Today, General Motors took the wraps off the all-new 2014 Chevy Silverado, alongside the new 2014 GMC Sierra. Based on the all-new K2XX architecture, the all-new line of Chevy full-size trucks are new from hood to hitch.
The exterior design of the all-new Silverado “blends strong Chevy truck heritage with a refined, modern aesthetic” — according to Chevy. The new design is certainly more bold, functional, and aerodynamic — with a twin-port grille, full-width bumper, and dual power dome hood.
The design is crafted to deliver a strong presence that’s carried through the sculpted body sides and fender flares. The front end is engineered for improved sealing and more efficient cooling, while the roof and tailgate spoiler are the result of hours of wind tunnel work to smooth airflow over the truck for reduced drag. New doors, which are inlaid and fit in the recesses in the bodyside, reduce wind noise and make for a quieter cabin.
Meanwhile, the rear doors on crew cab models are larger, while those on extended cab models are hinged at the front.
The new Silverado will be powered by a trio of new powerful and efficient family of engines. GM is calling these EcoTec3 (goodbye, Vortec), and there are a total of three gasoline-powered mills — one V6 and two V8s.
The new 4.3 liter V6 is standard issue on the new Silverado and, thanks to its large displacement, is capable of delivering the torque to power a crew cab and pull a sizable trailer. Thanks to cylinder deactivation technology, the engine can seamlessly shift into four-cylinder mode under light loads for improved fuel economy.
The new 5.3L V8 is engineered to offer more horsepower, more torque, and better fuel economy than the current 5.3L V8 — and Chevy believes this engine will be make an excellent choice for mainstream customers. Meanwhile, the new 6.3L V8 is engineered to be the most capable engine in any light-duty pickup — according to GM. It also features cylinder deactivation under light load conditions.
All three engines were engineered for use in full-size trucks and feature direct fuel injection, along with continuously variable valve timing, and a combination of advanced technologies not found in the trucks of competitors.
GM will release SAE certified horsepower and torque numbers, along with EPA fuel economy estimates, early next year.
The new Silverado features an upright instrument panel and a six-gauge instrument cluster, with multiple storage options. The design is customized specifically to the needs of truck buyers, with functional controls that are logically placed and easy to operate with gloves.
The Chevy MyLink infotainment system with natural voice recognition and enough ports and power outlets to support multiple devices offers easy-to-use connectivity — on the job site or for the family taking a road trip.
The new truck cab is stronger, with nearly two-thirds of the structure made from high-strength steel for a confident feel and improved safety. Similarly, the main rails and key cross members of the updated frame are high-strength steel with major elements hydroformed for reduced mass and improved strength.
New shear-style body mounts tune out both up-and-down and side-to-side movement for a quieter, more comfortable ride. Extended- and crew-cab models have a third set of hydraulic body mounts to further isolate the cabs. Combined with numerous other acoustic and NVH (noise vibration and harshness) enhancements, the intended result is a solid, refined feel with no loss in traditional truck capability.
The box for the new Silverado is made from roll-formed steel — resulting in increased strength and reduced mass compared to stamped beds. The bed also features a plethora of smart convenience solutions, such as a CornerStep bumper with handholds built into the new box rail protectors that make it easier and more convenient to access the box. The bed is also available with tie-down hooks, LED lighting under the the rail, along with an EZ lift and lower tailgate.
The Silverado 1500 is now also available with a 6’6″ foot box — a first for the light-duty truck.
The chassis of the 2014 Silverado features a new front and rear suspension and wider wheels for more comfortable and confident handling. The trucks feature electric power steering for improved feel and reduced fuel consumption, while new four-wheel disc brakes feature Duralife rotors for improved brake feel and extended rotor life.
New safety system are part and parcel here, including Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning with an Active Safety Seat, and Front and Rear Park Assist. Meanwhile, StabiliTrak with Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist are standard on all Silverados.
Production of the the 2014 Silverado 1500 crew cab will commence in the second quarter of 2013, with other cab styles following later in the year. GM will announce pricing closer to start of sale.
Looks like the new Silverado features improvements all around: it’s stronger, quieter, and more comfortable, features revised steering, suspension and brakes, along with creative solutions for managing cargo. And that’s all in addition to true truck capability for towing and hauling.
Stay tuned to GM Authority for the latest news about the 2014 Silverado (and 2014 Sierra) directly from the announcement.
What do you think of the new full-size pickup with a Bow Tie? Sound off in the comments.
