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Chevy shows Silverado Black Ops, Volunteer Firefighter concepts in Texas

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Chevrolet Silverado concept trucks revealed at the 2013 State Fair of Texas
With the introduction of its new 2015 Silverado HD out of the way, Chevrolet unveiled two concept vehicles at the State Fair of Texas: the Silverado Z71 Volunteer Firefighter concept nor the Silverado Black Ops concept. Interestingly, both Silverado concepts were originally developed for SEMA, but the timeframe for their unveiling was moved up to appeal to truck-happy Texans.

The aptly named Volunteer Firefighter concept is a tribute to volunteer firefighters, while the Black Ops concept seems more like a zombie apocalypse truck with a cargo bed filled with survival gear... including Twinkies and Ramen noodles. While the images for concept trucks are limited, we're sure we'll still be seeing both again in November at SEMA. Until then, check out the press release posted below.
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Silverado Concepts Target Extremes of Preparedness
Specialty trucks dedicated to volunteer first responders and ultimate survival
2013-09-27

DALLAS – Chevrolet is using the 2014 Silverado full-size pickup to explore the extremes of preparedness with the Volunteer Firefighter and Black Ops concepts shown publicly for the first time Friday at the State Fair of Texas.

Chevrolet developed the Silverado Z71 Volunteer Firefighter concept truck, which honors the service of grassroots first responders, with input from the National Volunteer Fire Council. The concept vehicle features a full complement of rescue equipment incorporated on a new Silverado Double Cab equipped with the Z71 Off Road suspension.

The sinister-looking Black Ops concept is based on the Silverado Crew Cab 4x4, building on its strength, performance and safety with features designed to turn the wasteland into an oasis, including custom-fabricated lower body armor and a lockable, bed-mounted Truck Vault storage unit. It holds a solar power pack, a pair of gas masks, gloves, military First Aid Kit, folding shovel and rope.

Silverado Black Ops Concept is the Ultimate Survival Truck

Whether it's a hurricane the likes of which only Hollywood special effects artists could dream up or other unforeseen emergency, the Chevrolet Silverado Black Ops concept is ready for anything.

"Luck favors the prepared and the Silverado Black Ops concept is a survival kit on four wheels," said Chevrolet design manager Dave Ross. "This concept truck showcases the stronger, smarter and more capable elements of the 2014 Silverado and how accessories can enhance them to suit any lifestyle."

The sinister-looking concept is based on the Silverado Crew Cab 4x4, building on its strength, performance and safety with features designed to turn the wasteland into an oasis, including custom-fabricated lower body armor and a lockable, bed-mounted Truck Vault storage unit. It holds a solar power pack, a pair of gas masks, gloves, military First Aid Kit, folding shovel and rope.

A generator, fuel can and water can are mounted atop the storage unit, as well as a crate stocked with food. The Silverado's available CornerStep bumper makes it easier to reach into the bed to retrieve the survival gear, while the available locking tailgate with EZ-Lift-and Lower feature enables easier operation. An internal torsion bar reduces the effort to raise and lower it while a rotary damper allows for a controlled and more gradual lowering motion.

A powerful, front-mounted winch can help the Silverado Black Ops in most any catastrophe-induced predicament, while a custom cover around the winch has a bright, light-emitting diode, or LED, spot light and integrated tow hooks. The truck also has a raised suspension that provides extra ground clearance. Additional exterior concept equipment includes custom bed rails and a light bridge – equipped with forward- and rearward-facing light bars, Chevrolet Accessories bolt-on fender flares and four-inch tubular assist steps, and off-road tires mounted on custom-painted versions of the production Z71 18-inch wheels.

Inside, custom-trimmed black seats with yellow piping are complemented by additional yellow trim throughout the cabin, designed to be a comfortable and well-connected environment. It includes Silverado's MyLink system with available navigation – displayed on an eight-inch color touch screen. Standard USB and other accessory inputs make it easy to upload favorite songs from a smartphone or other media source.

New, triple-sealed doors that are inlaid in the body sides and improved aerodynamics contribute to a quieter driving experience in the 2014 Silverado.

As with all 2014 Silverado 1500 models, a fully boxed, hydroformed frame is the foundation for the Black Op concept's strength and capability, with the main rails and major cross members formed from high-strength steel, providing a rigid base for maximum hauling capability.

