Will The Next Chevy Silverado Introduce A New ‘Cheyenne’ Model?
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New evidence points to the upcoming, all-new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado will introduce a new model or trim level called Cheyenne.
The Evidence
In November 2016, General Motors filed to register “Cheyenne” as a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. First covered by GM Authority, the filing states that the name will be used in conjunction with “Motor land vehicles, namely, automobiles, sport utility vehicles, trucks, vans, engines therefor and structural parts of motor land vehicles, namely, automobiles, sport utility vehicles, trucks, vans.”
Since the initial filing date, the application has had some movement, but arguably the biggest came just recently: on October 17th, 2017, the application was filed for opposition – a part of the trademark process where the trademark application gets published in the official USPTO gazette, giving those who believe they would be damaged by the registration of a mark an opportunity to oppose its registration. Then, on November 15th, the USPTO received a request to extend the time to oppose, meaning that a person or organization has requested time to oppose GM’s application.
We don’t anticipate that this recent development will prevent GM from completing the registration of the Cheyenne trademark. Rather, it’s likely that the automaker will either modify its application or hash it out with whomever is opposing the application. But one thing is clear: GM has definitive plans to use the Cheyenne name on a real product.
Option 1
Chevrolet Silverado Cheyenne Concept
At the 2013 SEMA show, Chevrolet unveiled the Silverado Cheyenne Concept that foreshadowed a high-performance Silverado that never came to be.
The show car was a regular cab Silverado 1500 with the 6.2L V-8 L86 EcoTec3 engine making 420 horses and 460 pound-feet of torque, a motor that the GM K2 platform Silverado did not offer in the regular/single cab configuration. Engineers gave the concept an improved power-to-weight ratio, shedding 200 pounds by using a carbon fiber front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and tailgate. The diet also deletes the trailer hitch, spare tire, center console, while integrating an aluminum driveshaft and composite rear leaf springs. The show truck also featured aerodynamic enhancements in the front and the rear, with an integrated rear spoiler on the tailgate, and a hood extractor vent inspired by the fifth-generation Camaro Z/28.
Chevrolet Silverado Cheyenne Concept
Nods to the 2014 Camaro Z/28 don’t stop there: the Brembo carbon ceramic brakes from the Camaro Z/28 were added. Not only do the units decrease stopping distance, but they also help save weight since the carbon ceramic-matrix rotors are significantly lighter than conventional steel rotors. The concept also sported the same minimalist aluminum wheels as the fifth-gen Camaro Z/28. On the inside, the Silverado Cheyenne Concept featured Recaro sport seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel.
The vehicle was well received but never saw the light of day for the current K2 Silverado. As such, it could be that a high-performance street truck called the Cheyenne would become part of the 2019 Silverado lineup.
Option 2
In Mexico, the work truck model of the Silverado is called Silverado, available in 1500, 2500 and 3500 models. The rest of the (more upscale) Silverado lineup that sits above the work truck level Silverado trim is called Cheyenne, also available in 1500, 2500 and 3500 models.
So, it could be that GM will split off the work truck model of the 2019 Silverado, calling it “Silverado”, while naming the rest of the range as “Cheyenne”. This would be a rather extreme change that we don’t necessarily see taking place. However, we do see a benefit to the dual-name strategy, since it enables Chevrolet to name work truck models – which are typically ordered/purchased by fleets rather than individual/retail customers – as a separate vehicle from the higher-end models, which would likely have a net positive impact on residual/resale values of the more high-end models.
Option 3
It could end up being that Chevy pulls a fast one and introduces the Cheyenne name on a surprise variant of the Silverado we haven’t thought of yet, perhaps a high-end model to slot above or below High Country.
Whatever GM/Chevy’s plans for the Cheyenne name, we’re certain that they’re related to the 2019 Silverado. Stay tuned to GM Authority as we follow this one closely and, be sure to check out these Silverado-related resources:
Chevrolet Silverado info
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I say they use the name for some new top trim level to slot in above the High Country in the Silverado’s hierarchy. With ford having 7 total trim levels available on the F-150, it’s likely Chevy trying to match up more closely in an attempt to sway customers. Maybe High Country and King Ranch can battle it out while the Cheyenne competes with Limited/Platinum?
In Canada, Cheyenne was an option package for the base model trucks in the 90s, and was brought back for 2010-2013 as an option package for the Silverado LS (same idea as the Custom edition for the current gen trucks), so I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s what GM is planning for this.
Option 3
Anything that puts a 6.2 in a 1/2 ton 2wd regular cab is a plan I approve of!
Let’s build a real street truck
I doubt GM would offer the 6.2L in a regular cab, I talked to GM about purchasing one from Mexico, there was a Cheyenne being built down there but it turned out not to be a regular cab or for the U.S., I doubt you will see a lowered Silverado and why would GM add so much cost to reduce weight if Option 1 was indeed a viable option for production. I would be one of the first in line to purchase a regular cab Cheyenne if the 6.2L was offered but I would need that center console !
You do realize that you can install a center console on your own?
I hope Chevy brings it back as a base model. I liked how the last gen. Silverado/ Sierras had different interiors in the base models. I felt like they were more “work” oriented, VS the comfortable LTZ, Suburban trim. Still have a 1996 Chevy Cheyenne 2500 with well over 110k miles, yet it still beats the 2014 F250 in MPG (11.9 to 8.2).
Doubtful. Cheyenne was a low-class working truck. The high-end model needs a name not associated with that image.
How about Scottsdale, remember that model ?
Cheyenne should be the base model, like it used to be, let’s keep some tradition here, Cheyenne, Scottsdale, Silverado.
I remember back in 1970s when the Cheyenne trim level was a step above a Scottsdale and below the Silverado.
Yes I have a C10 sitting in my garage
I have an ’80 Cheyenne Short-bed (daily driver) sitting in my parking space.
I have an 88 Cheyenne that we built Prostreet for bracket racing and street use. Ran drag week last year with it. Would love to buy a
New version of it in street trim, regcab, 6.2 maybe a magnuson on it!
GM has been promising a Cheyenne for years, with the political climate I doubt you would be able to call it “cheyenne”, “redskins” were deemed inappropriate.
Though I agree with you about the naming situation from a political standpoint, I don’t think Cheyenne would be considered offensive to anyone, since it’s the actual name rather than a nickname. It’s the nicknames that are considered offensive.
Also, GM hasn’t really promised anything about Cheyenne. All they did is file several trademark filings. No official promises or announcements.
I think they should reshuffle the trims like this-
5.7-380hp, 6.5- 490hp,
LS- V6, 5.7
Custom- V6, 5.7, 3.0d
LS Classic- V6, 5.7, 3.0d
LT- v6, 5.7, 6.2, 3.0d
LT Classic- 5.7, 6.2, 3.0d, trailboss equipment
High country- 5.7, 6.2, 3.0d
Cheyyene- 6.2, 3.0d, 6.5
Silverado SS- LT4
ZRX Classic- 6.2, 3.0d, 6.5