2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 ADDS FUEL-SAVING SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMIS
06/09/2008
Chevrolet
The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is not only the strongest ever offered by Chevrolet, but it delivers segment-topping fuel economy - a combination that is winning over more and more customers and critics - including repeat appearances on Car and Driver's 5Best Trucks list for 2008.
For '09, Silverado's fuel economy advantage is enhanced with a new six-speed automatic that is paired with V-8 engines (except the 4.8L). Also, a new 6.2L V-8 with variable valve timing and E85 capability is offered on crew cab models; it is rated at 403 horsepower (301 kW). Additional new safety and convenience features give Silverado customers a broader array of choices when selecting the truck to fit their lifestyle.
"Silverado is the industry benchmark for full-size trucks," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "The new six-speed automatic is the latest example of how Chevrolet is working on fuel solutions for all of its vehicles, strengthening its leadership position in the market."
A Silverado Hybrid model also is available starting in 2009 and it delivers a 25-percent improvement in overall fuel economy while offering the Silverado's traditional capabilities - including a 6,100-pound (2,767 kg) towing capacity. Please see the separate Silverado Hybrid release for complete details and specifications.
Fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission
Silverado's new Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission rolls out on models equipped with 5.3L, 6.0L and 6.2L engines. It debuts in crew cabs and migrates to regular cab and extended cab models with the 5.3L and 6.0L engines (except extended cab/short box 5-foot 8-inch configurations).
The six-speed helps achieve better fuel efficiency on the highway through lower "cruising" rpm - less fuel is used with the lower engine speed. The reduced engine speed also enhances the interior's quietness.
2009 new features and changes
In addition to the new six-speed automatic transmission and 6.2L V-8, a host of new features and revisions gives customers more choices. They include:
New 18-inch and 20-inch chrome-clad wheels - The new-design wheels add contemporary options for style-conscious buyers; the 18-inch chrome aluminum wheel is a new addition to the lineup, while the new 20-inch chrome aluminum wheel replaces a previous machine-face design
New Black Granite Metallic and Imperial Blue Metallic exterior colors
OnStar 8.0 - The latest-generation OnStar system offers advanced features, including Turn-by-Turn Navigation and new, Destination Download that automatically downloads requested directions to the Silverado's navigation system
Bluetooth phone connectivity - Available with OnStar 8.0, it enables safer, hands-free calling and other wireless activities, with controls on the steering wheel
XM Satellite Radio with NavTraffic - Available with the standard XM Satellite Radio service, the new NavTraffic feature delivers real-time traffic advisements through the navigation system
Rearview camera system - Extended cab and crew cab customers can select this safety device that can be ordered with or without the navigation system; it provides a remote view directly behind the vehicle via a display in the inside rearview mirror
Changes and revisions to previous models and equipment packages include:
Integrated trailer brake controller is available on regular cab models (not available with the 4.3L engine)
Vehicle stability enhancement system now standard on all models except with 4.3L V-6 engine
2LT trim is discontinued
Silverado lineup
The Silverado lineup is built on GM's robust full-size truck architecture. It supports a smooth ride and confident handling while delivering segment-leading capability and power. A lineup of powerful small-block V-8 engines complements the stronger chassis to deliver a confident towing capacity of - 10,700 pounds / 4,853 kg (extended cab with 6.0L and enhanced trailering package) - with a maximum payload capacity of 1,909 pounds / 866 kg (2WD crew cab).
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's pure pickup 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.
Silverado's large grille and a prominent gold bow tie are flanked by premium-look, reflector-optics headlamps. A power dome hood rises from the front end, alluding to the workhorse power plant beneath it. The large, vertically stacked headlamps are pushed to the outer edges of the body and have a detailed appearance that reinforces the trucks' 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.
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.
Spacious, refined interior
The Silverado features two completely distinct interiors to meet the diverse needs of today's pickup consumer. The WT, LS and LT trim levels feature the pure pickup interior and the LTZ trim level features the same luxury-inspired interior that is currently available on Chevrolet's full-size utilities.