Additional Silverado factory features include:
-All-new EcoTec3 5.3L engine with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, delivering the best V-8 fuel economy in the segment – EPA-estimated 23 mpg highway
-Maximum towing capacity of up to 12,000 pounds with an available 6.2L V-8 and Max Towing Package
-Six-speed automatic transmission with hill descent control for easier, more controlled driving on grades
-Revised front and rear suspensions and wider wheels that enhance the ride and handling
-Fuel-saving electric power steering
-Four-wheel-disc brakes with Duralife™ rotors that can double rotor life, reducing maintenance costs
-StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with trailer sway control and hill start assist to enhance vehicle control
-Two available, segment-first active safety technologies: forward collision alert and lane departure warning. They use a forward-mounted camera to identify and warn drivers when they are at risk of colliding with another vehicle or leaving their lane. GM's Safety Alert Seat and a rear-vision camera are also available.

"Silverado Black Ops is built upon the stronger, smarter and more capable 2014 Chevrolet Silverado," said Ross. "It's ready for whatever you need it for – work, recreation or challenging conditions."

Silverado Volunteer Firefighter Concept Can Take the Heat

With input from the National Volunteer Fire Council, Chevrolet developed the Silverado Z71 Volunteer Firefighter concept to honor the service of grassroots first responders and share a vision of how the all-new, more capable 2014 Silverado can be pressed into duty.

The concept vehicle features a full complement of rescue equipment incorporated on a new Silverado Double Cab equipped with the Z71 Off Road suspension.

"We wanted to pay tribute to these important men and women in communities everywhere," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "They are the kind of hard-working Americans for whom we design and build the Silverado, making sure it delivers the capability and dependability they expect."

Approximately 90 percent of the fire departments in the United States are entirely or mostly volunteer – and 75 percent of all firefighters are volunteers. The volunteer fire council is made up of firefighter associations from 49 states and advocates policies, standards and programs to keep those firefighters safe.

Earlier this year, the fire council and Chevrolet began a partnership to raise awareness for volunteer emergency services, and support volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel nationwide.

The Silverado Volunteer Firefighter concept has plenty of room for personal gear such as a turnout coat and pants, firefighter helmet, air pack and gloves. It's also outfitted with the tools and safety equipment needed in a support vehicle, including:
-Chevrolet Accessory six-spoke 22-inch Wheels (part number 2095180) with custom painted finish
-Emergency roof light bar and additional light-emitting diode, or LED, perimeter lighting
-Chevrolet Accessory four-inch chrome assist steps (part number 22805436)
-Chevrolet Accessory chrome package: door handles (part number 22940647) and mirror caps (part number 22913965)
-Chevrolet Accessory molded hood protector (part number 19302745)
-Red and Silver Paint Scheme with Custom Graphics
-Emergency siren and PA system
-Chrome fire extinguishers and mounting hardware
-Chevrolet Accessory gull-wing tool box (part number 19260344)
-Custom billet aluminum front brush guard and billet aluminum bed rails
-Axe and Halligan tool
-CornerStep rear bumper
-Cantilever cab-over TracRac (part number 19299113) with custom brushed aluminum finish.

Inside, the front seats are re-trimmed with 3M reflective bolster material and Torch Red stitching, which complements additional chrome-plated accents throughout the cab.

From the factory, the Silverado Double Cab Z71 was engineered with performance features and safety technologies firefighters can count on in every situation:
-Powerful, all-new EcoTec3 5.3L engine with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque
-Six-speed automatic transmission with hill descent control for easier, more controlled driving on grades
-Revised front and rear suspensions and wider wheels that enhance ride and handling
-Fuel-saving electric power steering
-Four-wheel-disc brakes with Duralife™ rotors that can double rotor life, reducing maintenance costs
-StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with trailer sway control and hill start assist that enhances vehicle control in a variety emergency driving conditions
-CornerStep rear bumper that makes it easier to reach equipment in the bed
-Available safety features, including lane departure warning, front and rear park assist and a rear-vision camera, enhance occupant safety when driving to or maneuvering around a call site
-Available spray-on, chemically bonded and textured bedliner.

A fully boxed frame is the foundation for the truck's strength and capability, with the main rails and major cross members formed from high-strength steel, providing a rigid base for maximum hauling capability.

"The team that designed the new Silverado went to extremes to design a new truck that would exceed the demands of these customers," said Perry. "The new Silverado was part of a development program that saw more than 13 million miles of testing. It was an unprecedented regimen for Chevrolet and the result is the strongest, smartest and most capable truck in our history."

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Information

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