Making the Shift
Available on the high-end LTZ and High Country trim levels, the Silverado’s optional L86 6.2-liter V-8 is a beast, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque and emitting a classic small-block snarl. It’s also clever, sharing much of its tech (aluminum construction, variable valve timing, cylinder deactivation, direct injection) with the Corvette Stingray’s 460-hp LT1 V-8. Paired with the previous six-speed autobox in a test of a 2014 Silverado 1500 4x4, the L86 launched the near-three-ton pickup to 60 mph in a stunning 5.4 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 14.1 at 99 mph.
The 2015 Silverado’s (and the rest of GM’s 6.2-equipped trucks’) new eight-speed Hydra-Matic 8L90 transmission has similar dimensions as the old six-speed but with a greater ratio spread, which aids both low-end grunt and high-speed cruising without incurring a weight penalty. Our 2015 Silverado High Country test truck was actually slightly lighter than the nearly identical 2014 model we drove, weighing 5658 pounds, making it one of the lightest of the species. Although the 2015 model couldn’t match the six-speed truck’s impressive acceleration—5.7 seconds to 60 mph and 14.3 at 98 mph in the quarter—shift action is quick yet smooth, overall drivability is enhanced significantly. The 6.2-liter sounds nice and burly, but no longer are tons of revs needed to get the truck up to speed, the eight-speed’s many ratios leveraging the 6.2’s abundance of torque with minimal commotion. As a result, our observed fuel economy improved from the previous High Country’s 15 mpg to 16 with the eight-speed—not bad for a vehicle this large and quick that is capable of towing up to 9200 pounds to boot.
Still Familiar
The rest of the newest Silverado changes little for 2015, which means it’s still on the sharp end of the light-duty-truck segment. It may not float over bumps like the coil-sprung Ram 1500, but it’s more nimble and carlike in feel, with relatively responsive handling and sharp, accurate steering. Overall lateral grip (0.73 g) and stopping ability from 70 mph (186 feet) are modest on the 20-inch Goodyear Eagle LS-2 rubber, but the truck is nicely composed and luxury-car quiet inside. The one demerit pinned to the eight-speed actually isn’t that consequential: top speed, which is now limited to just 99 mph versus 110 with the six-cog unit.
Within the encyclopedia of modern pickup configurations, LTZ Silverados start just north of 40 grand and go up from there, with the High Country approaching $50,000 as a baseline. Opting for the 6.2 V-8 is a $2495 option, which also includes the new eight-speed gearbox, active-noise-cancellation tech in the cabin to quell engine vibrations, and a taller 3.23:1 rear axle in place of a 3.42. Our 1500-series High Country crew cab 4x4 test truck started at $52,045 before adding the bigger engine. It also tacked on a $995 power sunroof and the $950 High Country Premium package (heated steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, integrated trailer-brake controller, lane-departure warning, forward-collision alert, and GM’s vibrating Safety Alert seat) for a grand total of $56,485.
That’s a lot of money for a light-duty pickup that still swills a gallon of fuel every 16 miles. But it’s also immensely capable and comfortable and surprisingly quick. If you don’t want to spend the extra cash for a diesel heavy-duty truck but still need more power than the Silverado 1500’s 355-hp 5.3-liter V-8—or just want the speediest Silverado available—GM’s new extrastrength powertrain makes for a highly rewarding option.
The
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is one of the best-selling full-size trucks on
the market. Like any good pickup, it is available in a number of styles
and trims that range from work trucks to more luxurious options like
the High Country model. As of its redesign for the 2014 model year, it's
stronger, more efficient, and more pleasant to be in and drive than
ever.
The Sierra 1500 competes with half-ton trucks like its near-twin, the GMC Sierra, as well as the Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150--not to mention the Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan.
The Silverado has been on sale since 1999, when GM gave the name to its C/K pickup trucks developed under the code name GMT800. In that first generation, the Silverado carried on with the rugged look and capability that GM's trucks used to battle the Ford F-150, their sales arch-rival. From the 1999 to the 2006 model year, the Silverado was sold in hundreds of configurations--nearly all of them powered by a V-8 engine teamed to a four-speed automatic transmission. A five-speed automatic came late in the lifecycle, as did GM's first hybrid--which in this case was a very "mild" hybrid which simply stored some recouped energy to feed electrical systems, including a power point in its pickup bed.
In 2007, GM introduced the first of the "GMT900" trucks--the project was accelerated as GM hoped strong sales would lift it back into profitability. While that didn't quite pan out, the GMT900s were an instant success, receiving good reviews for their more upscale styling, rich interiors, and improved drivetrains. The Silverado remained one of the best full-size trucks for its seemingly endless variety of configurations: three body styles that offered seating for up to six in front of a bed that came in short and long variants.
This Silverado shared its running gear with many vehicles across the GM brands. The Chevrolet Silverado, Avalanche, Suburban, and Tahoe all were related, as were the heavy-duty versions of the Silverado and Suburban. GMC's Sierra, Suburban, and Yukon were almost identical to them, spun from the same architecture, as was the Cadillac Escalade. The HUMMER H2 was also a distant cousin of these trucks and sport-utility vehicles.
This Silverado also offered a plainer and a quite nice interior design; a choice of four gas engines and a Two-Mode Hybrid model; and rear- or four-wheel drive. The most powerful, 403-hp V-8 Silverado drank fuel at the rate of 12/19 mpg, but the Hybrid edition earned EPA ratings of 20/23 mpg. Towing topped out at more than 10,700 pounds. While the Silverado's rear seats were a little too vertical, the interior was as comfortable as the competitors', save for Chrysler's Ram 1500. Advanced features ranged from a trailer-sway mode in the stability-control system, to dealer-installed wireless internet access.
