Chevrolet Silverado bolsters its position as the segment's most capable and diverse lineup with enhancements for 2012 that improve appearance, comfort and connectivity.
New front-end designs, available heated/cooled seats (LTZ models) and a special White Diamond Edition enhance appearance and comfort, and a new navigation radio delivers on connectivity. It offers an updated screen and integrated hard drive that eliminates the need for discs with map data. Chevrolet Silverado also offers segment-exclusive OnStar and SiriusXM satellite radio, as well as Bluetooth and USB connectivity - and a dealer-installed Wi-Fi system.
With the exception of Hybrid models, all Chevrolet Silverado 1500s now feature Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist as part of the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, enhancing performance under a variety of driving and trailering conditions.
"Silverado's dependable V-8 performance, highly competitive fuel economy, and broad range of models continue to have a strong appeal to truck customers, and Silverado sales were up 7 percent through July of this year," said Maria Rohrer, Chevrolet Truck marketing director. "The changes for 2012 enhance the rugged and capable Silverado with a fresh, updated design and available navigation radio and Wi-Fi systems that can make driving more convenient and enjoyable."
The new and revised design for 2012 includes a chrome mesh grille matched with either a chrome surround on LS and LT models or a body-color surround on LTZ. LS and LT models now feature a silver-painted lower bumper fascia that is more aerodynamic on 2WD models without tow hooks, and a new 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheel.
2012 Chevrolet Silverado
Four new exterior colors: Silver Ice Metallic, Mocha Steel Metallic, Carbon Flash Metallic, and Graystone have been added. Two new interior color combinations are available: Dark Titanium/Light Titanium and Dark Cashmere/Light Cashmere.
Cruise control and a spare tire lock are now standard on all Chevy Silverado 1500 models.
The White Diamond Edition is available in LT or LTZ trim. Content includes a unique White Diamond Tricoat exterior color, chrome mirror caps and door handles, and body side moldings with chrome accents on LT models. The LTZ version adds the Z60 high-performance suspension package, 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, touring tires and a chrome tow hook and exhaust tip package.
Customers seeking a more rugged-looking Silverado can choose the Z71 Off-Road Appearance Package. It is available on LT and LTZ extended cab and crew cab models equipped with the Z71 suspension and includes Rancho front and rear shocks, body colored front end appearance, 18-inch aluminum wheels with on/off-road tires, fog lamps, bold Z71 graphics and more.
Purposeful technology
Chevrolet Silverado offers a number of technical features that enhance its capability for both work and recreation, including new navigation radio. It offers an enhanced display and now has a hard drive that eliminates the need for discs with map data. Silverado also is equipped with segment-exclusive OnStar Directions & Connections with Turn-by-Turn Navigation and Automatic Crash Response, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth for phone and USB connectivity.
Chevrolet WiFi powered by Autonet, available through Chevy dealers, turns the Chevrolet Silverado into a mobile internet hot spot and an office on wheels, providing multiple users with full internet access inside the vehicle or up to 150 feet from the exterior of the vehicle.
For work sites, Chevy WiFi offers instant access to online ordering sites, municipal sites with building permits and building code information and more. For families on the go, passengers can connect with friends on social media sites, stream videos, find maps, check weather or search for fishing and camping sites.
Silverado also offers comprehensive confidence and control features. Trailer sway control, which uses the truck and trailer brakes and the powertrain controls to keep the vehicle and trailer on the intended path, is now part of StabiliTrak, as is Hill Start Assist, which avoids roll-back before accelerating on inclines.
Silverado's 6-speed transmission is enhanced so that in normal mode the transmission downshifts during deceleration to use engine compression to assist in braking to slow the vehicle more efficiently, reducing brake wear. This Cruise Grade Braking feature now works in and out of Tow/Haul mode and applies to 1500 models with the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8 engines
Custom Sport Truck Package
Looking to provide full-size pickup owners with more amenities is nothing new for Chevrolet. In 1967, Chevrolet introduced the Custom Sport Truck package. That package included a chrome front bumper, bright trim and badging on the exterior and full carpeting, 40/20/40 bucket seats (a Chevy truck first) with underseat storage, and chrome interior details. It was a hit and sales increased each of its three years.
To celebrate the 45th Anniversary, Chevrolet is reintroducing the Custom Sport Truck package with updated content for today's buyers. The package includes:
Vortec 5.3L V8 engine
6-Speed automatic transmission
Heavy-duty trailering package
Automatic locking rear differential
Heated power-adjustable, manual-folding outside mirrors with chrome caps
20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels
Bodyside moldings with chrome accents
Chrome door handles
EZ-Lift locking tailgate
Power driver seat
Steering wheel controls
Bluetooth phone connectivity
Audio system with USB port
Dual zone automatic climate control
Fog lamps
The Custom Sport Truck package is available nationwide on Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab models and in California, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida and select counties in Arizona, New Mexico, Arkansas, Kansas, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi on Silverado 1500 Crew Cab models.
Capability and efficiency
The Silverado 1500 lineup is built on GM's full-size truck architecture, which supports a smooth ride and confident handling. A lineup of powerful small-block V-8 engines and six-speed automatic transmissions complement the strong chassis by enabling a maximum payload capacity of 1,937 pounds (879 kg) on the 2WD crew cab (with the Max Trailering Package).
When equipped with the available Max Trailering Package and the 6.2L V8, the Silverado 1500 can tow up to 10,700 pounds (4,853 kg).
Thanks to ongoing development and fuel-saving technologies such as Active Fuel Management and variable valve timing, Chevrolet Silverado's mainstream 5.3-liter V8 is highly competitive in fuel economy.
For 4WD pickups, which make up approximately 70 percent of retail sales, Silverado V8 matches the EPA combined estimate for a competitor's boosted V6, and provides better warranty coverage -- a 100,000 mile/5-year powertrain limited warranty.
For those seeking even better economy, Silverado offers two V8 alternatives. The Chevrolet Silverado XFE incorporates improved aerodynamics, a 5.3L/six-speed automatic powertrain, and other enhancements to deliver an EPA-estimated 22 mpg on the highway. The segment-exclusive Silverado Hybrid returns for 2012, too, combining EPA estimates of 20 mpg city/23 mpg highway with Chevrolet Silverado's traditional capabilities - including a 6,100-pound (2,767 kg) towing capacity.
Value
In addition to competitive fuel economy and the best coverage of any full-size pickup, Chevrolet Silverado offers a variety of popular packages and model discounts. The All-Star Edition continues to be available on 1500 Extended and Crew Cabs. New for 2012 is a $1,000 LTZ Value Discount on 1500 Crew Cabs making the highest trim level even more attractive to shoppers.