2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500: THE RIGHT TRUCK FOR WORK OR RECREATION
08/07/2010
Chevrolet
Chevrolet Silverado is the industry's most capable truck - and one of the most efficient. Combinations that include powerful Vortec V-8 engines and six-speed automatic transmissions offer a maximum trailering capacity up to 10,700 pounds [4,853 kg] (extended cab with the 6.2L engine and enhanced trailering package).
The unique Silverado Hybrid returns for 2011, delivering a 25-percent improvement in overall fuel economy while offering the Silverado's traditional capabilities - including a 6,200-pound (2,812 kg) towing capacity. Please see the separate Silverado Hybrid release for complete details and specifications.
The Silverado lineup is built on GM's robust full-size truck architecture. It supports a smooth ride and confident handling while delivering superior capability and power. A lineup of powerful small-block V-8 engines complements the stronger chassis to a maximum payload capacity of 1,980 pounds (898 kg) on the 2WD crew cab with the enhanced trailering package.
There are three cab styles - regular, extended and crew cab - and three cargo box lengths: 5 foot 8 inches (short), 6 foot 6 inches (standard) and 8 foot (long). The pickup is available in four trim levels: WT, LS (crew cab only), LT and LTZ and is available in 2WD and 4WD. Silverado XFE (2WD crew cab) incorporates unique aerodynamic enhancements, a 5.3L/six-speed automatic powertrain and other details to deliver an EPA-rated 22 mpg on the highway.
For 2011, Silverado gets the latest OnStar 9.0 system, revised exterior color offerings and enhancements that help reduce wind noise.
Silverado design
The Silverado's exterior design delivers on its reputation as the industry's strongest, most dependable and longest-lasting pickup truck. It has a broad, chiseled face, which accents a broad-shouldered stance and gives the Silverado a powerful, muscular presence. The front-end appearance is unique to Silverado, including the front fenders, grille, headlamps, bumpers, power dome hood, taillamps, box design and flared rear fenders.
Premium-look, reflector-optics headlamps flank Silverado's large grille and a prominent gold bow tie. A power dome hood rises from the front end, alluding to the workhorse power plant beneath it. The large, vertically stacked headlamps at the outer edges of the body have a detailed appearance that reinforces the truck's refinement.
A chrome bumper is standard on LT trim level models, while LTZ trim level models receive body-color front bumpers. The door handles are robust, grab-style designs, which are designed for easy use with gloves. The popular Z71 Off Road package offers unique body side identification - and the addition of Victory Red as an exterior color for 2011.
Silverado models are offered with a range of 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheels. Eighteen-inch wheels are optional with the Z71 package and standard on LTZ. Twenty-inch wheels are available on LT and LTZ models.
Interior details
Silverado features two interiors to meet the diverse needs of customers. The WT, LS and LT trim levels feature the "pure pickup" interior and the LTZ trim level features the luxury-inspired interior that is similar to Chevrolet's full-size utilities.
WT, LS and LT trim levels feature larger controls and door handles that are easier to use with gloves. A large-capacity, double glove box is part of the instrument panel. Cloth seats are standard on WT, LS and LT models; leather seating is available on LT models along with a six-way, power-adjustable driver seat. A lockable in-seat storage bin is built into a new 40/20/40-split bench; it is large enough to store a laptop computer and features a 12-volt power outlet.
LTZ models feature a luxury-inspired interior with a unique instrument panel, door panels, larger-capacity center console that offers 20.1 liters of undivided storage and other distinct trim. Heated, 10-way, power-adjustable leather front seats are standard, along with a Bose speaker system. Crew cab LTZ models add a rear-seat audio system and large glove box that offers approximately five liters of storage capacity.
A stadium-style rear seat with a 60/40-split design and folding center armrest is standard on crew cab models and available on extended cab models. It can be easily folded up with one hand, without using a release handle, to provide an uninterrupted load floor. Alternatively, either section of the split seat can be stowed independently, allowing room for both cargo and a rear-seat passenger.
Rear access doors open 170 degrees for easy entry to the rear seat/storage area of extended cab models. Power-operated rear side windows lower completely into the 170-degree access doors, providing 100-percent openness on LT and LTZ trim vehicles. A power sliding rear window is available on extended cab and crew cab configurations with LT and LTZ trim levels.
