2019 Chevrolet Silverado Introduced via Helicopter in Texas!
2019 Chevrolet Silverado unveiled: 5 things you need to know.
Lowered from a helicopter out of the Texas sky, the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado made a grand appearance at the Texas Motor Speedway during a special Chevy centennial event last weekend. Chevrolet Forum was on site to see the unique reveal as the new Silverado was driven up on stage. This sneak-peek ahead of the full reveal at the upcoming 2018 North American International Auto Show, happening Jan. 13-18 in Detroit, was short on details, but here are five things we learned about the 2019 Chevy Silverado.
1. New Aggressive Look
For the last few years, automakers have been building more aggressive-looking trucks and the new Silverado really escalates this styling trend. The Trailboss edition Chevy unveiled is the most aggressive looking truck in years.
The truck features a fully blacked out front end, squinty headlights and little bit of steel wrapping from the sides into the grille area. This look creates a polarizing response at first glance and it remains to be seen how different trims and colors look with this styling direction.
In our opinion, the jury is out on the look. It is wildly different at first glance and we are reserving judgement until we see other trims and colors. However, it is great to see Chevy designers move away from cautious to aggressive.
2. Where is the Aluminum?
If you followed the news rumor mill, you would assume the new truck was a showcase of new-age aluminum. However, it is appears it is not, not at all.
First, Chevy announced the bed will use “higher-grade alloy is used in the roll-formed, high-strength-steel bed floor” creating a sturdy surface and keeping Chevy’s attack on Ford’s aluminum bed alive and well.
On the sides, the body lines seem to suggest it will be steel as well. While new advancements in aluminum are allowing for more styling lines, it is still easier and cheaper to go with steel.
3. Lighter Truck?
With the apparent lack of aluminum body panels, where then is the weight savings? Chevy did announce the new Silverado has a “significant reduction in total vehicle weight and improved performance in many measures.”
This weight loss is likely under the skin with the cabin pillars using advanced strength steel as well as the frame. The new steel has the weight savings found in aluminum with a similar cost.
Another area where there is likely weight loss is in the interior through different materials. For example, Chevy could use the lighter-weight seats like those found in the Chevy Bolt. These seats are thinner while maintaining the durability needed for everyday wear and tear. This would also expand the interior storage space. It is pure speculation, but it is an easy way to use an existing idea found in their lineup and expanding it to our products.
4. New Engine
Chevy may not have announced any new engines during the sneak peek, it is pretty apparent a new powertrain is coming. Our speculation is it will be a V6 diesel engine available sometime after the launch.
This diesel would counter a suspected Ford F-150 diesel set to be unveiled at the 2018 NAIAS show as well as Ram’s Ecodiesel. It is needed to combat those competitors and this will likely be the final straw in bringing it to market.
Also, this isn’t something new for Chevy. The Colorado, Equinox, and Cruze all have diesel options and more vehicles are likely to be added with increased demands on meeting CAFE regulations.
5. Trailboss Brings Fight to Raptor?
Finally, it was a real surprise Chevy unveiled a new Silverado, but they also chose to lead off with a Trailboss edition. Reading between the lines, one would assume doing a better job offering a stock off-road truck is a key item for Chevy.
Chevy says the Trailboss takes the Z71 package contents and adds a 2-inch lift. This lift certainly helps with wheel articulation off-road (climbing over obstacles). It isn’t quite Raptor level of off-road, yet that’s what we know at the moment.
Could the Trailboss move Chevy closer to engaging Ford and developed a true Raptor fighter? Maybe. The Raptor still has a variety of specific features not found on stock F-150s. Chevy could have a variety of ZR2 performance features on the Trailboss they aren’t announcing yet which would raise the interest level on it. We hope they do. Competition is good for everyone.
The Trailboss is one of eight new Silverado models Chevy will announce during the January 14-16, 2018 NAIAS press days. We can’t wait!
Photos: Chevrolet