2020 Chevrolet SILVERADO 2500HD

The year 2020 marks the debut of a new generation of ultra-robust heavy-duty trucks at Chevrolet. The styling is new and fundamentally different from that of the 1500 version, making it easy to differentiate between the two. In truth, it borders on the grotesque here, with the grille becoming a veritable caricature. And to understand just how different the model is, Chevrolet explains that only the roof is identical to that of the 1500 version. Finally, in terms of towing capacity, where it really counts, new limits are reached.

Specifically, the 6.6-litre Duramax V8 diesel engine allows the Silverado 2500 to deliver 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. Chevrolet's offering falls short of the diesel-powered Ram HD's capabilities, which offers 1,000 lb-ft of torque.

Aside from the Ram, the Silverado HD's other competitors are the Ford F-250 Super Duty, as well as the Nissan Titan XD, a product that sits midway between regular trucks and HD-type trucks.

The diesel engine benefits this year from a new 10-speed automatic transmission. According to Chevrolet, this has increased maximum towing capacity by 52%. A new 6.6-litre V8 engine delivers 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, promising 18% more capacity. It's paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The gains in capabilities are also attributable to the presence of more robust differentials with this new generation.

An interesting detail about the 10-speed transmission. Chevrolet claims it's the first in the segment to offer an integrated generator that can power equipment without requiring an external power source (e.g., a gas generator). The system, which goes by the name PTO (Power Take Off), can be activated via a button inside the cab and can operate at any time when the engine is running.

Among the other notable features with this new HD version of the Silverado, note the presence of an active transfer case that allows 4X4 to be engaged automatically according to road conditions. You can also take advantage of a 360-degree camera system offering 15 different views. One feature even makes the trailer transparent to our eyes, so you can see what's behind it while driving.

The Silverado HD also offers three new brake technologies, all designed to facilitate towing operations. First, there's an assist that automatically applies the parking brake when hitching a trailer. Second, a function applies the brakes to all four wheels for extended periods when on a slope. Finally, the trailer brake control system has been revised and now includes a memory function that retains the last settings. An improvement to the transmission's towing mode acts similarly by resuming the last settings after the truck is stopped, for a period of four hours.

The Silverado HD can also be equipped with a hill start assist system, hill descent assist, trailer stability control, rollover prevention, automatic grade braking, as well as power steering that adjusts the level of assistance according to driving conditions while offering a function that compensates for lateral forces that can affect the vehicle.