Bigger, bolder V8-powered Chevrolet Silverado not locked in for Australia
The new-generation Chevrolet Silverado has been revealed, featuring two new up-sized V8s, but its Australian launch is as yet unconfirmed.
Chevrolet has taken the covers off the fifth-generation Silverado 1500 pickup, becoming the latest iteration of its best-selling model, headlined by the arrival of two new V8s.
Despite the popularity of the Chevrolet Silverado in Australia – where it has had a 25 per cent market share in the American pickup segment – the new-generation model is yet to be locked in for a local launch.
“Whilst we are excited by the news of the next generation Silverado, currently we have no announcements to make on future models for the ANZ region,” a General Motors spokesperson told Torquecafe.
The first new Silverado since 2019 features a redesign which is certainly a case of evolution rather than revolution, with its new LED headlights and front fascia appearing to be similar to the outgoing model at a glance, though it is a modernisation of a familiar face.
Down the sides the Silverado’s profile remains distinctive compared to its Ram 1500, Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra rivals, while down the back the tailgate and lights stand out even more than before.
In the US, a total of seven Silverado 1500 variants are offered: Work Truck/WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, Silverado (replacing LT), Silverado Trail Boss, ZR2, and High Country.
The Silverado ZR2 remains the top-of-the-range model for those interested in off-roading, with a two-inch lift, 35-inch mud-terrain tyres, electronic locking differentials, Multimatic DSSV dampers, and specific bodywork to give it additional clearance.
Inside the cabin all examples of the new Silverado feature a 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 16.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, while the flagship ZR2 and High Country receive an 11.5-inch passenger screen, a similar upgrade to what’s found in the Ram 1500.
It appears the gear selector has also been moved from in front of the centre console – between the driver and passenger – to the steering column, freeing up space in the cabin.
Under the bonnet, there’s two familiar engines, as well as two new ones.
A turbocharged 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine continues to open the range, below the ‘Duramax’ 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel.
However, the real focus is on the arrival of two new sixth-generation GM small-block V8s, having first launched in the Corvette Grand Sport and now rolling out to more of the car giant’s vehicles.
A new 5.7-litre V8 replaces the outgoing 5.3-litre L84, while the previous flagship 6.2-litre L87 has been superseded by a 6.6-litre V8.
“We pushed these engines through an extensive testing and validation process to make sure they deliver the durability, capability and dependability Silverado customers expect,” said Mark Dickens, executive chief engineer.
“From tough towing scenarios to the daily demands our customers put on their trucks, these next-generation V8s were engineered and proven to perform in the real world.”
Chevrolet hasn’t detailed outputs of the new engines, though they’re expected to be even more potent than the 265kW/519Nm and 313kW/624Nm mills they replace.
US pricing and full specifications will be revealed closer to launch, as will Australian details if it ends up coming here.
