Chevy Silverado Places Second In Consumer Reports’ Test

 
The Toyota Tundra and Chevrolet Silverado placed first and second in Consumer Reports' tests of four full-sized, crew-cab pickups for the September issue. In separate tests of heavy-duty diesel pickups, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 easily outpointed competitors from Dodge and Ford.
The Tundra slightly outscored the Silverado in CR's tests, though both achieved "Very Good" overall scores. The half-ton, crew-cab trucks were tested against the Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram 1500, which are built on older platforms and received "Good" overall scores.

The previously-tested Chevrolet Avalanche remains Consumer Reports' top-rated full-sized pickup; the Avalanche, too, achieved a "Very Good" score.

For the first time ever, Consumer Reports also tested three heavy-duty (three-quarter-ton) pickups from Chevrolet, Dodge, and Ford. Exclusively offered by domestic manufacturers, these trucks have higher towing and payload capacities than the half-ton vehicles. In that group, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 achieved a "Good" overall score. Both the Dodge Ram and Ford F-250 earned "Fair" scores.

The Silverado is considerably improved over the previous model. It has a fairly comfortable ride and easier access and cargo loading than the others. A new rack-and-pinion setup has improved steering feel and response. Interior quality has also improved and the payload rating is generous. The Silverado 1500 LT ($37,235 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 315-hp, 5.3-liter V8 that delivers good performance. It pulled the 7,400-pound test trailer to 60 mph in 22.6 seconds. The four-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth shifts and is very good overall. Like the Tundra, the Silverado's brakes were rated "Fair" overall.

Source: http://autoblognews.com/chevy-silverado-places-second-in-consumer-reports%E2%80%99-test/

Chasing The 2007 Chevrolet Silverado

For the 2007 model year, the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado has been redesigned. And one of the things that would first catch your attention would be the bright red badge that has been mounted on the vehicle. The badge screams Vortec Max?and so far, experts do agree that such a name is one of the very best that the brand has been able to come up with.

What has got the Vortec Max badge got to do with the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado? Well, let us just say that under all the Chevy truck parts, you would find the 6.0 liter V8 engine which is quite considered to be a top of the line unit. However, there are some people who have had their say with regards to this. Some have mentioned that they would rather give the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado the name ?64 Max Power?or even Tow Master 364?

Experts who have tried out the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado have said that they found a couple features of the vehicle to be quite outstanding. After all, who would not like the isolated and yet so refined ride that you would get despite towing a heavy package at your rear. Plus, the interior of the vehicle is quite just okay compared to the previous unit. However, despite feeling okay, the interior has not given up on giving its driver and occupants just the right amount of functionality features. By the way, if you do use this vehicle for long rides, you would most probably notice that Chevrolet has made the 2007 Silverado to have quite a quiet cabin.

On the other hand, those who were able to take the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado for a spin do say that there are some parts of the vehicle that need to be worked on. For example, they say that the four speed transmission system does not help out much with regards to the units power. Also, some also do suggest that perhaps the company could also work on the trucks seating position for it could get quite bothersome during long drives. The hard armrests could also get some help.

Source: http://security-camvxkqpui.blogspot.com/2007/08/chasing-2007-chevrolet-silverado.html

And Now Hybrid Trucks!

Although hybrid cars have been around for a while,since 1997 in Japan and 1999 in the US, the history of the hybrid truck is fairly recent.

Since the pick up truck forms perhaps the most important segment for GM it was but natural that they should try and build a hybrid in this segment.Moreover this is the most rapidly growing segment in hybrid vehicles as well.Trucks are expected to account for 60% of all hybrid sales by 2008.

The first hybrid trucks were from GM and Chrysler.The first full size pick up hybrids were the Chevy Silverado and the Dodge Ram which went on sale in the US in 2004.

These vehicles have now reached a stage of development where you can drive a powerful pick up truck or a SUV without feeling guilty about either damaging the environment or using up limited oil reserves.These new hybrid vehicles combining conventional gasoline engines with electric power allow you to do just that.The savings on gas could be as high as 60% and emissions be cut by up to 97%.

The first trucks were initially available to only fleet operators but are now available to all kinds of buyers,and have been an instant hit.

