Saturday, August 7, 2010

Chevrolet Silverado HD











On a validation drive of the new, 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD heavy-duty trucks, engineer Brent Deep towed a 20,000-pound (9,072 kg) trailer for 245 miles (400 km) along I-70 between Denver and Grand Junction, Colo. - and he barely touched the brakes the entire way.

Deep relied on the Chevrolet Silverado's new, smart exhaust brake system to slow the truck/trailer combination on descents, helping prove the new system is suitable for the most demanding conditions. It was a drive across the heart of the Rocky Mountains and some of the interstate system's steepest grades, with altitudes ranging from Denver's approximately 5,000 feet (1,525 m) to more than 11,100 feet (3,400 m) at the Eisenhower Tunnel.

"It takes some courage to leave your foot off the brake, but the Chevrolet Silverado's Duramax engine and Allison transmission perform the task with smoothness and confidence that really impresses," said Deep. "Better still, the exhaust brake system can help extend brake pad life and help avoid overheating the brakes on long descents."

The exhaust brake system feature is just one of the elements that makes the new 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD models the most capable in the industry. They go on sale this summer.

"We sought the input of our customers during the development of the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD to deliver a truck that meets or exceeds their every need," said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet general manager. "It offers greater strength and capability - including class-leading fuel economy, trailering and payload ratings - and has more power, accelerates quicker and has lower emissions. That sounds like the very definition of no compromises."

Chevrolet Silverado HD


The Chevrolet Silverado HD heavy-duty lineup is broader than ever, with 11 2500HD models and eight single- and dual-rear-wheel 3500HD models - including a new 3500HD Crew Cab with a 6.5-foot cargo box. WT, LT and LTZ trim levels are offered, and popular features such as the EZ Lift tailgate and rearview camera system return. All models bring greater capability, improved ride and handling and a greater feeling of driver control. Depending on the model:
Segment-best fifth-wheel towing capacity of 20,000 pounds (9,072 kg)
Segment-best conventional towing capacity increases up to 23 percent, with a maximum of 16,000 pounds (7,272 kg)
Segment-best payload capability of 6,335 pounds (2,873 kg) on a complete vehicle
Segment-best Gross Combined Weight Rating increases to 27,500 pounds (12,500 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings increases up to 17 percent to 13,000 pounds (5,909 kg)
Front Axle Weight Rating increases by up to 25 percent to 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg)
Snow plow capability is now enabled for all 4WD cab configurations

There are also enhanced powertrains, including a new Duramax 6.6L diesel/Allison 1000 six-speed transmission that offers the exhaust brake system, new front and rear suspensions, an improved brake system, hill start assist, trailer sway control system and more.

"Along with all their heavy-duty equipment, these trucks are designed to be stylish and refined, inside and out," said Campbell. "We paid close attention to all the details, giving them a distinctive, muscular appearance on the exterior and a well-appointed interior with the comfort, convenience and safety features customers appreciate."

Outside, the 2011 Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD models are distinguished by a power dome-style hood with a new, louvered design, as well as a new grille and full-width chrome steel front bumper. A new lineup of 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheel/tire combinations is featured, too (20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels are available on 2500HD).

Designers and engineers left almost no bolt unturned during the comprehensive redesign of the trucks. Here are 11 key elements that demonstrate the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD are ready for any job and any competitor:

New frames

In the quest to comprehensively redesign the Chevrolet Silverado HD chassis to improve durability and ride, while also supporting increased capability, engineers developed 11 all-new, fully boxed frame assemblies. The frames have increased cross sections and use more high-strength steel for greater durability, higher towing capacity and improved ride and handling; the front sections are hydroformed.

The bending and beaming stiffness of the frames is increased 92 percent and 20 percent, respectively, with the fully boxed sections enhancing torsional stiffness by a factor of five. 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.

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. It supports up to 16,000 pounds (7,257 kg).

New and strong 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) - enabling a snow plow to be used on all 4WD cab configurations with the available snow plow prep package, while also supporting improved ride and handling characteristics.

Chevrolet 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.

The Chevrolet Silverado HD front suspension now uses a pair of urethane jounce bumpers on each side, instead of one, for improved load management; and there's a new upper shock mount attachment design that's positively connected to the frame with two fasteners. This design eliminates squeaks and clunks, while supporting higher load capability and increased durability.

Compared to competitors' beam-axle front suspension, 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.

New asymmetrical leaf-spring rear suspension

Commensurate with the Chevrolet Silverado HD's greater strength and capability is a rear suspension designed to support greater loads. It features a new, larger asymmetrical leaf-spring design that also contributes to improved ride and handling characteristics.

The asymmetrical design is derived from unequal front and rear spring half lengths, which minimize axle hop and enhance traction control efficiency. 2500HD models feature a two-stage leaf-spring design, while 3500HD models have a three-stage design. All models feature 3-inch-wide (76 mm) leaf springs that are 20-percent wider than previous models.

