Chevrolet Unwraps 2018 Silverado 1500 Performance Concept at SEMA
After seeing the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Performance Concept at the 2017 Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas, we have only two words for Chevy: Make it!
This high-performance Silverado half ton needs to happen. It wasn't that long ago when we had several strong, powerful street-performance pickup trucks in the U.S., but lately "performance" is being redefined as a factory-offered, fast-running desert off-roader instead of a track-burning, big-horsepower tire smoker. We think we deserve both.
Although what we're showing here is technically designated a concept vehicle, GM long has used the SEMA Show to gauge interest for potential special editions. This one looks like it will be the next in that long line of special packages, complete with several existing GM Performance and GM Accessories parts on board.
Some of the concept's more significant features include a lowering/leveling kit, an LT4-style supercharger on a 5.3-liter V-8 (for an extra 100 horsepower), a GM Accessories cold-air intake system and see-through air filter box, a polished cat-back exhaust and a six-piston Brembo front brake upgrade kit. Among some of the more stylistic upgrades are 22-inch aluminum wheels, a Satin Steel Gray exterior, body-colored grille surrounds and bumpers, smoked headlights and taillights, black bow-tie emblems, a tri-fold tonneau and a black suede-wrapped steering wheel.
Since this is a concept, the SEMA display does not offer pricing, but we're guessing Chevrolet will price this above the current Redline Edition, meaning it is likely to start well more than $50,000. No doubt after Chevy gets feedback from SEMA showgoers and reads a few of your comments below, we'll hear more about this street hauler soon.
Manufacturer images
Comments
Now this one I can appreciate. Mostly for the performance it's capable of doing.
Wait ah, They put a super charger on the 5.3 to nudge it barely over the 6.2 in power? Why?
Is there not enough room to put a turbo/super charager on the 6.2?
Starting with the 5.3 as a base was a real "meh".
They put a super charger on the 5.3 to nudge it barely over the 6.2 in power? Why? Posted by: WaitWhat | Nov 2, 2017
@WaitWhat
Putting a roots blower on any 5 liter V8 will make it sing! It's not about the horsepower, it's the overall improvement in power and torque across the RPM range, especially the RPM range we experience driving on boulevards and highways.
But you already knew that, right? The real issue with the pedal response of today's Gen 5 V8 is the factory tuning, both for the engine and the transmission.
Be sure this Chevy is a lot more fun to drive than that Nissan with the snow plow hitched up.
I like the idea but why not do a "6.2 SS" ? Offer the big wheels and tires and trick suspension on a regular cab standard bed for around $35-$38k?
You could then offer the other cabs and optional supercharger at a premium for other wallet sizes>
Personally, I'd love to see just a modern 454SS, black with red velour again!
Build it!
Yawn.
Totally agree with Papajim about the factory tuning. Its a nightmare. Get a tune on it and it wakes the 5.3L up. What a sexy truck. Supercharging the 5.3L is the way to go for such a durable, long lasting motor. The Edelbrock is my choice. Check it out!!!
Junk junk and more junk hahahahahahahaha.
Yawn.
Posted by: redbloodedxy | Nov 2, 2017 3:54:32 PM
Yeah the Ford tremor was a yawn compare to this truck!
But you already knew that, right? The real issue with the pedal response of today's Gen 5 V8 is the factory tuning, both for the engine and the transmission.
Posted by: papajim | Nov 2, 2017 3:03:15 PM
I agree. The new 5.3 is actually VERY impressive once it's tuned. It makes way more torque off the line than it gets credit for. It's mostly in the cam phasing just off idle and transmission tune.
Wouldn't a regular cab 5.3 with the 8 speed and more aggressive axle ratio with intake, exhaust, and a tune bring a more sporting outcome? The supercharger on the 5.3 and the crew cab setup seem like a waste of time.
If Chevy had any common sense they would have put the gen V 5.3 in the camaro for so many reasons...
