Chevrolet’s new 2011 Silverado 3500HD chassis cab trucks are stronger, sturdier and more secure. They offer a wider range of uses than the models they replace, thanks to a more powerful 6.6L Duramax diesel, as well as increased gross vehicle weight ratings of up to 13,200 pounds (5,987 kg) and a gross combined weight rating of up to 27,500 pounds (12,473 kg) on dual rear wheel models.
The new trucks go on sale this summer, along with commercial 2500HD- and 3500HD-based box-delete models. All are based on the new 2011 Silverado heavy-duty trucks, offering a long list of new and enhanced features, including:
- New, more powerful 6.6L Duramax diesel that delivers 335 horsepower (249 kW) and 685 lb.-ft. of torque (928 Nm), with greater fuel economy, up to 63-percent lower emissions, B20 biodiesel capability and quicker acceleration
- New frames on chassis cab and box-delete models support greater capabilities and increased weight ratings
- Front Axle Weight Rating increased to 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg)
- Rear Axle Weight Rating increased to 9,750 pounds (4,422 kg)
- Maximum payload of up to 7,293 pounds (3,308 kg) on chassis cab
- Larger fuel tanks – 36 gallon (136 L) single tank on box-delete and up to 63.5-gallon (240 L) combined dual-tank capacity on chassis cab models with the 6.6L Duramax – and fuel economy improvements enable greater driving range between fuel stops
- All-new “smart” exhaust brake feature provides greater control on grades and reduced brake pad wear
- Standard “dually” wheel size of 17 inches; 3500HD single rear wheel size increases to 18 inches
- New diesel exhaust fluid system designed not to interfere with body installations
- Purposeful technology, including available mobile WiFi, USB connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, XM Satellite Radio, OnStar 9.0 and navigation
- Available head and side impact air bags on 2500HD box-delete.
“These trucks were designed for a large variety of uses, all based on customer feedback,” said Joyce Mattman, marketing director, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations. “Our engineers met with members of the National Truck Equipment Association during the development process, giving us valuable feedback and input to the truck you’re seeing today.”
New for chassis cabs are 2WD and 4WD crew cab configurations. The crew cab replaces the previous extended cab, allowing more people to travel more comfortably – a benefit for work crews traveling to the job site. The new crew cab chassis cab configuration is offered in a 60-inch cab-to-axle (CA), while the regular cab chassis cab models are offered in 60-inch and 84-inch CAs.
Stronger performance
Silverado HD trucks are offered with a new version of the 6.6L Duramax turbo diesel engine that is more powerful, more efficient, compatible with B20 biodiesel and delivers up to 63-percent lower NOx emissions. It is also enhanced for greater durability.
Power ratings are 335 horsepower (249 kW) at 3,100 rpm and 685 lb.-ft. of torque (928 Nm) at 1,600 rpm.
The new Duramax – known by its LGH engine code – is based on the same improved architecture and includes most of the same features as the LML-code Duramax used in Silverado HD, 2500HD and 3500HD pickups, but is engineered to meet federal certification standards for incomplete vehicles. Vehicles with the LML engine are certified to a different standard. Mostly, that means the LGH is emissions-certified separately from the rest of the vehicle, while the LML is certified in the vehicle, with all of the exhaust and emissions equipment.
Features shared with new Duramax engines include:
- NOx emissions reduced at least 63 percent over 2010 models
- Quieter operation
- High-pressure (30,000 psi/2,000 bar) Piezo-actuated fuel system for greater fuel efficiency, improved performance and reduced emissions
- “Smart” exhaust brake feature that enables controlled vehicle slowdown on downhill grades without actuating the brakes
- B20 biodiesel capability for an alternative fueling option
- Internal revisions that improve durability.
Both versions use a selective catalytic reduction after-treatment system, with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) injection to provide the best overall diesel characteristics and performance.
The LGH Duramax features a robust EGR cooling system, along with revised turbocharger tuning that helps enhance EGR performance (the LML has an EGR bypass) and specific injector nozzles. The LGH also has a larger-capacity selective catalytic reduction system than the pickup-based LML.
Importantly, the Silverado’s diesel after-treatment system is designed to provide unimpeded installation of vehicle bodies.
