next year as a 2019 model, features a similar but distinct new body made lighter by more extensive use of multi-material construction that sits over a redesigned chassis, prominently highlighted by the new fascia, panels, and wheels.
While it’s not become a vehicle that sacrifices utility for showroom glitz, the styling of the all-new Silverado can be safely described as a slightly more bold expression of the Chevrolet aesthetic dressed on the truck’s workhorse-like character and lineage.
Keep in mind, though, that Chevrolet has chosen to first tease the all-new Silverado in top-spec Trail Boss guise, and replete with the Z71 styling package. Lesser variants will, of course, look much more vanilla compared to this.
We don’t yet know the nitty gritty details as to what powers the new Silverado, with Chevrolet playing on the slow drip tactic until the truck receives its full reveal at the 2018 Detroit Motor Show, but expect a mixture of existing elements as well as all-new ones pertaining to its spread of engines and drivetrains. The interior is also a big question mark for now.
Naturally, the V8 motor from GM’s EcoTec3 will remain as the series’ most popular engine choice in multiple capacities, perhaps helped by a turbocharger with varying levels of boost depending on grade. It’s also likely that Chevrolet will begin using the 10-speed automatic transmission its parent company co-developed with Ford, replacing the older 6-speed and 8-speed slush boxes used in the outgoing model, and thereby matching the gearbox used by 2018 Ford F-150.
We’re sure to hear more about the all-new Silverado 1500 as the Detroit debut nears, but more interesting is how it will effect GM’s new Australasian plans, if at all. Currently, Holden will be selling Chevrolet-badged Silverado 2500s and 3500s in local showrooms next year upon being done for right hand drive conversion by HSV alongside the Camaro. It wouldn’t be a stretch to imagine the smaller 1500 being a prime candidate for the Australian market too once it launches.