Driving experience
Built on GM's full-size truck platform, the Silverado incorporates features such as a fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. It also has wide front and rear tracks that enhance stability and driving confidence through a more secure road feel.
Responsive ride and handling traits deliver a heightened feeling of control while supporting class-leading capability, including a maximum towing capacity of 10,700 pounds / 4,853 kg (extended cab) and a maximum payload of 1,980 pounds / 898 kg (2WD crew cab with enhanced trailering package).
The front suspension consists of a coil-over-shock design that delivers linear, solid and unwavering ride-and-handling characteristics on all road surfaces. A responsive rack-and-pinion steering system provides precise control and strong on-center feel. A Hotchkiss-type rear suspension provides superior isolation and ride with a splayed arrangement for the shock absorbers.
Silverado is offered with five suspension systems, each tailored to suit specific driving requirements:
- Z83 - Delivers a solid, smooth ride with monotube front shocks and twin-tube rear shocks
- Z85 - Designed for enhanced handling and trailer towing, with monotube front and rear shocks
- Z71 - Delivers enhanced off-road capability; features specific monotube front and rear shocks
- Z60 - Designed for maximum street performance and offered with 20-inch wheels, as well as monotube front and rear shocks
- NHT - Designed for maximum towing capacity; it includes monotube rear shocks, 17-inch wheels and off-road tires, and high-capacity rear springs.
A high-capacity brake system with a four-channel ABS system provides superior stopping capability. ABS is standard on all models and is linked to the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system to help mitigate the occurrence of rollover events. GM's sophisticated StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is standard on all models.
Small-block powertrains
Silverado models are powered by an efficient lineup of engines, led by Vortec small-block V-8s. Advanced technologies, such as Active Fuel Management (AFM) and variable valve timing (VVT), optimize performance and efficiency. Three FlexFuel engines are available - and partnered with fuel-saving AFM - giving customers the choice of powering their truck with E85 ethanol, gasoline or a combination of both fuels. Silverado 1500's engine offerings include:
- 4.3L V-6 (LU3), rated at 195 hp (145 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm)
- 4.8L V-8 (L20), with iron block; rated at 302 hp (225 kW) and 305 lb.-ft. of torque (414 Nm)*
- 5.3L FlexFuel V-8 (LMG), E85-capable with iron block and Active Fuel Management, rated at 315 hp (235 kW) and 335 lb.-ft. of torque (455 Nm)*
- 5.3L FlexFuel V-8 (LC9), E85-capable with aluminum block and Active Fuel Management, rated at 315 hp (235 kW) and 338 lb.-ft. of torque (458 Nm)*
- 6.2L V-8 (L9H), with E85 FlexFuel capability, an aluminum block and variable valve timing, rated at 403 hp (300 kW) and 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm)*. This engine is available in crew cab and extended cab models.
The 4.3L and 4.8L engines are backed by proven Hydra-Matic electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmissions. The Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed transmission is paired with the 5.3L and 6.2L engines.
Trailering
The maximum trailering package combines a heavy-duty 9.5-inch rear axle, locking differential, heavy-duty cooling system and other enhanced features to enable a maximum towing capacity of 10,700 pounds (4,853 kg) on extended cab models.
An integrated trailer brake controller is available on all models. It is integrated with the ABS system, and provides immediate and measured brake force signaling to electric-controlled trailer brake systems. There is no requirement for external and/or aftermarket brake control systems. The brake controller switch is conveniently mounted on the lower-left section of the instrument panel.
Safety and security
Silverado delivers 360 degrees of safety protection through a strong frame and body structure, as well as leading technologies that include StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation technology, roof-mounted rollover-capable head curtain side air bags, which are integrated into strengthened chassis and body structures to provide excellent passenger protection, and safety belt pretensioners that activate during a rear-end crash.
Additional safety features are offered on Silverado, including factory-installed remote vehicle starting (a segment exclusive), Autotrac active transfer case to help keep the vehicle sure-footed in slippery driving situations, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, a rearview camera system and a tire pressure monitoring system.
All retail models come standard with the OnStar 9.0 system, including a one-year subscription to the Safe and Sound plan. It includes Automatic Crash Response, Emergency Services, Crisis Assist and Stolen Vehicle Assistance featuring Stolen Vehicle Slowdown.
*SAE certified.