Now if FCA would drop the Hellcat engine in the 1500. That would be a performance truck.
@ Josh
I agree, but what about us gentleman that have kiddos. Gotta have that extra space to haul them around. And to have that extra power on hand when they aren't with you is just PURE FUN!!!
Boring...it's still the same square barge w/100 extra ponies...:-(
...personally, I'd love to see just a modern 454SS, black with red velour again! Posted by: Old GM Guy | Nov 2, 2017
@old gm guy
you had me right up to the velour!
The modern Gen 5 block offers 7 liter displacement options. the Corvette can be ordered that way, so why not a pickup? A Gen Five 427 should be very sweet in a Crew Cab Silverado.
Who could argue?
@ Lionel
Have you not seen the 18 F150's??? They are boxy and copied GM's front grill
So typical of jealous Fanboys!! Cant appreciate V8 power...rather have junk gerbil engines!
It looks like an oven under the hood. HAHAHAHAH :D
Useless Concept, the ECOBOOST F-150 will still take it's lunch.
It looks like an oven under the hood. HAHAHAHAH :D
Useless Concept, the ECOBOOST F-150 will still take it's lunch.
It looks like an oven under the hood. HAHAHAHAH :D
Useless Concept, the ECOBOOST F-150 will still take it's lunch.
It looks like an oven under the hood. HAHAHAHAH :D
Posted by: Frank | Nov 2, 2017 6:18:23 PM
Yup that's every Ford engine bay since like the 1980's oven under the hood. Over jam with useless junk that that still gets spanked by 1950s GM and like 1930s Ram hemi engines :) .
The ECO-BUST will throw its timing chain and won't even make it to lunch! Those gerbil motors are junk.
Ford needs to invest more money in 5.0 and new 6.2L, but they aren't bright enough for that! They would rather charge you clowns an up-charge to buy these motors, and you fools drink it like cool-aide...pitiful
The 2.7 will hand it to it with just a tune. Hahahaha
The 2.7 will hand it to it with just a tune. Hahahaha
@ Frank
Shows how small minded and uneducated you are!
Keep sucking down that Ford Lies Cool-aide.
Fantastic looking truck with a reliable engine. Gm has the best looking trucks for sure. I like the performance of my 2016 Hemi, but the looks are outdated and it is terrible on fuel. I 2 years i will be changingbrands to the GM line of trucks. All my buddies have had such reliable performance from their Silverado's. They seem to never have to go in for repairs.
Are posters on this site always so ignorant??? I suspect they are not even old enough to drive, Frank, Lionel, and some others seem to have issues.
The profile shots of the Silverado above looks so good. The bulged fenders with square wheel well openings just grabs your attention. Great looking truck.
Useless Concept, the ECOBOOST F-150 will still take it's lunch.
Posted by: Frank | Nov 2, 2017 6:18:23 PM
It won't have any room for lunch after eating all those timing chains. Will Ford ever build a reliable engine again? It's been over 27 years since they went all in on overhead cams and they're still junk today.
They will offer this. In black, without the supercharger and the bailout babies will line up to buy it.
Posted by: Brawndo | Nov 2, 2017 11:43:57 PM
You can keep drinking your BRAWNDO. And don't forget to water your plants with it.
HHAHAHAHAHAH your Idiocracy.
Haha Frank if only you knew sooner. I CHOSE BRAWNDO IN HONOR OF YOU. Your reminded me of that movie every time you commented!
It looks like an oven under the hood. HAHAHAHAH :D
Useless Concept, the ECOBOOST F-150 will still take it's lunch.
Posted by: Frank | Nov 2, 2017 6:18:23 PM
Will that's better than an open campfire.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=czyaZmYz9FQ
I like the idea but why not a supercharged 6.2L? Why not go for the ultimate super truck with an 800+ hp lsx motor. Also I hope they don't put the 6 speed tranny in it. It can't even handle a stock 5.3 let alone a supercharged one. The 8 speed isn't any better. Both transmissions have big problems which will be exacerbated by the increased power.
