2015 Silverado HDs Run Cleaner, Save Money on CNG

Available, cleaner-burning CNG-capable 6.0L engine expands to all 2500HD and 3500HD cab styles
Can enable fuel-cost savings of more than $2,000 annually
OEM-validated CNG system covered by GM's factory powertrain limited warranty

CHICAGO – Chevrolet's expanded availability of bi-fuel versions of the new 2015 Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD trucks give customers and fleet managers more choices for cleaner-burning compressed natural gas-powered models – and savings at the pump.

With CNG currently priced about 62 percent less per gallon than gasoline, a work truck that driven 26,000 miles a year can save more than $2,000 annually based on 75-percent CNG usage and comparable efficiency to gasoline.

"With CNG capability to be offered on all Silverado HD cab configurations, customers have a wider range of choices when it comes to selecting the alternatively fueled truck that matches their needs," said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president, General Motors Fleet and Commercial. "And for companies and municipalities that maintain multiple trucks in their fleet, the fuel cost savings of CNG can really add up in a year."

The CNG option is available on all Silverado 2500HD configurations and Silverado 3500HD models with single rear wheels. The 2500HD double cab and crew cab models are on sale now, with 2500HD regular cab and all 3500HD models going on sale in July.

With the additional driving range enabled by a separate CNG tank, Silverado HD bi-fuel models have a total range of up to 650 miles, meaning less time needed for fill-ups. When equipped with a 4.10 axle ratio, the maximum conventional trailering rating is 13,000 pounds on gas or CNG.

GM warrants and validates the fuel systems of the 2015 Silverado HD bi-fuel trucks. GM's five-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty covers CNG fuel systems. All major components associated with the CNG system also carry GM service part numbers, for availability throughout the largest dealer network in the United States. That's not the case with some other manufacturers' available bi-fuel trucks.

"Silverado bi-fuel pickups are available through any of Chevrolet's more than 3,000 dealerships across America just like any other model," said Peper. "It's one of the industry's most seamless integration of OEM-delivered CNG vehicles."

The unique version of the 6.0L engine – identified by an LC8 engine code – features special hardened valves and valve seats that enable it to run on CNG or gasoline. It is rated at 360 horsepower (268 kW) and 380 lb-ft of torque (515 Nm) on gas, and 301 horsepower (225 kW) and 333 lb-ft of torque (452 Nm) on CNG.

A separate CNG fuel tank enables the driver to switch between fuels at the flip of a switch. When the CNG tank is depleted, the system automatically switches to gasoline. GM's tier-one supplier installs the CNG fuel tank and complementing fuel system upgrades at a secondary location. Chevrolet dealers deliver the trucks as they would with any optional content.

CNG is cleaner burning than conventional gasoline or diesel. Today, most of the natural gas used in the U.S. comes from domestic or other North American sources. Depending on their usage habits, many customers can recoup the incremental investment in CNG vehicles within a few years, and the lower fuel cost enables a significant reduction in daily operating costs.

New Silverado HDs
The new 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD are engineered to be stronger and smarter than before, delivering the capability heavy-duty truck customers demand, with greater refinement for more comfort and confidence on the job and on the road.

Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD models come in Work Truck (WT), LT and LTZ trims, and are offered in regular cab, double cab and crew cab configurations. The regular cab comes only in WT and LT trims. The new double cab model replaces the previous extended cab and features forward-hinged rear doors, which allow easier access to the back seat, especially in tight parking spaces.

The trucks are available with all-new, stronger 6'6"and 8' cargo boxes with standard CornerStep bumpers, EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgates, and other features to ease cargo handling. Available updates for 2015 include:
All new cabs and interiors with increased comfort and extensive storage space tailored to the way customers use full-size trucks.
Chevrolet MyLink, which provides powerful connectivity for work or family with simple, intuitive controls
Integrated cruise control and Auto Grade Braking to help make trailering easier
Standard StabiliTrak with Trailer Sway Control on all models, including 3500HD duallys.
Models equipped with CNG system add cargo tie-downs on the tank cover and a single fuel gauge that displays fuel levels for gasoline and CNG.

