2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

NEW FOR 2011:

- Wind noise reduction enhancements

- OnStar is now Gen 9

- Exterior colours: Steel Green Metallic added; Carbon Flash Metallic discontinued; Victory Red and Magna Steel Metallic offered as special-model promotional colours

For 2011, the Chevrolet Silverado is basically unchanged, save for enhancements that reduce wind noise, and an updated OnStar system.

An all-new heavy-duty (2500 and 3500) model is offered for 2011 and is covered under a separate section.

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 Hybrid uses a 6.0-litre V8 with Active Fuel Management and Auto Stop mode, regenerative braking, and a two-mode continuous electric ratio four-speed 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, 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.

The Hybrid is equipped similarly to the LT but adds 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, locking rear differential, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, XM satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity.