5 Things We Expect From the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Now that we've gotten a glimpse of the next-generation 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, here are the issues we hope GM engineers focused on when developing this new half-ton player. You can bet we'll be looking closely at these when we're able to see it in person.
1. Frame Changes
We have no doubt that using advanced high-strength steel in the frame will help with weight savings and provide for a stiffer foundation for suspension upgrades. We'll want to look closely at the front support beams and cross-members to see how GM attempted to improve test results for head-on and mild offset crashes.
2. Axles and Suspension
With a stronger frame will come more flexibility to fine-tune the front and rear suspensions. We don't expect any major changes here, but the Silverado needs to drive better when empty and when fully loaded. Allowing more versions of the frame to be built could allow GM to offer a mild off-roader (like we saw in the form of the Trailboss trim that was revealed in Texas) and a better max-towing player that could carry as much as 1.5 tons.
3. Powertrain Upgrades
This is the arena where GM is probably better positioned than anyone else to make the biggest strides. It has a deep well to tap, and it looks like its pickup truck team is getting more support to think outside the box. We fully expect to see some high-performance models use some high-tech options, but we also expect more electric-hybrid and diesel options to make their way into the mix, especially if we begin to see fuel prices shift. GM's V-8 offerings to date have been spot-on.
4. Weight Savings
Chevrolet has said high-strength steel will lighten the new half ton, but we're curious about some of the more exotic possibilities. GM engineers have not been shy about saying they like to hedge their bets by using several different weight-saving strategies, so we expect it might again try composite materials or aluminum or carbon fiber in some less conventional areas, possibly putting all three in play on a pickup.
5. Interior Technology
Improving the technology interface between driver and vehicle is almost the price of admission when updating such an important vehicle, so we fully expect there to be some significant advances here. The trend for cars is larger screens, more connectivity and more sensors to help prevent or minimize pedestrian and other events. Cab storage and flat floors will be valuable as well.
Manufacturer images
Comments
Interesting times ahead..., Wonder if a complete reveal at 2018 NAIAS or save something for the Texas State Fair..., hope all stays well..., (or, well enough)...
I think Chevrolet really nailed it with this truck. Has a nice original and modern design, looks really beefy and capable. Can't wait for more info about this truck.
The only thing they need to fix is center the steering wheel to the driver.
Under the heading Powertrain Upgrades:
Why no reference to better availability of the 6.2 V-8, and the across the board availability of 8 and 10 speed auto trans?
GM already has a great base engine (4.3 liter) but it would no doubt benefit from a few more cogs in the transmission.
The base work truck would smoke the Ford and RAM work trucks if the 4.3 had a 8 speed or 10 speed trans available as an option (without paying for a V8 upgrade).
"2. Axles and Suspension
With a stronger frame will come more flexibility to fine-tune the front and rear suspensions. We don't expect any major changes here, but the Silverado needs to drive better when empty and when fully loaded."
Funny, since every test it seems like the F150 is the truck that isn't surefooted while loaded. Ford gave the F150 too soft of springs and it really shows when the truck wants to wander and has the floating feeling when towing.
That truck looks like it was put together with leftover Ford, Ram and Toyota parts.
I want to see a real Chevy truck when I have a chance to get closer.
This thing is awful!
This is a great looking truck. I just hope they don't over price it.?
That'll scare the customers right out the door. That's been a problem at GM... please just price it right.
Will the famous off center steering column be corrected? Has the shaking issue rectified?
Will the body still be thin tin that dents when leaned on and hood that leaves a body impression if you wish to star gaze with your babe on a Summer evening? Can the unicorn 6.2 be ordered in trims other than High Country or other top trim?
@ papajim
Totally agree with you about offering 6.2L across the board!!! That needs to be addressed not only in trucks but with there (TOTAL DOMINATION) in the fullsize SUV lineup as well! You should be able to get a nicely equipped LT Tahoe/Suburban or SLT Yukon/XL with a 8 or 10 spd and a 6.2L and not have to pay $80K for it!
As for the 4.3L...its one of the best engines GM has ever offered. (Its so good almost every boat manufacturer offers it within there line-up.) They need to offer it with an 8 spd and bump up the HP to around 315 to 325....very attainable with that engine.
This article is pointless. Its like all the stuff that GM has said they gonna do, now pickuptrucks.com has said the truck needs. Your not being brilliant your just stating the obvious. Besides its a GM they gonna screw it up. That's why Ram is closing in.
As for the 4.3L.., they could always put the turbo back on it.
With today's technology it could produce nice output numbers.
They will not put the turbo back on it.
@ opinion
Supercharge either the 5.3L in a single cab and a 6.2L in a crew cab and lower it and call it an SS (like SEMA model)
Turbo charge the 4.3L and put it into an all new 2 wheel drive colorado/canyon......"SYCLONE"
Because we all know GM knows how to Turbo charge!
Last time I checked no "STOCK" eco-bust ever smoked a Ferrari!!!
https://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/gmc-syclone-vs-ferrari-348ts-archived-comparison-test
The new Tacoma has high-strength steel in the frame and body and won an award from the steel institute for this, wow GM way to be late to the party...
The major problem here is that all trucks regardless of make are being priced out most people's price range. 50,000 and more for for a half ton truck is stupid
GM needs to make the 6.2 available on all trims and models and stop making everybody pay $55k plus to get a truck with it. The 5.3 is a joke compared to rivals in terms of performance and towing. Ford offers three....THREE different engines that are better performing than the 5.3. GM needs to get its head out of the dirt.
Keyless entry(without that god-awful afterthought key-pad entry) and keyless ignition. Compact small-displacement V6/V8 diesel. Update-able GPS/Infotainment center that doesn't require trips to the dealer or $$$ to do so. Over-the-air updates are becoming more common place. Keeping the MSRP price tag in realistic realms of existence. While $60K trucks are supposedly the norm(and some approaching $90K), who can really afford these vehicles.
@papa jim--Agree, GM should at least offer the 6.2 as an option for Silverado and not limit it to just the highest trim. An 8 or 10 speed auto should be offered. Those would be some strong selling points for the Silverado/Sierra. I would have to see this new Silverado in person but from the pictures it appears to be on target and should sell well.
The V8 hardly anyone buys, plus you have to fill it with premium fuel. I am hopeful they will bring out the V6 turbos to compete with Ford. That is huge for me in deciding-engine choices. Hopefully the pedal lag is gone too. Also would love the 8 or 10 speed. Upgrading the technology would also be huge, as GM is not known for great technology when compared to the others. I always liked the idea of onstar, but like most Gm owners, we use the free version until it expires on the new truck and then do not pay for the monthly cost, hopefully they did away with that as well. Can't wait to see one in person.
-CT
@crunchtime --I believe the 6.2 would sell but I do agree that a turbo V6 would sell even better. At least offer the 6.2, there are some that would gladly pay the extra for premium fuel. The price of trucks is so expensive that many for a little more would gladly pay the difference for the 6.2. There are many V-8 Hemi powered Rams sold and few who buy them complain about the additional cost.
You don't have to use Premium gas in the 6.2L, there is a difference in what is Required and Recommended, 6.2L takes regular fuel, no pinging, tons of power
Jeff- got it. I just feel the 6.2 would continue to be offered in higher trims if they offer v6 turbos-thats what people want, and one of the reasons Ford sells so many, most of the trucks I have ever seen on the road are ecoboost. GM owners like to cry about the ecoboost, but yet when GM offers those engines, they will buy buy buy. Its a viscous cycle us GM owners go through, we want what others have and complain about it until we get it. I was about to cross GM off my list next year, but if they offer what I want like Ford already does, I will look at them for sure again.
-CT
Let’s not forget GM has two new small blocks in the works for mid engine corvette. Surely they didn’t spend all the money for these two engines to only be offered in corvette. That is not like GM. With that said I think it is very possible at some point the new gen Silverado will get the 4.2L v8 or the 5.5l. I believe both of these engines are turbo. The 4.2L could potentially be a problem for Ford as it is still a V8 and could be competitive with 3.5L ecoboost in economy. I would actually be surprised if the first year launches with anything aside from same or upgraded versions of their current Powertrain options though. I mean really though a 5.3L or 6.2L with 10 speed in all trims with the new truck would be legit. GM May surprise us all as this truck is very out of the normal for GM and I really like the looks of this new Silverado.
