SEMA 2010: Chevrolet Silverado HD offers rugged, work-ready performance

SEMA Chevrolet Silverado HDs – Click above for high-res image gallery

In addition to the usual raft of Corvettes and Camaros, General Motors will be bringing a pair of customized pickups to this year's SEMA show. The full range of heavy duty GM trucks were revamped for 2011, and thus, the Silverado 2500 HD and 3500 HD will be on display.

First up, the SEMA-bound Silverado 2500 HD Z71 features a Switchblade Silver exterior color wrapped with custom Z71 graphics. Other exterior upgrades include 20-inch wheels painted in Corvette Competition Gray, a body-color grille, hard-folding tonneau cover, hitch-mounted winch, amber roof lamps and six-inch oval assist steps also painted in that special Corvette gray. Inside the truck, GM has fitted dual DVD headrests, mobile wi-fi and a Chevrolet Accessory trim plate kit. The modified truck is powered by GM's new 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 and six-speed automatic transmission, which as we've found out in our testing, is one honey of a powertrain.

The second SEMA Silverado is a heavier-duty 3500 dually fitted for race car-hauling duty. After all, the Silverado 3500 is capable of towing up to 21,700 pounds, so one car on an open trailer is a piece of cake. The truck's exterior has been painted black with custom racing graphics and adds visual touches like chrome hood louvers, 17-inch bright wheels, a custom grille insert, chrome fuel door and trailering mirrors, among other things. The interior gets the same upgrades as the 2500 Z71, and a 6.6-liter Duramax is found under the hood of this beast, as well.

Both trucks prove that SEMA isn't just about sports cars, and that when it comes to aftermarket accessories, GM's trucks are just as important as its coupes. Hit the jump for the official press releases.


Silverado 2500HD Z71
Silverado 2500HD Z71
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[Source: General Motors]
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2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500HD Z71

Redesigned for 2011, the Silverado heavy-duty lineup is broader than ever, with 10 2500HD models and eight single- and dual-rear-wheel 3500HD models. In the Chevrolet display at the SEMA show, a new, accessorized 2500HD Extended Cab Z71 equipped with the new 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel engine Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission demonstrated the personalization possibilities of the new HD lineup.

All 2011 Silverado HD models bring greater capability, improved ride and handling and a greater feeling of driver control. Highlights include:
• Increased towing capability of up to 21,700 pounds (9,843 kg) and payload of up to 6,635 pounds (3,009 kg) on 3500HD models, supported by all-new fully-boxed, high-strength-steel frames and strong suspensions
• New 6.6L Duramax diesel delivers up to 11-percent greater highway fuel economy and up to 63-percent lower emissions, along with B20 biodiesel capability and quicker acceleration
• All-new "smart" exhaust brake feature provides greater control on grades and reduced brake pad wear
• An array of control features, including trailer sway control, integrated trailer brake control, hill start assist, automatic grade braking, intelligent brake assist and larger brakes
• Purposeful technology, including available mobile WiFi, USB connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, XM Satellite Radio, OnStar 9.0 and navigation.

Outside, the 2011 Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD models are distinguished by a power dome-style hood with a new, louvered design, as well as a new grille and full-width chrome steel front bumper. A new lineup of 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheel/tire combinations is featured, too, and the 2500HD SEMA show vehicle displays 20-inch wheels that are available through Chevrolet dealers, but painted Corvette Competition Gray for the show vehicle.

Additional accessories are either available now or are being evaluated for future availability.

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
Exterior:
• Switchblade Silver color with satin low-gloss finish
• Body-color grille
• Chevrolet Accessory 20-inch wheels painted Corvette Competition Gray
• Hard folding tonneau cover
• Six-inch oval assist steps painted Corvette Competition Gray
• Hitch-mounted winch
• Amber roof lamps
• Custom Z71 graphics
Interior:
• Dark Titanium leather interior
• Chevrolet Accessory interior trim plate kit with custom show paint
• Dual DVD headrests with HD WiFi headphones
• Navigation radio
• Autonet mobile Wi-Fi
Performance:
• Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel and Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission


2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500HD RACE CAR HAULER

The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD was designed for effortless towing and hauling. It looks great doing it, too – especially when it is connected to a Chevy race car and trailer. Chevrolet highlighted the capabilities of the new HD truck at the SEMA show by pairing it with a race car mounted on an open trailer and hooked to a Silverado 3500HD Crew Cab Dually.

"A Chevy race car being towed by a new Silverado HD truck is a combination any enthusiast would love to call his own," said Paul Arnone, lead designer. "The 2011 Silverado 3500HD can tow up to 21,700 pounds, so a race car on an open trailer is no sweat for this truck."

Maximum towing capability is achieved with the improved Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel engine and that's exactly what's under the hood of the display vehicle. It's paired with a revised version of the Allison 1000 six-speed automatic for a powertrain combination that is more powerful yet more fuel-efficient than the one it replaces.

No powertrain modifications were made to the display vehicle, but its exterior and interior wear a number of Chevrolet Accessories and other aftermarket parts, as well as a few custom touches developed by Chevrolet designers. They reflect the personalization many customers perform to enhance the style, comfort and capabilities of their truck. Highlights include a full-width tool box and, on the inside, dual DVD headrests.

"Just about every unique part or system on the show vehicle is available through Chevrolet dealers or via licensed aftermarket manufacturers," said Arnone. "It is a truck designed for the greatest work capability, but it does so with exceptional comfort and flair."

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
Exterior:
• Black color with custom racing graphics
• Custom grille insert
• Chrome hood louvers
• 17-inch bright wheels
• Six-inch chrome oval assist steps
• Six-inch custom box steps
• Full-width tool box Cargo Management System
• Body-color splash guards
• Chrome fuel door
• Trailering mirrors
Interior:
• Ebony leather seating with color stitching and piping
• Custom interior trim treatment in piano black
• Dual DVD headrests with HD Wi-Fi headphones
• Navigation radio
• Autonet mobile Wi-Fi
Performance:
• Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel and Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission

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