Hybrid trucks being used by utilities are gaining in popularity because they operate much more silently than their conventional counterparts.Often operating at night or early in the morning they are able to do their work without waking up the entire neighborhood.The 60% saving on gas is an added bonus.

Amongst new developments Kenworth Truck Company has introduced a hybrid electric truck for municipal fleets and utility companies.PACCAR together with Eaton has announced plans of developing a hybrid truck.But it is again a Japanese company,Mitsubishi,which has launched the most efficient diesel hybrid truck. the Canter Eco Hybrid.Since modern diesel engines are more efficient than petrol engines and also equally clean it is a huge success.

However it is an American company GM which has undertaken the most interesting development in this class of vehicles.It is developing a new diesel hybrid truck for the military.Apart from savings on fuel and being cleaner they offer a huge tactical advantage in battle conditions.They are more silent and therefore more difficult to detect.They also give off less heat and are less likely to be picked up by heat sensors of the opposition.

Presently these vehicles do have some disadvantages.Although they have four wheel drive it is not as efficient as the 4WD of a regular gas based vehicle ,especially in off road conditions.Moreover hybrids are not good at towing trailers over a long distance.

But there are many advantages of owning a hybrid.There are state purchase incentives for hybrids as well as federal tax breaks.Some companies too give incentives to employees to buy hybrids.You would also do well to remember that no training is required to drive a hybrid.It drives the same as your old gasoline vehicle.they are also perfectly safe.And what is more they are improving with each passing year.


Source: http://planet-automobiles.blogspot.com/2007/08/and-now-hybrid-trucks.html

Pickuptruck.com concludes 2007 Heavy Duty Shootout… who won?

In Parts 1 and 2 of his 2007 Heavy Duty Shootout, Mike Levine and his cohorts from Pickuptruck.com compared the acceleration of gas three-quarter ton and diesel one-ton pickups from Dodge, Chevy/GMC and Ford on flat surfaces, both unloaded and loaded with 10,500-lb trailers. For the third and final report, however, Levine introduced grades of 7% and 15% to the equation.

The results were surprising, and really had the most influence on Pickuptruck.com's final conclusions. We won't spoil the dramatic tail of each hill climb at Ford's Michigan Proving Grounds, but the 2007 Ford F-250 with its 6.8L Triton V10 was particularly impressive in the gasser category, and as anyone who has driven one would expect, the 2007 Chevy Silverado 3500 and its 6.6L Duramax diesel/6-speed transmission combo proved overly dominant among the oil burners. That said, the conclusions are only half the story, as Pickuptruck.com follows each truck through every gear as they climb their grades. These rigorous tests brought every truck's weakness, which were glaring in some cases, as well as their strengths.

Source: http://news.euro-truck.biz/trucks/pickuptruckcom-concludes-2007-heavy-duty-shootout-who-won/