Here are Five things we expect from GM on the new Silverado.
1. Redesign.
2. Redesign.
3. Redesign.
4. Redesign.
5. Redesign.
There is nothing wrong with the 5.3L or 6.2l...they don't require Premium fuel!!! Know your facts!! They just need to fire the person who was programming the ECU!!! The lag is ridiculous. A tune fixes it! They perform just as well as turbo 6's and they last A LOT LONGER!!! A turbo 6 will not hold up to TRUCK DUTIES!!
5.3 and 6.2 V8 don't hold up to truck duties. See TFL.
They got alotta catching up to do. Lest see how far they come.
Ford has a history of crashing GMs parties. I don’t think it’s any accident that GM revealed the new 1500 early. They needed these few weeks of uninterrupted press coverage.
@ Ken
Show me proof! Last I checked the 5.3L pulled the IKE gauntlet better than the 5.0L!!
Tntgmc-. You need to check your facts. Do the research. The 5.3 is plagued but problems. My friends was dumping oil out the exhaust at 20000 miles. Factory replacement under warranty. Google it. The gm motors are having way more problems than Ford. And a turbo v6 WILL hold up to truck use. Have one on the farm with 120,000 miles untouched except oil change and plugs. When it comes to pulling the 5.3 just doesn't cut it. Period
Ford has a history of crashing GMs parties. Posted by: Danny | Dec 20, 2017
@Danny
I hate to break the news, but every year GM sells more pickup trucks than Ford
The Ford execs are hoping that the Ranger will help with the sales figures in 2019, but they will be disappointed. The Ranger will take sales from the F150.
Ford has a history of crashing GMs parties. I don’t think it’s any accident that GM revealed the new 1500 early. They needed these few weeks of uninterrupted press coverage.
Posted by: Danny | Dec 20, 2017 11:32:00 AM
Actually, this is a fail strategy as people already will know how the silverado will look so why bother visiting the booth.
All eyes on Ford.
I hate to break the news, but every year GM sells more pickup trucks than Ford
The Ford execs are hoping that the Ranger will help with the sales figures in 2019, but they will be disappointed. The Ranger will take sales from the F150.
Posted by: papajim | Dec 20, 2017 11:47:26 AM
I hate to break the news, but every year F-Series sells more pickup trucks than Silverado, Sierra combine.
Keep your crap apples to apples.
Wow , its always amazing to see the amount of misinformation some folks post.....
As mentioned , 6.2 and 5.3 dont REQUIRE premium fuel. They perform BETTER with it but its NOT required nor do they drive poorly with it, most dont even notice the difference. We have several . I own a 14 High Country with 6.2. We also have Ecoboosts and 5.0 Fords as well as Hemi Rams in my company.
High strength steel has been used by GM for quite some time now ....its NOT totally new. MORE use of it in frames etc is rumored.
Off center wheel only noticed by some and only for about two seconds . If you drive one this is a total NONE issue in looks or feel and it DOES slightly help ingress egress for some folks.
Column shifter = BETTER. WAY more room in console for stuff than Fords that have a shifter there. We shall see if GM kept this . HD Fords have column shifter....hmmm.
I personally think this is a good looking truck....its funny how you can NEVER make everyone happy . Square wheel arches and they complain , round ones and they complain. The front end is VERY aggressive , MUCH more than the Ford or upcoming new Ram. I wonder what the Sierra will look like.
Engines.....I WISH they would bump up the 6.2 to a 6.4 but doubt this will occur. Most likely refine it and bump hp and torque (probably 440hp / 470lbft). 5.3 should go up to a 5.5+ but probably wont but will also get bumped (~385/395). Both of these engines currently get good mileage ....they consistantly bettered the older Ecoboosts when hauling and towing. New tweeks and addition of 10 speed will help this . Rumors have new diesel coming ....hopefully a large V6 or small v8 with over 300 hp and 500 lbft . Possible gas turbo v6 as well but we shall see.....Hopefully ALL engines will get 8 or 10 speeds.
GM pickups were already best driving trucks, best V8 power trains, best base V6 , VERY solid when running loaded or not compared to competition. Fords are slightly better riding but worse carrying loads and towing with heavy squat and slightly odd rear feel to some. Rams are great but cant tow or haul anything near the same because of their heavy weight and low GVWR.