The larger leaf-spring design supports increased rear gross axle weight ratings across the board. On the 2500HD models, the rating is 6,200 pounds (2,818 kg) - up from 6,084 (2,765). On 3500HD models, the rating increases to 7,050 pounds (3,204 kg) on single-rear-wheel models and 9,375 pounds (4,261 kg) on dual-rear-wheel models - the latter representing a nearly 14-percent increase over the previous 8,200-pound (3,727 kg) rating.

Segment-leading towing and payload capability

Stronger frames, suspension systems with greater weight ratings and enhanced powertrain systems contribute to the Chevy Silverado HD's class-leading towing and payload capability. The specifications charts included below outline capacities for each model and/or configuration, but here are the key facts:
The maximum conventional (ball hitch) towing rating increases to 16,000 pounds (7,257 kg)
A Silverado 3500HD crew cab/long box can tow up to 20,000 pounds (9,091 kg) with a fifth-wheel hitch. The 2010 Ram 3500 has a maximum rating of 17,600 pounds (8,000 kg) and the 2010 Ford F-350 is rated at a maximum of 18,800 pounds (8,545 kg). It should be noted that while Ford claimed segment-leading trailering and payload during its recent announcement of the 2011 Super Duty models, no towing ratings were issued
The maximum payload (3500HD) is 6,335 pounds (2,873 kg) - that's nearly 11 percent greater than the 2010 Ford F-350's 5,730-pound (2,604 kg) rating and about 24 percent more than the 2010 Ram 3500's 5,130-pound (2,331 kg) ratings. Again, while claiming segment-leading payload for the 2011 Super Duty models, Ford did not announce the ratings

New 6.6L Duramax diesel and Allison 1000 six-speed combination

Helping the new 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD trucks deliver their best-in-class capabilities is a new version of the workhorse Duramax 6.6L diesel and Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission powertrain combination. The Duramax 6.6L is more powerful and durable and the Allison 1000 is stronger and helps enable new features, including the exhaust brake system. Together, this improved version of a proven combination is also expected to deliver segment-best fuel economy.

The Duramax 6.6L's new and improved features include:
Horsepower and torque expected to top previous model
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
Exhaust brake system that enables controlled vehicle slowdown on downhill grades without actuating the brakes
Selective catalytic reduction after-treatment system using diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) injection to provide the best overall diesel characteristics and performance - with a range of about 5,000 miles (8,000 km) between DEF refills
Combustion and after-treatment have been optimized to provide about 700 miles (1,125 km) between diesel particulate filter regenerations - a 75-percent improvement over the previous system and significant contributor to improved fuel efficiency, as the regeneration process requires additional fuel
B20 biodiesel capability for an alternative fueling option
Internal revisions that improve durability

With nearly 1.3 million Duramax 6.6L engines produced since 2000, they have proven exceptionally durable and dependable. The internal elements that helped build its reputation are enhanced for 2011, including:
Main bearings' profiles changed to enhance oil film thickness
Oil pump flow increased for increased pressure at low speeds
The turbocharger's oil circuit is changed to provide increased pressure at the turbo and faster oil delivery
The connecting rods' pin ends are modified to provide increased piston support
New, higher-strength piston design that eliminates bushings to provide lower reciprocating weight
An EGR cooler bypass reduces high-mileage soot deposits in the cooler and EGR circuit

The enhanced Allison 1000 for 2011 is strengthened to handle the higher torque capability of the new 6.6L Duramax engine, while also helping improve fuel economy and provide seamless assistance with a new exhaust brake system. Greater efficiency is delivered through reduced "spin loss" - meaning, the transmission channels more of the engine's power to the axles, allowing it to do more with less fuel.

The Allison 1000 also features driver shift control with tap up/tap down shifting and a patented elevated idle mode cab warm-up feature. Also, the tow/haul mode reduces shift cycling for better control and improved cooling when towing or hauling heavy loads. The six-speed configuration retains its two overdrive gears for optimal efficiency.

Performance with the Duramax/Allison combination is also improved over previous models, with preliminary testing showing 0-60 mph times of less than 9 seconds and quarter-mile times of less than 16 seconds in 2500HD models. That's about 0.3-second and 0.5-second quicker, respectively, than previous models.

Strengthened Vortec 6.0L/Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed powertrain

The venerable Vortec 6.0L gas V-8 with variable valve timing returns to the new heavy-duty trucks, 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.

A new camshaft profile in the Vortec 6.0L helps the engine produce more torque lower in the rpm band, for improved launch feel and a greater feeling of overall performance at higher altitudes and when towing a trailer.

The 6L90 is enhanced for greater strength, smoothness and quietness via:
Adding four attachment bosses to the transfer case adapter (4WD models) for increased strength and smoother, quieter performance
Increasing the cross section size of the transfer case adapter for greater strength
Adding a new, stronger output shaft
Adding a new heat shield and vent hose

Exhaust brake system

A new feature on Duramax-equipped models is an exhaust brake system. 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. It is a smart system integrated with the cruise control feature and varies the braking to account for the grade and vehicle load.

The exhaust brake system 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.

Large brakes

Brake feel and performance is greatly improved with the 2011 Silverado HD trucks. The 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 - 14 inches (355 mm) - 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 revised 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.

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