Chevrolet Silverado, Overhauled And Refined

The old adage "If it ain't broke, don't fix it.?does not belong to General Motors?auto philosophy. In fact, it has given its outstanding Chevrolet Silverado pickup a complete overhaul to compete more adeptly in the growing truck market.The most apparent change to the Chevrolet Silverado is the brand new grille and its new headlights. Significant modifications are also made to Chevrolet body parts to improve its aesthetic significance. It is always a risky business when an automaker decides on redesigning or overhauling its best-selling vehicle. However, General Motors is determined to take the risks to gain greater enthusiasts and eventually yield a larger slice of the automotive market. "The new trucks convey power and strength with great refinement," said John Cafaro who is the design director of the company for full-size trucks. "There is a broad-shouldered, purposeful stance with the vehicles that speaks to the 'real truck' needs of customers."Trucks are now more than just tools for towing and hauling hay bales on a farm. They have evolved to prove more than just that. Industry analysts said they have become another family vehicle. Most of these trucks available today come with comfortable seating for five or six people, luxurious amenities and a comfortable ride. These trucks combine utility and comfort without sacrificing functionality.Aside from the Ford Motor Co., the maker of the best-selling Ford F-Series, General Motors is also famed for manufacturing tough and high-performance trucks. To compete tighter with Ford, Dodge and Toyota trucks, Chevrolet overhauled its Silverado. Though the Chevrolet Silverado is basically identical under the skin, the most obvious modification made to the overhauled version is on its exterior styling. The style is made bolder and more captivating by using unique grille, headlights, front fenders, hood and taillights. The grille is made wider. It is accented with a large gold Chevy bowtie in the center. Further, designers made it appear that headlights are wrapping the corners of the car. Interior improvements are more obvious than exterior modifications. Improvements include the redesigned instrument panel and center console and lowered dashboard which provides more space. "These are the most quiet and refined pickup interiors in the industry," said Gary White, General Motors North America vice president and vehicle line executive for full-size trucks. "Our new Silverado and Sierra each offers a choice of two different interiors, reflecting the broad range of customers and uses of pickups today." Basic pure pickup?and premium are 2 different styles of the overhauled Chevrolet Silverado. Basic features include specific door panels with large door pull and release handles, unique gauges, two glove boxes a 6.1-liter storage console and a new underseat storage bin built into a new split-bench seat. On the other hand, the premium interiors are the rest of the changes done to GMs full-size SUVs. However, it is equipped with an even larger center console, power-adjustable heated bucket seats, leather seating surfaces, a leather-covered steering wheel and chrome trim. The legroom, headroom and hip room of the vehicle are also refined. The recline angle and travel of the front seat has been increased, and power adjustable pedals are available, providing greater flexibility for drivers of varied statures. GM is expecting that the overhauled version of the pickup would perform better than the old version profit-wise and more.

Source: http://chevy-silverado-car.blogspot.com/2007/08/chevrolet-silverado-overhauled-and_3248.html

Chevrolet Silverado Awarded 2007 Motor Trend's Truck of the Year

The model lifespan of new vehicles is likened to that of the presidential term of office since they usually get voted in every four years however pickups are different being extremely popular in the United States usually stayed for two terms.

Moreover since producing full-size pickups are also immensely profitable, automakers tend to spend more on further improving the quality of their truck parts. Plus they make sure that they employed only the best and brightest product engineers and planners to help them create the next blockbuster pickup that can become the next contender for the next Truck of the Year award. And for this year Motor Trend has chosen two pickup trucks from the stable of the worlds largest automaker---the new Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra.

In choosing the Truck of the Year one of the criteria is significance in which the Silverado scored high. The sales of the two brands tally well, each achieving over a million units year in and out courtesy of the numerous combinations and permutations of cabs, drivetrains, beds, and suspensions offered. The Silverado has also recorded high in terms of sales on both Chevrolet truck accessories and Chevrolet truck parts. Its Chevrolet truck part components are made from high-grade materials---only the best from GM.

Unfortunately, market significance doesnt have that much effect on the Truck of the Year voter base. Each of the truck has to prove its worth and this means passing several tests that are to be conducted by the judges on Motor Trend.

The fresh styling of both trucks have made quite an impression and have successfully differentiates the two trucks from each other. However since its a competition there would always be some features that would make one truck to outshine the other. The Silverados chrome-bisected grille and brawnier square-shouldered quarter panels enhanced the trucks looks. Its interior design is made even more impressive with Chevys fake wood earning higher marks than the Cadillacs timber.

On the other hand, the entry-level dash fitted to Sierra makes it classy. The seats both the front and back provides great support while the interiors hush is so quite that no squeak or rattle can be heard. The new cargo bed earned high marks for utility especially since its equipped with a cargo-management system and spring loaded EZ-Lift tailgate. The judges also appreciated the low sides of the bed which makes it easy to reach unlike the cargo boxes found on the Avalanche/Escalade EXT and the current Ford F-150.

The Silverados 5.3 liter V8 featured fuel-saving displacement on demand and a clever dash readout that indicates if its operating in V4 mode. This boost fuel economy to an EPA rated 16 mpg city/20 mpg for highway. Only the Dodge Ram Hemi is known to offer a similar system however its EPA numbers trail by 1 mpg each.