Silverado models are more spacious inside, with increased storage capacity. Spaciousness is enhanced with new, "low and forward" instrument panels. The instrument panel offered as part of the LTZ trim level is five inches lower and farther forward than previous-generation models. The WT, LS and LT trim levels feature an instrument panel that is 3.5 inches lower and farther forward.
The pure pickup interior offered on WT, LS and LT trim levels features larger controls and door handles that are easier to use with gloves. A large-capacity, double glove box is integrated into 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 new, 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. WT models are offered in a Dark Titanium interior color; LS and LT models are offered in Ebony or Ebony/Light Titanium and Ebony/Light Cashmere combinations.
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 and heated windshield washer system. Crew cab LTZ models add rain-sensing automatic windshield wipers, a rear-seat audio system and large glove box that offers approximately five liters of storage capacity. LTZ interior color schemes include Ebony, Dark Titanium/Light Titanium and Dark Cashmere/Light Cashmere combinations.
Standard on crew cab models and available on extended cab models is a stadium-style rear seat with a 60/40-split design and folding center armrest. It can be easily folded up with one hand, without using a release handle, to provide an uninterrupted load floor. Or, either section of the split seat can be stowed independently, allowing room for both cargo and a rear-seat passenger.
Entry to the rear seat/storage area of extended cab models is eased with rear access doors that open 170 degrees. Power-operated rear side windows lower completely into the 170-degree access doors, providing 100-percent openness on LT and LTZ trim level vehicles. A power sliding rear window is available on extended cab and crew cab configurations with LT and LTZ trim levels.
Confident and capable driving experience
Built on GM's new 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 1,909 pounds / 866 kg (crew cab 2WD).
The front suspension consists of a coil-over-shock design that delivers linear, solid and unwavering ride-and-handling characteristics on all road surfaces. Steering is handled with a responsive rack-and-pinion system that 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
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 with a V-8 engine - and is a segment exclusive. Partnered with new brake system and four-channel, four-sensor electronic brake controls, the system provides more precise, controlled ABS stops, as well as enhanced traction/yaw stability.
Small-block-based powertrains
Silverado models are powered by an efficient lineup of engines, led by the segment's highest-rated V-8 engine family. Advanced technologies, such as Active Fuel Management (AFM) and variable valve timing (VVT), help Silverado deliver the segment's best fuel economy. 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. Light-duty 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 (LY2), with iron block; rated at 295 hp (220 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 338 lb.-ft. of torque (458 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)*
5.3L V-8 (LH6), with aluminum block and Active Fuel Management, rated at 315 hp (235 kW) and 338 lb.-ft. of torque (458 Nm)*
5.3L V-8 (LY5), with iron block and Active Fuel Management, rated at 315 hp (235 kW) and 338 lb.-ft. of torque (458 Nm)*
6.0L V-8 (L76), with aluminum block, variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management, rated at 367 hp (274 kW) and 375 lb.-ft. of torque (508 Nm)* - this engine is available on LT and LTZ extended and crew cab models as part of the maximum trailering package
6.2L V-8 (L9H), with E85 FlexFuel capability, an aluminum block and variable valve timing, rated at 403 hp (301 kW) and 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm)*. This engine is available in crew cab models
The 4.3L and 4.8L engines are backed by proven Hydra-Matic electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmissions. New for '09 is a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed transmission that is paired with the 5.3L, 6.0L 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. I t 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 stronger frame and body structure as well as industry- and segment-leading technology. It is also designed to provide increased compatibility with other vehicles. Features include segment-first 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 segment-first safety belt pretensioners that activate during a rear-end crash. The rollover-capable head curtain side air bags are available on LT and LTZ models.
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 and a tire pressure monitoring system.
All retail models come standard with the OnStar 8.0 system, including a one-year subscription to the Safe & Sound plan. The OnStar service includes the General Motors Advanced Crash Response System, making crash data available to emergency services to potentially dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster. If the vehicle is in a crash that activates an air bag, the OnStar system automatically notifies an OnStar advisor who will check on the occupants or summon emergency help if necessary. OnStar also can assist authorities in locating a vehicle if it is reported stolen and provides remote door-unlocking service (for vehicles equipped with power locks).
*SAE certified.