2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD Named MotorTrend Truck of the Year

[FenwickHockey65]

2011 Motor Trend Truck Of The Year: Chevrolet Silverado HD
What Lies Beneath: Subtle Styling Changes Hide Big Improvements
Link to Article
Link to Article at GMInsideNews

In the heavy-duty truck world, capability is most important. Folks like to brag about numbers -- horsepower, torque, and payload and towing capacity -- and talk about the monstrous things they can tow. Take, for example, the Chevrolet Silverado HD's 21,700-pound towing capacity. That means it can tow three other Silverado HDs, or 10 Lotus Evoras. Payload capacities in this category mean that each truck is rated to carry a half-ton pickup in its bed, if you crushed it small enough to fit. These are the trucks that haul horse trailers, massive boats, and huge construction equipment; the ones many people pooh-pooh as being too big and too environmentally unfriendly -- until they need to use one, of course. Styling isn't nearly as important in this category, so when the Great Recession hit and GM's development budget was cut, it prioritized function over form.

The new Silverado HD received a new hood, front bumper, and grille, plus optional 20-inch wheels, but that's about it on the styling side. The engineers focused more on three key attributes: powertrain, frame, and suspension. Improving that trio would provide more power with greatly reduced emissions, increased capability, and better ride and reduced noise levels in the cabin. The stronger, cleaner, and more comfortable Silverado HD was ready to take on its new-for-2011 foes.

[JoeP@TeamBeckyD]

Another Winner from Chevrolet!

[Berean]

When is the Silvarado/Sierra refresh coming?

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by Berean

When is the Silvarado/Sierra refresh coming?

Expect a Sierra concept at Detroit this year. New trucks should be in the works for 2013ish.

[shank0668]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Expect a Sierra concept at Detroit this year. New trucks should be in the works for 2013ish.

And a Z/28?

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by shank0668

And a Z/28?

I'll assume it will be here before 2013ish

[a_Username]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

I'll assume it will be here before 2013ish

If GM knows what's good for them it will be a 2012 model.

[TheCaptain]

I can't wait to see the new Silverado / Sierra designs!

[MS3DALE]

I love my '07 VMAX!

[Camaroman_99]

Congrats Chevy!

[chain777]

Congrats on the win. I hear they're going to be bringing back the Scottsdale name as a top trim package.

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by chain777

Congrats on the win. I hear they're going to be bringing back the Scottsdale name as a top trim package.

I would have thought that making the Sierra more distinct (and more clearly uplevel) product would be a bigger priority

[BigDan]

This is good for GM. Its always been and will be hard to beat the Duramax/ Allison, IFS combo in these test's. I do agree with the review on the Denali option. It should knock your socks off. Ive never been a fan of the Super duty, I've always been a Dodge Cummins guy ever since 01 for the same reason why they are so popular, but if I had to buy a new diesel and had to leave it stock it would be and always has been a new Duramax if the prices were all the same.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

I would have thought that making the Sierra more distinct (and more clearly uplevel) product would be a bigger priority

I'd wait for the next-gen Sierra/Silverado to see them more differentiated.