Boxed and ready to go
A key new feature for the new GM HDs is its all-new, high strength, fully-boxed steel frame. Not only does it significantly increase the new Silverado HD's durability and resilience under pressure, but it really brings the whole truck together. Rigidity and solid both have a new name. GM put together a Frankenstein frame (one side new, the other old) and the improvements and changes are very evident. The 5th wheel hitch mount is a prime example.
Here, looks are not deceiving. Previously built with a full-length C-channel design, the new fully-boxed frame, complete with through-welded cross members, is one hell of a lot stiffer than the old. The frame is now five times stiffer in twisting, 92% for bending, 20% in beaming and even the front subframe got stiffer by 125%.
I know where the beef is
Tap on to that a completely revised independent front suspension that, you guessed it, is beefed up to the max. Some so-called pros may say that a real truck rolls on a front solid axle but GM disagrees, as do I. This setup promotes better control, more rubber in constant contact with the road and, dialled in with improved steering, heighten the entire driving experience. Bigger brakes? Yessiree!
The same goes for the rear. Upgraded and with larger-offset leaf springs (this means that there is more “leaf” behind the axle than ahead of it), axle hop is reduced under a loaded take off and, by default, increases payload capacities to new levels. What are these new levels, you might ask? Sample this: 21,700 pounds (9,865 kg) of towing (5th wheel), and 6,635 pounds (3,016 kg) of payload capacities. This tow rating actually encroaches on Ford F-450 territory which, until now, was unrivalled at this point.
Diesel on call
If I say heavy-duty truck, most will respond with diesel. The available 4th-generation 6.6L Duramax turbo diesel V8 engine has also received a significant amount of upgrades. Building on what has become one of the most durable and reliable diesel engines in the business, GM has managed to improve output, emission and NVH to name a few.
A key new feature for the new GM HDs is its all-new, high strength, fully-boxed steel frame. Not only does it significantly increase the new Silverado HD's durability and resilience under pressure, but it really brings the whole truck together. Rigidity and solid both have a new name. GM put together a Frankenstein frame (one side new, the other old) and the improvements and changes are very evident. The 5th wheel hitch mount is a prime example.
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| What are these new levels, you might ask? Sample this: 21,700 pounds (9,865 kg) of towing (5th wheel), and 6,635 pounds (3,016 kg) of payload capacities. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |
Here, looks are not deceiving. Previously built with a full-length C-channel design, the new fully-boxed frame, complete with through-welded cross members, is one hell of a lot stiffer than the old. The frame is now five times stiffer in twisting, 92% for bending, 20% in beaming and even the front subframe got stiffer by 125%.
I know where the beef is
Tap on to that a completely revised independent front suspension that, you guessed it, is beefed up to the max. Some so-called pros may say that a real truck rolls on a front solid axle but GM disagrees, as do I. This setup promotes better control, more rubber in constant contact with the road and, dialled in with improved steering, heighten the entire driving experience. Bigger brakes? Yessiree!
The same goes for the rear. Upgraded and with larger-offset leaf springs (this means that there is more “leaf” behind the axle than ahead of it), axle hop is reduced under a loaded take off and, by default, increases payload capacities to new levels. What are these new levels, you might ask? Sample this: 21,700 pounds (9,865 kg) of towing (5th wheel), and 6,635 pounds (3,016 kg) of payload capacities. This tow rating actually encroaches on Ford F-450 territory which, until now, was unrivalled at this point.
Diesel on call
If I say heavy-duty truck, most will respond with diesel. The available 4th-generation 6.6L Duramax turbo diesel V8 engine has also received a significant amount of upgrades. Building on what has become one of the most durable and reliable diesel engines in the business, GM has managed to improve output, emission and NVH to name a few.
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| Rated at 397 hp and 765 lb-ft of torque, the Duramax is the way to go. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |