The paradigm-busting Quadrasteer technology, which makes a big truck as easy to steer and park as a small car, will now be available on the Silverado and Sierra 1500HD 2WD and 4WD short box pickups.
All 2003 Silverado and Sierra 1500 Series models will get an automatic passenger-sensing air bag system, White said, which deactivates the passenger-side air bag, based on the weight and position of the passenger seat occupant, to help protect children and small adults from air-bag induced injury.
Both airbags, by the way, now have sensors to measure the severity of a crash and determine whether the air bags should be deployed. If deployment is called for, White said, the system further calculates whether to deploy at full inflation level (for more severe crashes) or at a less-than-full level (for more moderate crashes).
The system also measures the distance of the people in the front seats from the dashboard, and uses the lower airbag deployment speed if they're sitting close to it.
Other changes for the GM full-size pickups in 2003 include:
- a new braking system that delivers enhanced stopping power for high deceleration stops, with less pedal force needed, and improved antilock brake performance
- what White called an ''unprecedented level of infotainment in full-size pickups, including a Bose audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system
- optional power outside mirrors that power-fold and show the turn signal in the glass, and optional power-adjustable camper mirrors.