The new 2011 Silverado HD - A heavier-duty heavy-duty

Let's strip away the sheet metal and find out what separates the new 2011 Silverado HD from the previous model and from the competition.

The most significant advances were made where it matters most: with the all-new segment-exclusive high-strength, full-length, fully-boxed steel frame ¹; a new more robust independent front suspension; new asymmetric rear leaf springs; and a newly revised available Duramax® 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel and Allison® six-speed automatic transmission combination.

Put it all together and you get massive payload capabilities, improved ride quality, and increased power and fuel efficiency.

All-new Chassis

The centrepiece of Silverado HD is its all-new frame. The combination of a fully-boxed design and its use of high-strength steel has significantly increased the frame's strength and resilience. The rear section of the frame now includes holes beneath the bed to facilitate and optimize fifth-wheel hitch mounting, enabling a formidable fifth-wheel trailering capacity of up to 9,843 kg (21,700 lb.).

Also new is a more robust independent front suspension that can better manage increased loads, while providing improved ride and handling. The new asymmetrical rear leaf springs also provide increased Rear Gross Axle Weight Ratings and contribute to improved ride and payload capabilities. Many other components have been beefed up, including new forged upper control arms and the steering knuckle, which is 66 percent heavier than its predecessor.

Upgraded Powertrain

The latest generation Duramax 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel and Allison six-speed automatic transmission tandem develops better acceleration than the previous version, while increasing highway fuel efficiency by an impressive 11 percent^^. And the Duramax engine, already known for its quiet operation, also reduces high-load, high-speed noise by 28 percent.^ The application of innovative engineering and technology is how we made the most dependable, longest-lasting full-size pickup on the road. ^Δ

Enhanced Driver Control

Driver control is integral to safety and driver confidence. That's why it was such a priority with the new Silverado HD. It starts with brakes that feature a substantially larger rotor swept area for added stopping power. The result: Dual Rear Wheel models receive a 30 percent front and 53 percent rear increase in brake size.^

Duramax-equipped models incorporate a new variable exhaust brake that creates back pressure in the engine to slow the vehicle and provide improved performance when hauling heavy loads on downhill grades. That's on top of the new intelligent Brake Assist feature that applies full braking force in a panic braking situation – and the existing automatic grade braking function provided in all HD transmissions.

And every new Silverado HD with Single Rear Wheels includes Trailer Sway Control that reduces engine power and applies vehicle and/or trailer brakes to help maintain control. Single Rear Wheel models also incorporate a thoughtful Hill Start Assist feature that applies the vehicle and trailer brakes for about 1.5 seconds to prevent vehicle roll-back when moving your foot from the brake to the accelerator pedal. But perhaps the greatest gain in driver control is provided by the new StabiliTrak® electronic stability control system on all Single Rear Wheel models. ^‡

The New 2011 Silverado HD by the numbers

As compared to its predecessor:

• 500% increase in the frame's torsional rigidity^
• 125% stiffer front frame^
• 14% increase in Gross Vehicle Weight Rating – up to 5,897 kg (13,000 lb.)^
• 25% increase in Front Gross Axle Weight Rating – up to 2,722 kg (6,000 lb.)^
• Gross Combined Weight Rating increases to 13,245 kg (29,200 lb.)^
• 20% wider rear leaf springs^
• 23% higher ball-hitch trailering capacity – up to 7,711 kg (17,000 lb.) ^‡,†
• 12% more power – up to 397 hp^
• 16% more torque – up to 765 lb.-ft.^

Click here to find out more about the new 2011 Silverado HD.

  ¹ Based on Ward's Large Pickup segmentation, 2011 Model Year competitive data for Ford Super Duty F-350 and 2010 Model Year competitive data for Dodge Ram 3500 Heavy Duty pickup trucks and latest published information available at time of printing. Excludes other GM models.

  ^† Maximum trailer weight ratings are calculated assuming a base vehicle, except for any option(s) necessary to achieve the rating, plus driver. The weight of other optional equipment, passengers and cargo will reduce the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. Refer to your Chevy dealer for more information.

  ^‡ Stability control systems have been proven to reduce the risk of a fatal single-vehicle crash by a remarkable 63 percent. According to information published by the U.S. Department of Transportation's national Highway Traffic Safety Administration, July 2007.

 ^ Compared to 2010 MY Silverado HD.

  ^Δ Dependability based on longevity, as sourced from R.L. Polk Canada, Inc.; Canadian Vehicle in Operation registrations as of July 1, 2009 (model years 1988 to 2008) and Total New Vehicle Registrations for the full-size light-duty pickup truck segment, including chassis cabs. Calculations based on percentage of vehicles remaining in operation, weighted on age of vehicle.