Changes were minimal going through 2013. Powertrain Grade Braking--to improve stability on hills, when towing--was included for 2013 in all models with the six-speed automatic.
The new Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevy Silverado was extensively refreshed for 2014, with an upright, chiseled look inside and out; strong yet more fuel-efficient lineup of engines; quieter, more refined cabins; and noteworthy set of safety and infotainment technology—and it all simultaneously nods to the looks of buff Chevy HD trucks while adding a luxury-car feature set to the top of the lineup.
Under the hood, the Silverado has been fitted with a new generation of GM V-6 and V-8 engines, all with a common architecture, direct injection, cylinder deactivation, and continuously variable valve timing. Gas mileage, power, and torque are all improved.
Chevy has added several active-safety features as options on the latest Silverado, including lane-departure warning and collision warning. The infotainment system uses Chevy's latest MyLink software, which can stream audio from Pandora, connect to Bluetooth phones, and accept voice commands or inputs through its eight-inch touch screen. The extended-cab trucks have switched to front-hinged short doors, with longer doors available and tied to more rear-seat room on crew-cab models. The tailgate is damped for a soft landing when opened, there are lights in the cargo bed, and the rear bumper has little steps integrated into the corners for easier access to cargo.
Updates are few for 2015 but include availability of LTE connectivity for OnStar and use as a WiFi hotspot. Starting in the 2015 model year, trucks equipped with the 6.2-liter V-8 will switch to a new eight-speed automatic developed in-house by General Motors. Fuel-economy ratings are pretty similar to those of the six-speed, but real-world numbers may see more of an improvement. GM is expected to roll out the eight-speed autos to more engine configurations, including the smaller V-8 and the V-6, in the next couple of years.
The Sierra 1500 competes with half-ton trucks like its near-twin, the GMC Sierra, as well as the Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150--not to mention the Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan.
The Silverado has been on sale since 1999, when GM gave the name to its C/K pickup trucks developed under the code name GMT800. In that first generation, the Silverado carried on with the rugged look and capability that GM's trucks used to battle the Ford F-150, their sales arch-rival. From the 1999 to the 2006 model year, the Silverado was sold in hundreds of configurations--nearly all of them powered by a V-8 engine teamed to a four-speed automatic transmission. A five-speed automatic came late in the lifecycle, as did GM's first hybrid--which in this case was a very "mild" hybrid which simply stored some recouped energy to feed electrical systems, including a power point in its pickup bed.
In 2007, GM introduced the first of the "GMT900" trucks--the project was accelerated as GM hoped strong sales would lift it back into profitability. While that didn't quite pan out, the GMT900s were an instant success, receiving good reviews for their more upscale styling, rich interiors, and improved drivetrains. The Silverado remained one of the best full-size trucks for its seemingly endless variety of configurations: three body styles that offered seating for up to six in front of a bed that came in short and long variants.
This Silverado shared its running gear with many vehicles across the GM brands. The Chevrolet Silverado, Avalanche, Suburban, and Tahoe all were related, as were the heavy-duty versions of the Silverado and Suburban. GMC's Sierra, Suburban, and Yukon were almost identical to them, spun from the same architecture, as was the Cadillac Escalade. The HUMMER H2 was also a distant cousin of these trucks and sport-utility vehicles.
This Silverado also offered a plainer and a quite nice interior design; a choice of four gas engines and a Two-Mode Hybrid model; and rear- or four-wheel drive. The most powerful, 403-hp V-8 Silverado drank fuel at the rate of 12/19 mpg, but the Hybrid edition earned EPA ratings of 20/23 mpg. Towing topped out at more than 10,700 pounds. While the Silverado's rear seats were a little too vertical, the interior was as comfortable as the competitors', save for Chrysler's Ram 1500. Advanced features ranged from a trailer-sway mode in the stability-control system, to dealer-installed wireless internet access.
Changes were minimal going through 2013. Powertrain Grade Braking--to improve stability on hills, when towing--was included for 2013 in all models with the six-speed automatic.
The new Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevy Silverado was extensively refreshed for 2014, with an upright, chiseled look inside and out; strong yet more fuel-efficient lineup of engines; quieter, more refined cabins; and noteworthy set of safety and infotainment technology—and it all simultaneously nods to the looks of buff Chevy HD trucks while adding a luxury-car feature set to the top of the lineup.
Under the hood, the Silverado has been fitted with a new generation of GM V-6 and V-8 engines, all with a common architecture, direct injection, cylinder deactivation, and continuously variable valve timing. Gas mileage, power, and torque are all improved.
Chevy has added several active-safety features as options on the latest Silverado, including lane-departure warning and collision warning. The infotainment system uses Chevy's latest MyLink software, which can stream audio from Pandora, connect to Bluetooth phones, and accept voice commands or inputs through its eight-inch touch screen. The extended-cab trucks have switched to front-hinged short doors, with longer doors available and tied to more rear-seat room on crew-cab models. The tailgate is damped for a soft landing when opened, there are lights in the cargo bed, and the rear bumper has little steps integrated into the corners for easier access to cargo.
Updates are few for 2015 but include availability of LTE connectivity for OnStar and use as a WiFi hotspot. Starting in the 2015 model year, trucks equipped with the 6.2-liter V-8 will switch to a new eight-speed automatic developed in-house by General Motors. Fuel-economy ratings are pretty similar to those of the six-speed, but real-world numbers may see more of an improvement. GM is expected to roll out the eight-speed autos to more engine configurations, including the smaller V-8 and the V-6, in the next couple of years.
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