The 2019 Silverado RST comes standard with an all-new, advanced 2.7L Turbo engine Active Fuel Management and stop/start technology, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.The 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 is set to offer more engine and transmission combinations including an all-new four-cylinder turbo 2.7-liter engine.
The 310-hp 2.7-liter I4 replaces the 4.3-liter V6 as the standard engine on the high-volume Silverado LT and new Silverado RST and is expected to offer a 22-percent increase in torque at 348 lb-ft, better fuel efficiency and a stronger power-to-weight ratio than current models.
Chevy calls the new I4 a “clean-sheet design” developed specifically for truck applications and delivering peak torque from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. Chevy expects the 2.7L engine to be very competitive with V6 engines on rival trucks. The automaker says the turbo I4 is expected to deliver “comparable” payload capacity with greater torque than the 3L V6 on the Ford F-150 XLT and the 3.6L in the Ram 1500 Big Horn.
All-new 2.7L Turbo with Active Fuel Management and stop/start technology paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission (SAE-certified at 310 hp/348 lb-ft)For the fuel economy conscious, the I4 should be an attractive option as its the first Chevy engine to incorporate what the automaker calls Active Fuel Management. AFM shuts down two of the engine’s cylinders in light load conditions to conserve fuel.
The new engine is part of the half-ton Silverado’s six engine and transmission combinations, which, as announced earlier this year, will also include a 3L Duramax turbo diesel.
“A major focus of the next-generation Silverado is expanding the range of choices,” said Tim Asoklis, chief engineer for the Silverado 1500. “With all-new engines and a broader model range, there’s a Silverado for everyone, whether you’re buying your first pickup or your tenth.”
Each engine/transmission combination is matched with exterior design and interior features based on three broad customer profiles: High Value, High Volume and High Feature.
High Value
For customers seeking full-size truck capability and the highest level of affordability, the Work Truck (WT), Custom and Custom Trail Boss trims offer two proven engine and transmission combinations:
- Standard: 4.3-liter V6 with Active Fuel Management and a six-speed automatic transmission (SAE-certified at 285 hp/305 lb-ft).
- Available: 5.3-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management and a six-speed automatic transmission (SAE-certified at 355 hp/383 lb-ft).
High Volume
For customers shopping in the heart of the truck market, the LT, RST and LT Trail Boss trims balance technology, efficiency and performance:
- Standard for LT and RST: All-new 2.7-liter turbo with Active Fuel Management and stop/start technology paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission (SAE-certified at 310 hp/348 lb-ft).
- Standard on LT Trail Boss and available on LT and RST: An updated 5.3-liter V8 with Dynamic Fuel Management and stop/start technology with an eight-speed automatic transmission (SAE certified at 355 hp/383 lb-ft).
- Available on LT and RST: The all-new Duramax 3.0-liter Turbo-Diesel with stop/start technology paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission will be available in early 2019.
High Feature
For customers shopping for a premium truck, the LTZ and High Country trims offer the highest levels of performance and technology, including:
- Standard: Updated 5.3-liter V8 with Dynamic Fuel Management and stop/start technology paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission (SAE certified at 355 hp/383 lb-ft).
- Available: Updated 6.2-liter V8 with Dynamic Fuel Management and stop/start technology paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission (SAE certified at 420 hp/460 lb-ft).
- Available: The all-new Duramax 3.0-liter inline-six Turbo-Diesel with stop/start technology paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission will be available in early 2019.
The 2019 Silverado LTZ comes standard with an updated 5.3L V-8 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Available updated 6.2L V-8 engine is paired with a 10-speed transmission. Both engines are equipped with industry-first Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) with 17 different modes of cylinder deactivation. An all-new Duramax 3.0L Turbo Diesel with start/stop technology paired with a 10-speed transmission will be available as an option in early 2019.The performance of each engine/transmission combination benefits from a truck that is lighter and more aerodynamic than the previous model.
“With less weight and less wind resistance, we improved the driving dynamics without sacrificing fuel efficiency,” said Asoklis. “The next-gen Silverado is a bigger truck, but the chassis feels more responsive and acceleration is more pronounced. I would argue it’s the best-driving truck we have ever built.”
The 2019 Silverado is larger than before, including a wheelbase that is up to 3.9 inches (100mm) longer, yet overall length is only 1.6 inches (41mm) longer, enabling both more cargo volume and more interior room for all cab lengths. Remarkably, it’s also lighter, weighing up to 450 pounds (204 kg) less than the current Silverado when comparing crew cab V-8 models, due to extensive use of mixed materials and advanced manufacturing.
To improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the next-gen Silverado, the front grille features functional air curtains, similar to those introduced on the sixth-generation Camaro, that reduce wind drag by routing air around the front wheel wells. The powerful side profile also enhances aerodynamics, with an integrated spoiler at the rear edge of the cab that directs air onto the contoured tailgate, reducing wind drag from the bed. Most models also feature active aero shutters integrated in the front grille that close to reduce wind drag and open to provide improved engine cooling when needed. Changes like these result in a 7 percent increase in total aerodynamic efficiency.
Silverado production commences with crew-cab V8 models starting in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, production will expand to include regular- and double-cab models, as well as V6 and 2.7-liter turbo engines. The new Duramax 3.0-liter inline-six turbo diesel will be available in early 2019.
EPA fuel economy estimates and towing/payload capacities are not yet available, and will be announced closer to launch.
