2014 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra Rely On High-Strength Steel For Frame Integrity
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Nothing says “abuse me” like a fully-boxed steel frame. And no other GM vehicles need such a setup more than pickup trucks. Because let’s face it, their mettle (metal?) is tested by contractors, laborers, farmers, and general do-it-yourselfers day in and day out, year in and year out. So with the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 trucks, consumers will be glad to know that GM isn’t lessening the integrity of its pickups, as the trucks will indeed feature a fully-boxed steel frame with varying degrees of strength in strategic areas.
To note, the main frame rails and major cross members are made from hydroformed high-strength steel, as are the all-new cab structures. Roughly two-thirds of the cabin structure is steel, including the A and B-pillars, roof rails, and rocker panels. Even more robust “ultra-high-strength steel” is used in areas of the rocker panels and underbody for the sake of the new shallow-offset crash tests the trucks will face.
In addition to the cabin fortifications, the pickup beds of the new Sierra and Silverado also benefit from tougher steels than before. For instance, the trucks will feature a roll-formed steel pickup box, which GM says is lighter, stronger and more durable than traditional stamped steel boxes used by competitors.
To keep the overall mass down, aluminum is used in a number of areas, but in ways that GM states do not compromise dependability of the 2014 Chevy and GMC trucks. It’s worth mentioning that a lot of weight is saved thanks to the cast aluminum composition of the new EcoTec3 engines, which will sit under an aluminum hood. 4WD crew cab models will also use forged aluminum upper front control arms and cast aluminum lower control arms and steering knuckles for a total mass reduction of 42 pounds compared to steel. GM anticipates the weight savings to reflect on the scale, and at the gas pump when testing concludes, which consists of over 13 million miles of total driving.
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Manolis: that last sentence is awkward. I think I know what you mean, but it is not clear. This is constructive not critical.
“GM anticipates the weight savings to reflect on the scale, and at the gas pump when testing concludes, of which, will consist of over 13 million miles of total driving.”
Weight savings will be seen on the scale (ie curb weight)
They have logged 13M miles, weight savings=fuel savings, which from all their testing can be seen at the pumps (ie money saved)
Looks fine to me. Or has it been edited since?
Well, I am glad they didn’t make the truck out of jell-o. I still am underwhelmed by the new trucks. Where’s the first diesel in a half ton?? Also, they should have kept the Vortec name for the gas engines and changed the displacements instead, so people actually know the the mills are new. It seems GM is okay with its place in the food chain and played it safe. Second winner is first loser, GM.
The reason they used the same displacement is bc each is the perfect displacement the 6.2 is very efficient in 4 cyl mode bc the bigger cylinders n more displacement let’s ths engine make more power with less effort than a smaller displacement engine n think the direct injection and new vvt system will make 4 cyl mode very efficient and the engineers even said ths 5.3 remains the perfect balance between power and efficiency ..so the name of the engine won’t matter ecotec vortec whatever its marketing everyone’s fighting for fuel economy n we all know these new v8s will have plenty of power its still a v8
Cast aluminum steering knuckles? Are you sure?
As per the press release, yes.
Hope thers is a GMC WT when are we getting the HDs are hand crank windows avalible .
Im sure the hand crank windows and vinyl floors will still be an option