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View Comments
goodbye vortec ? D: nooooo that name had amazing bragging rights
Whoever thought of trading the Vortec name for EcoTec is an idiot. That doesn't sound tough or truck-like at all. Well, I guess they had to do something to make up for underwhelming on the engine lineup. Also, where is the 8-speed, the 4.5L duramax (that one was a long shot, I know), eAssist (another long shot), the Sierra Denali, and the HD models? Seems like the presentation as a whole left out a lot of details.
Seriously, I LOVE gm trucks, but for how much they hyped this launch up, I don't think they delivered anything ground-breaking.
Definitely evolutionary, not revolutionary. I, too, am a little confused by the departure of the Vortec branding.
As for everything else, like structural enhancements, the updated 4.3, stronger and larger box, and gizmos galore...hells to the yeah!
I think if we are true with ourselves this truck represents GM/Chevy well... It may not be shockingly new in the styling realm, but it sure as heck is a Chevy. All the enhancments and new interior are great, How it will compete is another story, but I think GM was wise to keep a strong Chevy brand language in the design. People can clearly identify this vehicle as a Chevy.
"People can clearly identify this vehicle as a Chevy."
Based on the previous truck, that's not necessarily a good thing. I would prefer somebody to ask if that's a Chevy than for them to dismiss it as being a Chevy. You mention Chevrolet brand language. And what would that be, exactly? I don't think even the designers are sure what passes for their "brand language".
I am being VERY true to myself when I say, these trucks suck and suck BIG time. You need to be true to yourself and admit that you are not blown away by either of these things. NOT a good thing with a vehicle that is supposed to be all-new. I actually like the Malibu, for example, but I am being true to myself when I say I am not blown away by it and would certainly go for a Regal over it any day. GM needs to refresh these trucks before they go on sale! I REALLY want to hear what Bob Lutz has to say about this travesty.
I don't know guys... I really like the design of the new Silverado -- and that is being "true" to myself. The last gen, to me, was plainly ugly. This one has just the right amount of "aggressiveness" and refinement.
However, I'm concerned about how the styling will look on the lower trim levels.
Until you have driven and seen these new trucks up close you can't understand how nice they really are.
So this is like, a refreshment, right? Because it doesn't seem like an all new generation. I like GM trucks, but this Silverado is just so... underwhelming.
On the other hand, the updated Sierra looks fine, not too conservative, not too edgy. Maybe GM should loose the Chevy split grille and leave a single fascia for both trucks, Chevy and GMC just like they did in 1993
I like the fact that they finally went back to 4-wheel disc brakes as standard, and the fact that the crew cab can be ordered with the 6'6" box, as Ford has offered that configuration for a few years now. I'm surprised to see that they stuck with an OHV V6 as the base engine (especially since I'd heard that mule engines based off the LS architecture fell short in testing and since they were phasing out the other OHV V6s), but the LT architecture looks pretty good, and I'd just as soon get the 6.2L V8 anyway.
When will we see the HD"s???
Peter - we don't know for sure, but most likely in the next year and a half or so.
I guess I'm into this truck a bit...they always look different in person I suppose! It reminds me more like the old pickups from the 80's rugged & squared off..interesting to see that here...honettly I still like my 2012 ram better for overall mechanical engineering & frame design. the frame is heavier feels more soild than the sliverado or f-150s....also, frame is not a low sling frame like chevy or for this makes a difference when there are big dips offroad my 2011 chevy I experienced the frame bottoming out lol...but, this looks like another soild pickup they'll get it right may take another 5 yrs...GM has pulled the same stuff 4 yrs evolutionary not revolutionary nobody should be that suprised.
I think they need to keep the size of the 1500 more like the 2004. They get bigger and bulkier all the time. The SUVs must have a FLAT cargo area. The present situation where seats fold into pods or sort of go down is not OK. GM really cannot continue to do the same O same O. I have always bought GM but I am getting tired of them feeling beefier is better. BTW anyone know the length of the new Silverado Extended Cab?
Frances, the exact specs haven't yet been released. We'll have them in a month or two, hopefully. Stay tuned...
It is almost 2 months and I have yet to see the length of the 2014 Silverado truck. Particularly interested in the ext cab. I see lots of other specs so I am concerned you all built a truck that does not fit in most garages... If that ever would be the case... don't ask what happened.
Guess I'll stick with my 1999 Ext. Cab Chevy K1500 with 5.7 ltr VORTEC 350 V8 engine by the way with 167,000 miles on it and still strong to this day.