A stronger Allison 1000 six-speed automatic
A new Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission works with the Duramax 6.6L to deliver greater fuel economy, quicker acceleration, greater towing capability and an exhaust brake system. This enhanced transmission is strengthened to handle the higher torque capability of the new 6.6L Duramax engine, while also helping improve fuel economy – delivered through reduced “spin loss” – meaning the transmission channels more of the engine’s power to the axle, allowing it to do more with less fuel. The transmission also provides seamless assistance with a new exhaust brake system.
The Allison 1000 also features driver shift control with tap up/tap down shifting and a patented elevated idle mode cab warm-up feature. A tow/haul mode reduces shift cycling for better control and improved cooling when towing or hauling heavy loads.
Vortec 6.0L/Hydra-Matic 6L90 powertrain is standard
The Vortec 6.0L small-block gas V-8 with variable valve timing returns to the new Silverado HDs, along with a strengthened version of the Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers excellent performance and efficiency, with a greater emphasis on low-rpm power. It offers greater idle refinement characteristics for 2011 and is rated at an estimated 322 horsepower (240 kW) at 4,400 rpm and 380 lb.-ft. of torque (515 Nm) at 4,200 rpm.
The 6L90 is enhanced for greater strength, smoothness and quietness. Interestingly, Ford’s new Super Duty models share the same transmission between their gas and diesel engines. Silverado’s Allison 1000 and Hydra-Matic 6L90 transmission were developed for the specific horsepower, torque and operating ranges that distinguish the engines with which they’re paired.
Sturdier foundation
Longer wheelbases – ranging from 133.6 inches (3,395 mm) to 167.7 inches (4,259 mm) – and wider front/rear tracks enhance the ride and handling characteristics of the Silverado HD trucks, giving them a greater feeling of smoothness and control. Also, larger engine and transmission mounts, coupled with a 125-percent-stiffer front frame structure, provide greater vibration control, while hydraulic body mounts are incorporated under the cab section on extended and crew cab models for a more isolated feel inside.
Box-delete models feature fully-boxed rear frames, while chassis cab models feature C-channel rear frame sections designed to suit a variety of common body applications. Engineers addressed common customer and aftermarket uses when designing the new frames, including adding access holes to the rear frame section to enable easier installation of fifth-wheel/gooseneck-style hitches. Also, the frame-mounted hitch for conventional trailering is stronger, with a box-tube design.
Matching the Silverado HD’s greater strength and capability is a rear suspension designed to support greater loads. Chassis cab models use a conventional leaf-spring suspension design, while box-delete models use a new, asymmetrical leaf-spring design. 2500HD models feature a two-stage leaf-spring design, while 3500HD models have a three-stage design.
All models feature new, 3-inch-wide (76 mm) leaf springs that are 20-percent wider than previous models. The wider design supports increased rear gross axle weight ratings across the board – up to 9,750 pounds (4,423 kg) on chassis cab models.
New independent front suspension
A completely redesigned independent front suspension system offers up to a 25-percent greater front axle weight rating – up to 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg) front gross axle weight rating (FGAWR) – so a snow plow can be used on all 4WD cab configurations with the available snow plow prep package. Silverado’s signature short-long arm/torsion bar front suspension design is retained, but now features new, forged steel upper control arms that are stronger and lighter than their predecessors.
The new lower control arms are made of precision-machined cast iron to handle the greater loads. Five different torsion bar rates support five different front gross axle weight ratings (a single torsion bar was previously used for all models). This helps stabilize the range of trim heights of various models under load, while enhancing appearance, handling, durability, tire wear and alignment. The trim height is adjusted on each bar via a single bolt, easily allowing the height to be changed to account for the weight of a snow plow or other accessories.
Compared to competitors’ beam-axle front suspensions, the Silverado’s independent front suspension provides a better ride, more accurate trim height control (with fewer parts) and greater flexibility to adjust the alignment for weight and tire sensitivity. The independent design also helps maintain a consistent tire contact patch on the road for optimal vehicle control.
More secure driving experience
Silverado HD’s standard four-wheel disc system is completely revamped to deliver smoother, more immediate and confident-feeling performance. Four-wheel, four-channel ABS is standard on all single-rear-wheel models and a three-channel system is standard on dual-rear-wheel models.
The front and rear rotors are larger in diameter and width on all models to support their increased capacity, weight ratings and trailering ratings, while the calipers are stiffer and stronger. The hydroboost brake booster calibration is improved for reduced pedal effort and the travel of the pedal is also revised for a more comfortable, confident feel. Larger wheel hub and bearing assemblies complement the new brake system and the rear rotors attach to the wheel hubs for easier servicing.