Some voters also expressed doubts about the overall smoothness of the engine and quality of the four-speed automatics shift but judges at Motor Trend has found the drivetrain of the 2.5 ton four-wheel-drive quite reliable in sprinting to 60 mph in a respectable 8.2 seconds which is 0.3 second faster than a rear-drive 5.4 liter Ford F-150 and 0.4 second quicker than the Dodge Ram Hemi 4x4. And thats not all once loaded with 1050 pound load its sprinting time is only stretched by 1.2 seconds as compared to Ford and Dodge Ram Hemi which took additional 1.3 seconds.

And in a boat towing test conducted the Sierra and the Silverado has showed remarkable toting and towing prowess. The figures obtained by the two GM trucks are just part of the whole story. The Judges were very much impressed with the composure of the Silverado when loaded. The truck didnt ride down on its bump stops and although its front is a little light the truck didnt lose control.

A week long testing has satisfied the Motor Trend judges and the result shows that the new GM full-size pickups have earned excellent marks in terms of superiority front and by limiting the price increase to about $300 on most models, the Chevy and GMC faired well when it comes to Value Category. But since only one truck should be voted as winner all the judges have agreed to award the Motor Trends Truck of the Year for 2007 to the Chevrolet Silverado.

Source: http://megauploadfxayqumuv.blogspot.com/2007/08/chevrolet-silverado-awarded-2007-motor.html

Chevrolet Silverado, Overhauled And Refined

The old adage "If it ain't broke, don't fix it.?does not belong to General Motors?auto philosophy. In fact, it has given its outstanding Chevrolet Silverado pickup a complete overhaul to compete more adeptly in the growing truck market.The most apparent change to the Chevrolet Silverado is the brand new grille and its new headlights. Significant modifications are also made to Chevrolet body parts to improve its aesthetic significance. It is always a risky business when an automaker decides on redesigning or overhauling its best-selling vehicle. However, General Motors is determined to take the risks to gain greater enthusiasts and eventually yield a larger slice of the automotive market. "The new trucks convey power and strength with great refinement," said John Cafaro who is the design director of the company for full-size trucks. "There is a broad-shouldered, purposeful stance with the vehicles that speaks to the 'real truck' needs of customers."Trucks are now more than just tools for towing and hauling hay bales on a farm. They have evolved to prove more than just that. Industry analysts said they have become another family vehicle. Most of these trucks available today come with comfortable seating for five or six people, luxurious amenities and a comfortable ride. These trucks combine utility and comfort without sacrificing functionality.Aside from the Ford Motor Co., the maker of the best-selling Ford F-Series, General Motors is also famed for manufacturing tough and high-performance trucks. To compete tighter with Ford, Dodge and Toyota trucks, Chevrolet overhauled its Silverado. Though the Chevrolet Silverado is basically identical under the skin, the most obvious modification made to the overhauled version is on its exterior styling. The style is made bolder and more captivating by using unique grille, headlights, front fenders, hood and taillights. The grille is made wider. It is accented with a large gold Chevy bowtie in the center. Further, designers made it appear that headlights are wrapping the corners of the car. Interior improvements are more obvious than exterior modifications. Improvements include the redesigned instrument panel and center console and lowered dashboard which provides more space. "These are the most quiet and refined pickup interiors in the industry," said Gary White, General Motors North America vice president and vehicle line executive for full-size trucks. "Our new Silverado and Sierra each offers a choice of two different interiors, reflecting the broad range of customers and uses of pickups today." Basic pure pickup?and premium are 2 different styles of the overhauled Chevrolet Silverado. Basic features include specific door panels with large door pull and release handles, unique gauges, two glove boxes a 6.1-liter storage console and a new underseat storage bin built into a new split-bench seat. On the other hand, the premium interiors are the rest of the changes done to GMs full-size SUVs. However, it is equipped with an even larger center console, power-adjustable heated bucket seats, leather seating surfaces, a leather-covered steering wheel and chrome trim. The legroom, headroom and hip room of the vehicle are also refined. The recline angle and travel of the front seat has been increased, and power adjustable pedals are available, providing greater flexibility for drivers of varied statures. GM is expecting that the overhauled version of the pickup would perform better than the old version ?profit-wise and more.Crabtree Evelyn


Source: http://psp-demorumfsjp.blogspot.com/2007/08/chevrolet-silverado-overhauled-and.html