This Is The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado

by GM Authority Staff
— Dec 13, 2012

The Exterior

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 Family Of EcoTec3 Engines

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 Interior

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 Cab

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

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

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.

Safety

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 & Pricing

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.

The GM Authority Take

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.