Safety features such as Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning with an Active Safety Seat, and Front and Rear Park Assist are available on the 2015 Silverado HD. Head-curtain and seat-mounted side airbags are standard on 2500 models and available on 3500 models.

Goes on sale this summer

Chevrolet has taken the wraps off the 2015 Silverado High Country HD which brings a premium touch to the heavy-duty truck.

Unveiled today at the Denver Auto Show, Chevrolet's more upscale 2015 Silverado Heavy Duty pickup truck has received a chrome front grille with horizontal bars along with body-colored front & rear bumpers. It features six-inch tubular chrome assist steps and has received the firm's CornerStep rear bumper together with unique 20-inch chrome alloy wheels.

Inside the cabin there's bespoke saddle brown upholstery combined with an eight-inch touchscreen display part of the Chevrolet MyLink system. It also packs a Bose sound system, heated and cooled perforated front bucket seats and front & rear park assist.

For more money clients can configure the 2015 Silverado High Country HD with a rear-seat entertainment system (with DVD/Blu-ray player), navigation system and sunroof, along with a High Country Premium Package featuring power-adjustable pedals, driver alert package and heated steering wheel.

Just like the other Silverado HDs, this new version is offered with a V8 6.0-liter engine rated at 360 bhp (268 kW) and 380 lb-ft (514 Nm) which can also be had in a bi-fuel version running on compressed natural gas (CNG).

Chevrolet is offering a larger 6.6-liter Duramax V8 turbodiesel delivering 397 bhp (296 kW) and 765 lb-ft (1,036 Nm) of torque through a six-speed automatic gearbox.

The High Country can be had in 2500HD and 3500HD crew cab models with two- or four-wheel drive and both of them are scheduled to go on sale this summer.

Company will focus on improving fuel efficiency

The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra got off to a slow start but General Motors is hoping to fix things with a series of updates.

Speaking at a recent press event, GM's executive chief engineer of global full-size and midsize trucks said the Silverado and Sierra will be updated for the 2015 model year and we can expect even more changes in the future.

Jeff Luke declined to go into specifics but hinted the upgrades will likely include styling changes, improved transmissions and updated technology. As he explained, “You’ll see some neat updates on the trucks and [full-size] SUVs, you’ll see them coming, I’d say in short order."

While Luke was coy on details, he did confirm the company is considering engine start/stop systems for their full-size trucks and SUVs. This change would help to improve fuel efficiency which is becoming increasingly important to truck buyers.

GMC Introduces 2015 Sierra All Terrain HD
2014-05-21

DETROIT – GMC today introduced the 2015 Sierra All Terrain HD, a refined, off-road-inspired execution of the brand's capability that blends exclusive design features with the versatility of 4WD. It goes on sale this summer.

"The new 2015 GMC Sierra HD lineup helps customers tackle tough jobs more comfortably, and with the new All Terrain HD, they can do it with greater style," said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. "Equally comfortable whether it's a night on the town or traversing a remote job site, it has all the capability that customers demand from a GMC heavy-duty truck on the job."

The new Sierra All Terrain HD is available on 2500HD and 3500HD double cab and crew cab models, and is offered with SLE or SLT trims – all with 4WD, of course, including an electronically controlled transfer case. Also included is the Z71 Off Road package, with Rancho twin-tube shocks, hill descent control and a skid plate.

Sierra HD's 6.0L gas engine is standard and the Duramax turbo-diesel is available.

The All Terrain's exclusive design features include a chrome surround on the grille, exterior graphics, aluminum underbody shields and unique 18-inch six-spoke chrome cast-aluminum wheels. Twenty-inch chrome aluminum wheels are available on 2500HD, while 3500HD models also include adjustable outside camper mirrors with a chrome cap.

Additional exterior content includes light-emitting diode signature headlamps, body-color bumpers (chrome bumpers available), chrome mirrors covers and body side moldings and chrome front-lower bumper plate. Inside, a carbon fiber-inspired theme distinguishes the All Terrain from other models and includes the ALL TERRAIN logo on the instrument cluster. A rearview camera system also is standard.