‘Smart’ exhaust brake feature enhances performance
A new standard feature on Duramax-equipped models is the “smart” exhaust brake feature, which provides greater control and reduces brake pad wear. This driver-selectable feature uses the turbine control of the variable geometry turbocharger and the compression of the engine to generate backpressure, slowing the vehicle without applying the brakes.
The feature is integrated with the cruise control and varies the braking to account for the grade and vehicle load. The exhaust brake allows for virtually effortless driving and towing, with seamless and quiet operation. It also helps prolong brake life and prevents overheating the brakes on long, downhill grades.
Comprehensive safety features and functional technologies
The 2011 Silverado chassis cab and box-delete trucks benefit from a comprehensive roster of safety features and functional technologies that include:
- Larger, four-wheel disc brakes with standard four-wheel ABS
- A new high-strength steel tubular frame cross member that enhances safety and improves crashworthiness
- Segment-exclusive OnStar 9.0
- eat pelvic/thorax and head curtain side air bags available on 2500HD box-delete
- StabiliTrak electronic stability control system on box-delete single-rear-wheel models
- Trailer sway control system on all box-delete single-rear-wheel models
- Hill start assist standard on box-delete single-rear-wheel models
The trailer sway control system provides an added measure of confidence when towing a trailer. The system senses conditions of trailer sway and intervenes with braking and/or reduced engine power to bring the trailer under control and keep it on its intended path. The system uses electric trailer brakes when a trailer is plugged into the standard wiring harness of the truck, and its performance requires no input from the driver.
The hill start assist system is automatically engaged when sensors detect the vehicle is on a grade of about 5 percent or greater. It holds the brakes for about 1.5 seconds or until the throttle pedal is pressed, preventing rollback – it is particularly effective when towing, giving the driver time to switch from the brake pedal to the gas pedal without rolling.
Ready for the long haul – and the cold
The 2011 Silverado HDs drive farther without stopping to refuel. Chassis cab models are equipped with dual tanks with a combined capacity of 63.5 gallons (240 L) – a 27-percent increase in capacity. A new, 36-gallon (136 L) fuel tank is standard on all box-delete models.
Cold-weather customers will appreciate the Duramax 6.6L’s quick, reliable start-up, with a starting time on par with gas engines. Its glow plug cycle time is the segment’s best in all temperatures, taking no more than 3 seconds in temperatures as low as -20 F (-29 C). There’s also a cab heat-up feature that allows the engine to idle faster in low temperatures to warm up the interior faster.
And when customers are inside the cab, they’ll find it comfortable, quiet and designed to work. It features numerous storage compartments, providing covered access for everything from work gloves to laptops. For those who use their truck as a mobile office, Silverado trucks deliver with available mobile WiFi, USB connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, XM Satellite Radio and a navigation system. Multiple charge points enable multiple electronic devices to operate simultaneously; and when equipped with the available navigation system, XM NavTraffic offers real-time updates of traffic conditions (in selected areas) that can help plan the most effective route to the job site.
The 2011 Silverado commercial trucks have the best warranty coverage in America
All 2011 Silverado chassis cab and box-delete models work under the best warranty coverage in America – a five-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, plus roadside assistance, courtesy transportation and other features that provide assurance that Chevrolet backs its trucks for everything the road offers.
Source: http://publish.media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Mar/0310_silverado_cab
Japan Automobile Directory
Automobile Dealers in Japan, Automobile
Distributors in Japan, Automobile
Exporters in Japan, Automobile
Importers in Japan, Automobile
Manufacturers in Japan,
Automobile Suppliers in Japan, Autos
for Sale from Japan, Mitsubishi
Autos for Sale from Japan, Nissan
Autos for Sale from Japan, Isuzu
Autos for Sale from Japan,
Toyota Autos for Buy from Japan, Mazda
Autos for Buy from Japan, Scania
Autos for Buy from Japan, Honda
Autos for Buy from Japan, Subaru
Autos for Buy from Japan, Suzuki
Autos for Buy from Japan, Alfa
Romeo Vehicles for Sale, Chrysler
Vehicles for Sale, Daihatsu
Vehicles for Sale, Mercedes
Vehicles for Sale, BMW
Vehicles for Sale from Japan, Iseki
Vehicles for Sale from Japan
