2019 Chevy Silverado and Corvette Have Something in Common

Performance car technology continues to pay dividends in truck applications. And the all-new Silverado continues that trend.

In the early days of trucks, haulers shared much in common with their passenger car brethren. From styling to powerplants. But over the years, cars and trucks diverged more and more. These days, you don’t see too many components shared between the two. But in a quest to improve things like off-road capability, handling, and road-holding, new trucks like the 2019 Chevy Silverado actually share technology with high-performance cars.

We’ve seen this already, as the Colorado ZR2 uses the same type of Multimatic dynamic suspension spool valve technology (DSSV) as the Camaro Z/28 and even Formula 1 cars. And now we’re seeing the use of car-based technology once again in the all-new 2019 Chevy Silverado. Along with a lighter, stronger frame, some Silverados use unique carbon composite rear springs similar to those in the Corvette.

Carbon composite second-stage springs hold two distinct advantages over traditional metal springs. Namely, they’re both lighter and easier to tune. Using this type of spring saves a not-insignificant 12 pounds per side, which helps the new Silverado achieve its 450 pound reduction over the outgoing model. And as we all know, weight loss aids performance, fuel economy, and handling.

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But these special shocks also allow Chevy engineers to optimize tuning more precisely. Which should aid handling characteristics even further. Chevy has already told us that the new Silverado is much more fun to drive than before, and we’re anxious to learn just how far they’ve managed to push the pickup envelope here.

We don’t know which Silverado models will come equipped with carbon composite rear shocks yet. But we shouldn’t have to wait long to find out. Perhaps when GM pulls the covers off the 2019 GMC Sierra on March 1. But you can bet that we’ll only continue to see more performance passenger car technology trickle down to future truck products!

Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.