The new All Terrain HD also includes the latest connectivity technology, including IntelliLink and new OnStar with 4G LTE and standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Enhanced features for IntelliLink include Text Messaging Alerts for smartphone users with Bluetooth profile (M.A.P.), which reads incoming texts through the vehicle's speakers, and Siri Eyes Free for iPhone iOS 6 and iOS 7 users to enhance connectivity and convenience.

New OnStar with 4G LTE connection provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected. The hotspot is on whenever the vehicle is on and comes with a three-month/three-gigabyte data trial.

Additional new and enhanced features introduced on the 2015 Sierra HD lineup include:

CornerStep rear bumper, EZ Lift and Lower tailgate, standard locking tailgate, standard upper tie-downs and other features that make cargo handling easier

Standard StabiliTrak with Trailer Sway Control on all models

Integrated cruise control, auto grade braking and diesel exhaust braking, for greater driving control and reduced brake wear on grades

Enhanced cooling airflow, which enables the Duramax turbo diesel and 6.0L gas engine to better maintain full power, even under heavy loads and high ambient temperatures

New Duralife™ disc brake rotors that offer up to double the service life (late availability).

New, heated, power-adjustable trailering mirrors are offered on SLE and SLT – including All Terrain – and Denali (late availability), including segment-first back-up lamps. The large mirrors feature 51 square inches of flat mirror surface positioned over a 24.5-square-inch non-heated or power-adjustable convex mirror surface. A new auxiliary back-up lamp is integrated in each mirror to enhance trailer visibility when backing up, as well as an amber auxiliary clearance lamp. The SLE trailering mirror is black and can be extended and folded manually. The SLT/Denali mirror has a chrome cap and adds a power-folding feature.

The 2015 Sierra HD also offers segment-exclusive safety features such as forward collision alert, lane departure warning with an active safety seat, and front and rear park assist. Head-curtain and seat-mounted side airbags are standard on 2500HD and available on 3500HD models.

All models are backed by GMC Pro Grade Protection, with two years of scheduled maintenance – including diesel exhaust fluid – a three-year/36,000-miles bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

2015 Silverado 1500 Will Tow up to 12,000 Pounds, Based on SAE J2807

- Updated trailer ratings showcase Silverado's strength and capability
- Available 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 leads segment in horsepower and torque
- All 2015 Silverado 1500 trailer ratings based on SAE J2807

DETROIT – Chevrolet Silverado 1500 will maintain a 12,000-pound maximum available trailer weight rating as it transitions to new ratings for 2015 based on SAE J2807 Recommended Practices.

"We engineered the new Silverado 1500 to be our most capable light-duty pickup ever," said Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer. "For 2015, we will build on that strong foundation to implement SAE J2807 while maintaining robust towing capability across the lineup.

"For 2015, Silverado 1500 will continue to offer trailer weight ratings up to 12,000 pounds," said Luke. "And, we will offer a number of configurations with trailer weight ratings of 9,000 pounds or more, enabling light-duty pickup customers to choose exactly the right truck for their towing requirements."

For 2014, Silverado, the North American Truck of the Year, led the light-duty pickup segment with a maximum available trailer weight rating of 12,000 pounds.

The stronger choice for tough towing situations

The 2015 Silverado 1500 will be available with a number of features engineered for serious towing:

- The available 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 is the most powerful engine offered in any light-duty pickup, with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Like other EcoTec3 engines, it combines proven performance with advanced fuel-saving technologies, seamlessly switching to four cylinders to improve efficiency in light-load driving.
- The available NHT max trailering package includes a 9.76-inch rear axle, heavy-duty rear springs, revised shock tuning for increased control, enhanced cooling, and an integrated trailer brake controller. Also included is an automatic locking rear differential, trailer hitch, and bumper-mounted 4- and 7-pin connectors.
- Combined, the 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 and max trailering package will give the 2015 Silverado 1500 2WD double-cab a 12,000 pound trailer weight rating. The comparable 4x4 version will have a trailer weight rating of 11,900 pounds.
- Silverado's standard 4.3L EcoTec3 V-6 and available 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8 also will offer significant towing capability for 2015, with maximum available trailer weight ratings of 11,200 pounds for the 5.3L V-8 and 7,600 pounds for the V-6. (SAE J2807; see attached Trailering Tables for details.)