Build this truck, this would be another good choice alternative for the consumer which would sell right along with the upcoming Silverado Centennial Edition and would hold up the 2018 Silverado Line Up until it's time to put the 2019 Silverado into market.
@ Lionel
Have you not seen the 18 F150's??? They are boxy and copied GM's front grill
So typical of jealous Fanboys!! Cant appreciate V8 power...rather have junk gerbil engines!
Posted by: TNTGMC | Nov 2, 2017 5:57:50 PM
You're got to be kidding, either you're blinded by shaky GOVT motors cool aid or just need better glasses;
2018 F150s look 10 times better than anything GOVT motors can dream up. It definitely ain't boxy square but the contrary - probably the most matured rounded design Ford has come up with since '97-'04 versions.
The ultimate in concept if they're about to change design anyway. Doesn't mean it won't happen anyway.
EcoBoost requires premium in hot climates.
At least that’s what the service advisor and Tech at Earnhardt Ford in Chandler AZ told me.
Kind of wish I had a 6.2 GMC, since I have to run premium.
Also I hope they don't put the 6 speed tranny in it. It can't even handle a stock 5.3 let alone a supercharged one. The 8 speed isn't any better. Both transmissions have big problems which will be exacerbated by the increased power.
Posted by: EricN | Nov 3, 2017 8:49:46 PM
Guys have been running twin-turbo and supercharged 5.3's with a stock 6L80 for years without a problem. Hell there are tens of thousands of Corvettes, Camaros, G8's, CTS-V's, Silverados and Sierras making 600 HP and up on stock 6L80's without an issue.
Go tr0ll somewhere else moron.
2018 F150s look 10 times better than anything GOVT motors can dream up. It definitely ain't boxy square but the contrary - probably the most matured rounded design Ford has come up with since '97-'04 versions.
Posted by: Lionel | Nov 3, 2017 11:21:12 PM
The 97-04 trucks are some of the worst F-150's ever built. They were also the ugliest bubbly looking trucks ever.
The Ford borrowed plenty of styling cues from the Chevy trucks for the 2018 F-150. Suddenly stacked headlights are in at Ford. The grille shape, with a prominent bar crossing through the middles, splitting the headlight stack. What can I say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. All they need now is a wheel well shape. They need to do something besides just tracing the wheels lol.
This truck is a good base for the idea, but it is once again not a sport truck base. The last Silverado SS was a great truck, but thanks to GM it was extended cab only and it was never taken seriously as a sport truck and should have been much faster. GM should do another sport truck similar to the 2018 Tahoe RST. They should offer a regular cab short box with the 6.2L along with the brake upgrade, GMPP cold air intake, and GMPP exhaust as options. The Duramax hood with the hood scoop would be great as well with a special built air intake to make use of that for looks and power. I can understand offering an extended cab and crew cab, but if they step up and build a package it should be on all versions. Some correction from other people... The 6L80E can handle big power in stock form if the tuning is correct. If they built a new package though it would likely include the 10 speed if not the 8 speed auto. Also there is no factory Gen V 7.0L available in Corvette's.
It's an interesting concept but should never see production. All it will be is a gimmicky sub-model that serves no real purpose in the lineup except allowing someone to say "I have one."
Imho, expand the performance parts catalog with equipment worth talking about and bring the prices down to a realistic level. Some of the smaller automakers are relevant only because the customizability aspect. Chevy (and GM) could really learn from this.
Build it!!! Ls3 hot rod Truck.
Everyone of my friends who owns Fords to include my neighbor who has a Raptor says that the Chevy Grill is much better looking. We bought our trucks 2 months apart two years ago. His Raptor has been in the shop 5 times, my Chevy Silverado, zero time. Also as a 22-year military guy, when Ford talks about military-grade grade aluminum, that's code word for cheap. We all crack up about that
The comments to this entry are closed.