Next month should have full on specs ....we shall see.
Wow, when you read this article you realize it's saying the current generation Silverado is pure crap. No argument here! That's sure my experience with them. And "the Silverado needs to drive better when empty and when fully loaded" basically says the same thing as "the Silverado needs to drive better, period." Yep, that's true, too. What they left out is that it needs to show that it doesn't become a frequent breakdown machine as so many of them have in the past.
I knew my post would get you fired up. See you at the party, Jim.
every year GM sells more pickup trucks than Ford
@Danny
Read it and weep
@ Dan
U Are very mislead! A 5.3L is as durable an engine as they come. In 07 they had oil consumption problems bc of the cylinder deactivation.
I know my facts
Every year Ford outsells you in full-size and Toy outsells you in midsize.
Read it Jim.
Tntgmc-. It is not misleading. Do the research it's in plain English. I can also tell you this. I was at the Chevy dealer awhile back talking to a mechanic. We we're talking about half ton trucks. He said come out back for a minute. He showed me 6 f-150 Ecoboosts lined up. He looked at me and said one is mine the others are other mechanics that work here. He said the 5.3 has to many problems and Ford builds the best truck right now. That's from chevy mechanics. That says alot!
@ Dan
Thats funny bc I have a friend who is the head mechanic at a Ford dealership here in Midwest and he WONT BUY the ecoboost. He ordered his new 18 FX4 with a 5.0L!!!! I also posted on this issue a few articles back
Interesting!! Isn't it!!! I think you should look at forums and see how many issues the eco-bust has
I'm not saying 5.3L is all holy god but its a whole lot more reliable and Its a proven engine since 99!!!
Junk junk nothing new here so beat it. We all know that GARBAGE MOTORS COMPANY is trying so hard to copy FORD and they did with the cross of FORD TRUCK and a TOYOTA TUNDRA BUT IT CAME OUT WITH THE DOWN SYNDROME. Lol
Tntgmc-. It is not misleading. Do the research it's in plain English. I can also tell you this. I was at the Chevy dealer awhile back talking to a mechanic. We we're talking about half ton trucks. He said come out back for a minute. He showed me 6 f-150 Ecoboosts lined up. He looked at me and said one is mine the others are other mechanics that work here. He said the 5.3 has to many problems and Ford builds the best truck right now. That's from chevy mechanics. That says alot!
Posted by: Dan | Dec 20, 2017 12:27:48 PM
Not true,or at least from every dealer I have visited. The F150 Ecoboost seems to have the most problems with engines. The GM V8 engines have always been the most reliable engine. I have had pretty good service from my 3.5 F150 , but now that we have a travel trailer I don't want to pay the fuel bills,it is terrible on fuel when towing and revs too high in the mountains. There are way too many 5.3l. GM V8 engines with over 200k miles and still running well to argue they are not reliable.
GM's got their work cut out for them as long as there's a superior Ford F-Series on this planet.
Good luck.
GM's got their work cut out for them as long as there's a superior Ford F-Series on this planet.
Good luck.
Posted by: redbloodedxy | Dec 20, 2017 1:31:30 PM
That not what it say here:
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/01/whats-the-best-light-duty-truck-for-towing-2016-texas-truck-showdown.html
@ 3.5 Ford. Yamaha R 1
Thanks! Atleast someone else has some common sense here!!
The guy pulled an article from last year to prove his point, the world has come to an end, California is already burning and GM Fans claim Silverado outsells F-Series.
Good lord people. Every engine designed today has issues there are lots of eco boosts out there with zero problems. Mine included. I hear way more issues with the 5.3 than the eco. And as far as high Roma in the mountains. U must have a problem because mine pulls like a dream and will smoke any 5.3. That's the difference between naturally aspirated and turbo motors in high altitude
@GMSRGREAT..., You embarrassed yourself again..., At least the F150 scored better than the Silverado 1500...,
Every year Ford outsells you in full-size and Toy outsells you in midsize.
Read it Jim.
Posted by: Danny | Dec 20, 2017 12:18:34 PM
Are you sure about that? More false claims by Ford and their fan girls.
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/01/best-selling-pickup-trucks-december-2015.html
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