Foundation for all 2015 Silverado 1500s is a fully boxed high-strength steel frame. Extensive use of high-strength steels in the frame and body structure also contributes to a quieter interior and more solid feel, and helps Silverado earn a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score for safety in the newest government crash tests. Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's New Car Assessment Program.

Like all new Silverados, the 2015 Silverado 1500 will have the best pickup coverage in America, including a 5-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty, and is part of the family of the most-dependable, longest-lasting pickups on the road.

2015 Silverado 1500s will be available starting later this summer, with full availability in Q4 of this year.

The 2014 Silverado has won more awards than any other pickup. Silverado was recently named Best Value Truck Line in America by Vincentric, in recognition that the Silverado family has the lowest cost to own of any full-size pickups.

Choosing the right truck for the towing

With the transition to SAE J2807, trailer weight ratings will be adjusted for many Silverado 1500s. Following are examples of old and new ratings for popular configurations:

Configuration – 2014 (Pre-SAE) – 2015 (With SAE)

Regular cab 2WD 4.3L V-6 6.5' box 3.43 axle 6,400 lbs. 6,100 lbs.
Double cab 2WD 5.3L V-8 6.5' box 3.08 axle 6,900 lbs. 6,500 lbs.
Crew cab 2WD 5.3L V-8 5.7' box 3.42 axle 9,800 lbs. 9,400 lbs.
Regular cab 4x4 4.3L V-6 6.5' box 3.42 axle 7,600 lbs. 7,600 lbs.
Double cab 4x4 5.3L V-8 6.5' box 3.42 axle 9,600 lbs. 9,200 lbs.
Crew cab 4x4 5.3L V-8 5.7' box 3.73 axle 11,200 lbs. 10,800 lbs.

As always, customers need to determine the appropriate vehicle and trailering capacity for their particular situation, including the curb weight of their specific vehicle, the number of passengers they will actually carry, the actual tongue weight for their combination, the amount of cargo in their vehicle, and the weight of the load they plan to tow.

Customers should follow the trailering guidelines in their owner's manual, ask their Chevrolet dealer for trailering advice, or contact Chevrolet Customer Assistance for more information.

Also, the Chevrolet Trailering Guide can be found in the Manuals & Videos section under the Ownership tab of the Chevrolet.com website.

Background: SAE J2807 Recommended Practice

Performance standards for trailering vehicles: To help ensure that vehicles can confidently tow the rated maximum trailer weight under a variety of real-world driving conditions, SAE J2807 establishes specific test protocols. These include:

- Cooling capability on a long highway upgrade modeled on the Davis Dam grade on Arizona SR 68;
- Launch and acceleration performance on a level road and a 12 percent upgrade;
- Combined handling performance – understeer and trailer sway;
- Combined braking performance – stopping distance and parking brake-hold on grade; and
- Structural performance for the vehicle and hitch or hitch receiver.
New calculations for trailer weight ratings: In addition to the performance standards, SAE J2807 also uses a specific set of assumptions to calculate maximum trailer weight ratings:
- For light-duty full-size pickups (GVWR < 8,500 lbs.), SAE J2807 assumes that the tow vehicle includes any options with higher than 33 percent penetration;
- It assumes there is both a driver and passenger in the vehicle, each weighing 150 pounds;
- It assumes that tow vehicles also include up to 70 pounds of aftermarket hitch equipment (where applicable); and
- For conventional trailer towing, SAE J2807 assumes that 10 percent of the trailer weight is on the tongue.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.9 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Trailering – 2015 Silverado 1500 Regular Cab (SAE J2807)

2WD:

Regular Cab, 6' 6" box
6,100 lbs. / 2,767 kg. – 4.3L (3.23 axle)
7,000 lbs. / 3,175 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,000 lbs. / 4,082 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)

Regular Cab, 8' box
5,900 lbs. / 2,676 kg. – 4.3L (3.23 axle)
6,800 lbs. / 3,084 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,800 lbs. / 4,445 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)

4WD:

Regular Cab, 6' 6" box
7,600 lbs. / 3,447 kg. – 4.3L (3.42 axle)
6,700 lbs. / 3,039 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
8,700 lbs. / 3,946 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)

Regular Cab, 8' box
7,400 lbs. / 3,357 kg. – 4.3L (3.42 axle)
6,500 lbs. / 2,948 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,500 lbs. / 4,309 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)

Trailering – 2015 Silverado 1500 Double Cab (SAE J2807)

2WD:

Double Cab, 6' 6" box
5,600 lbs. / 2,540 kg. – 4.3L (3.42 axle)
6,500 lbs. / 2,948 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,500 lbs. / 4,309 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)
9,500 lbs. / 4,309 kg. – 6.2L (3.23 axle)

Double Cab, 6' 6" box w/ Max Trailering Package
11,200 lbs. / 5,080 kg. – 5.3L (3.73 axle)
12,000 lbs. / 5,443 kg. – 6.2L (3.42 axle)

4WD:

Double Cab, 6' 6" box
7,200 lbs. / 3,266 kg. – 4.3L (3.42 axle)
6,200 lbs. / 2,994 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,200 lbs. / 4,173 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)
9,200 lbs. / 4,173 kg. – 6.2L (3.23 axle)

Double Cab, 6' 6" box w/ Max Trailering Package
11,000 lbs. / 4,990 kg. – 5.3L (3.73 axle)
11,900 lbs. / 5,398 kg. – 6.2L (3.42 axle)

Trailering – 2015 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab (SAE J2807)

2WD:

Crew Cab, 5' 8" box
5,600 lbs. / 2,540 kg. – 4.3L (3.23 axle)
6,400 lbs. / 2,903 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,400 lbs. / 4,264 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)
9,400 lbs. / 4,264 kg. – 6.2L (3.23 axle)

Crew Cab, 5' 8" box w/ Max Trailering Package
11,100 lbs. / 5,035 kg. – 5.3L (3.73 axle)
12,000 lbs. / 5,443 kg. – 6.2L (3.42 axle)

Crew Cab, 6' 6" box
5,500 lbs. / 2,495 kg. – 4.3L (3.23 axle)
6,400 lbs. / 2,903 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,400 lbs. / 4,264 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)
9,300 lbs. / 4,218 kg. – 6.2L (3.23 axle)

Crew Cab, 6' 6" box w/ Max Trailering Package
11,000 lbs. / 4,990 kg. – 5.3L (3.73 axle)
11,900 lbs. / 5,398 kg. – 6.2L (3.42 axle)

4WD:

Crew Cab, 5' 8" box
7,100 lbs. / 3,221 kg. – 4.3L (3.42 axle)
6,200 lbs. / 2,812 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,200 lbs. / 4,173 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)
9,200 lbs. / 4,173 kg. – 6.2L (3.23 axle)

Crew Cab, 5' 8" box w/ Max Trailering Package
10,900 lbs. / 4,944 kg. – 5.3L (3.73 axle)
11,800 lbs. / 5,352 kg. – 6.2L (3.42 axle)

Crew Cab, 6' 6" box
7,000 lbs. / 3,175 kg. – 4.3L (3.42 axle)
6,100 lbs. / 2,767 kg. – 5.3L (3.08 axle)
9,100 lbs. / 4,128 kg. – 5.3L (3.42 axle)
9,100 lbs. / 4,128 kg. – 6.2L (3.23 axle)

Crew Cab, 6' 6" box w/ Max Trailering Package
10,800 lbs. / 5,352 kg. – 5.3L (3.73 axle)
11,700 lbs. / 5,307 kg. – 6.2L (3.42 axle)