2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

NEW FOR 2010:

- 4.8-, 5.3-, 6.2-, and 6.0-litre (Hybrid) engines add E85 flexible fuel capability

- 6.0-litre option discontinued on non-hybrid 1500 models

- Variable valve timing added to 4.8- and 5.3-litre engines

- Six-speed automatic transmission added to regular and extended cab models with 5.3-litre V8

- 5.3-litre V8 adds standard 3.08 axle ratio and fuel saver mode

- Standard side and curtain airbags on all 1500 models

- USB connectivity, enhanced battery saver mode and revised interior door trim

- Rearview camera available on more models

- OnStar 8.2 added to heavy-duty models

- Exterior colours: Taupe Gray Metallic and Sheer Silver Metallic added

For 2010, the Chevrolet Silverado lineup receives several enhancements, including the ability to use E85 ethanol fuel in almost all engines. The 5.3-litre V8 receives a standard 3.08 axle ratio and fuel saver mode for enhanced fuel economy, and on regular and extended cab models, is now mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. A 6.0-litre V8 that was optional on light-duty trucks has been discontinued, but remains on the heavy-duty models. Other changes include a new USB port to play and charge music players, an enhanced battery saver mode when running accessories, standard side and curtain airbags on all 1500 models, and more models available with an optional rearview camera.

Also sold as the GMC Sierra, and available as a hybrid model, the Silverado is offered in Regular, Extended and Crew Cab models, with short box (5-foot-8), standard box (6-foot-6) and long box (8-foot), and in two- or four-wheel drive.

Engine choices in the 1500 are a 4.3-litre V6 or 4.8-litre V8 with four-speed automatic, and 5.3-litre V8 and 6.2-litre V8, both with six-speed automatic. The heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 models use a 6.0-litre V8 or optional Duramax 6.6-litre diesel V8, both with six-speed automatics. The Hybrid uses a 6.0-litre V8 with Active Fuel Management and Auto Stop mode, regenerative braking, and a two-mode continuous electric ratio hybrid transmission, for a fuel economy improvement of up to 32 per cent when compared to a conventional Silverado. The system can launch the truck on battery power and run solely on electricity at speeds of up to 48 km/h, and keeps the engine in its fuel-saving Active Fuel Management mode for longer periods of time.

Features on the WT (Work Truck) include 17-inch steel wheels (16-inch on 2500 and 3500), air conditioning, manual black mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, overhead console, rubberized vinyl floor covering, standard instrument panel with upper and lower gloveboxes, tire pressure monitoring system, driver information centre, tilt steering wheel, 40/20/40 front bench seat with cloth or vinyl trim, centre fold-down armrest, AM/FM stereo, automatic headlamps, and OnStar.

The LT adds 17-inch chrome-style wheels, chrome grille surround, front chrome bumper with body-colour top cap, privacy glass, compass, exterior temperature display, power mirrors, keyless entry, cloth 40/20/40 split-bench seat with fold-down centre armrest, power windows, cruise control, carpet floor with vinyl mats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input.

The LTZ adds 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, heavy-duty trailering equipment, fog lights, locking differential, remote starter, premium instrument panel, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, upgraded driver information centre, power-folding mirrors with integrated turn signals, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth connectivity, electric rear window defogger, XM satellite radio, USB port, Bose premium sound system, and heated leather seats with driver's side memory.