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2019 Silverado And Its Aero-Enhancing Air Curtains: Feature Spotlight

The 2019 Silverado flaunts a bold, modern design with features that satisfy both form and function. One really neat feature that hits on both accounts are the new truck’s aero-enhancing air curtains.

How They Work

Located at the integration of the front fenders and bumper, the front air curtains of the 2019 Silverado route air around the front wheels and wheel wells, reducing drag and making the truck more aerodynamic. The benefits of the air curtains, which are included on every model of the all-new 2019 Silverado 1500 model, are even more noteworthy when considering that good aerodynamics play a significant role in improving a vehicle’s fuel economy while at the same time reducing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels experienced by occupants.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Aerodynamics Front Air Curtain highlight

The use of the air curtains is also beneficial when considering the fact that rotating wheels cause a significant amount of drag. As such, the air curtains are a much more appealing solution to the alternative, which would be to cover the wheels with an elongated skirt, thereby reducing the design aesthetics of the side profile.

But the 2019 Silverado’s aerodynamic prowess doesn’t stop there, as the truck’s side profile enhances aerodynamics even further thanks to an integrated spoiler at the rear edge of the cab that directs air onto the tailgate lip, reducing wind drag from the bed.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 at 2018 Chevrolet National Dealer Conference - Las Vegas - April 2018 001

Collectively, the aerodynamic work on the new Chevy truck equates to a 7 percent increase in aerodynamic efficiency. And if that weren’t enough, the 2019 Silverado also features impressive weight reduction over the previous model, six engine and transmission choices, including the all-new Duramax 3.0L inline-six diesel, the largest and most functional bed of any full-size truck, and the brand new third-generation Chevrolet infotainment system 3.0.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado RST

More 2019 Silverado Info & Reporting

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Comments

  1. This will be filled with snow and ice quickly here in Montreal,Quebec ,Canada…
    When you know that ice expands ,you know that it will break too.

    Reply
    1. While I don’t disagree that it will get packed with snow and slush off the roads. The same thing happens to nooks and crannies and grilles currently on all vehicles and that ice doesnt break anything

      Reply
    2. I’m sure they have tested it in such conditions. It’ll be fine.

      Reply
  2. This reminds me of the barge boards in front of the side pods found on a F-1 car.

    Reply
  3. Does anyone know when the configurator goes live for the Silverado/Sierra?

    Reply
    1. That is what I have been wondering.

      Reply
  4. I don’t care what they do. They’re the ugliest part of this truck. Frankly, IMO they ruin what is otherwise one of the best looking trucks Chevrolet has made in a long long time. The GMC doesn’t need this ugly addition. Ford and Dodge seem to do just fine. And I’ve seen no major improvement in fuel economy on this new truck anyway. If they’d just do a MCE and ditch the curtains, shorten the fender so it doesn’t drop into the bumper and then fix the bumper so it comes fully around, it would be turn the truck into a solid 10/10.

    Reply
    1. You do realize GMC has them as well right? It isn’t about looks, stop buying trucks for an image purchase, it is about function…

      Reply
      1. The article never states that these are exclusive to the Silverado. But actually, the Sierra does NOT have them. You’re welcome.

        Reply
        1. Actually, I spoke to a Chevrolet engineer and he said they are exclusive to Chevrolet. The idea was taken from the current gen Camaro.

          Reply
  5. For those of us that don’t care about losing 1 mpg, please make the lower air dam easy to remove and ascetically pleasing once it is removed.

    Reply
  6. These look like s#!t !!! I understand form follows function but this is straight out ugly and appears to be incomplete! THE TRUCK LOOKS LIKE IT IS MISSING PARTS!
    MATT is 100% correct in his observation! Finish the build! Fix this front end and forget what it’s function!

    Reply
  7. All this ugly and fuel economy not any better

    Reply
  8. I like the looks of the 2019. This pickup well still be working when the others are in the shop. My neighbor bought fords and his year end cost were always higher than mine..
    Dodges claim the fame or rust buckets. You want to truck that’ll last but a GM.

    Reply
  9. It will certainly save on OVERALL fuel cost, the truck is so ugly I wont be driving it. =no money spent on fuel.

    Reply

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