Chevrolet unwraps MY24 Silverado HD

ELECTRIC power doesn’t even get a look-in with Chevrolet’s towing king, the new Silverado HD heavy duty pick-up truck which retains ICE powertrains across the 2024 range announced this week for availability in North America next year.

Chevrolet says the new model: “Brings everything heavy-duty truck customers want and need with no compromises in capability and comfort.”

It flies in the face of a rapidly growing trend towards either hybrid and/or pure electric power for big and ultra-big utes in the US – including Chevrolet’s own Silverado EV.

The new ultra-big 2024 Silverado HD arrives with powertrain upgrades, a more commanding presence paired with a revised interior, enhancements to its resolved trailering (towing) technology along with infotainment and active safety technology upgrades.

“We’ve designed the Silverado HD to be our customers’ favoured choice for true truck capability,” said Chevrolet vice president Scott Bell.

“The enhancements to the 2024 model build on its core strengths to provide an even stronger balance of the design, strength and confidence that makes tackling the hard jobs, including trailering (towing), easier and more convenient than ever.”

The line-up includes 2500HD (pictured) and 3500HD models in Regular Cab, Double Cab and Crew Cab configurations.

Dual-rear-wheel models are available on 3500HD and they support the line up’s highest trailering capacity: 36,000 pounds (16,000kg).

The new ‘truck’ is available in Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ, and High Country trims. A special ZR2 variant will join the HD trim line up later in the model year for the first time.

And for the first time, GM has adopted the proven Allison 10-speed automatic transmission as now standard equipment for both the Silverado HD’s powertrains: the standard 6.6-litre V8 petrol engine and the optional Duramax turbo-diesel.

The new transmission replaces the petrol engine’s previous six-speed automatic, offering smaller ‘steps’ between the gears, which enables the engine to hold closer to its peak power for longer periods.

The improvements translate to a more confident feeling of on-demand power, regardless of whether the truck is towing a trailer. When it comes time to tow, the 10-speed configuration helps channel every single Newton-metre of torque to the tyres in every gear.

In turn, the 2024 Silverado HD’s Gross Combined Weight Rating with the V8 engine increases to 26,000 pounds (11,700kg), up from 24,000 pounds (10,886kg) previously.

Additionally, the Allison transmission’s 10-speed design optimises grade braking with the petrol engine, with the closer gear ratios enabling greater engine-braking control. That, in addition to precise tuning for smooth shifts and quicker downshifts, complements the enhanced feeling of on-demand power, greater control, precision and refinement, Chevrolet says.

The manufacturer added that its engineers have continued to further push the highly regarded Duramax 6.6-litre turbo-diesel V8 engine, and with the 2024 Silverado HD, “they’ve gone for the doctor”. Overall, the horsepower and torque numbers increase to 470hp (350kW) and 975lb-ft (1315Nm) of torque.

Additional changes and upgrades were designed to produce a more efficient combustion, which enhances overall performance. Further, engineers enhanced low-end torque production by up to 25 per cent for improved performance at low speeds or climbing grades, and particularly when trailering (towing).

The new Chevrolet Silverado HD has a commanding presence accentuated by a freshened front-end look that features a new fascia, new headlights, new grille and more. The truck’s chiselled appearance combines with “timeless design” that Chevrolet says “looks prepared for anything”.

Stylists used C-shaped LED graphic lamps to frame the new fascia inspired by the signature design of the Silverado 1500, while bold, new headlights on LTZ, ZR2 and High Country models feature dual-projector technology.

The main- and high-beam lamps of these new clusters are now split into dual functions, and as owners approach or depart their Silverado HD, an animated lighting sequence welcomes or bids them farewell from the truck.

Additional exterior updates include standard tow hooks, and “CHEVROLET” lettering featured on the bonnet scoop. Six new exterior colours have been added: Sterling Gray, Dark Ash, Radiant Red, Auburn Metallic, Lakeshore Blue Metallic (late availability) and Meteorite Metallic (late availability).

On top of numerous updates, Silverado HD’s design continues to boast the breakthrough features and technologies that contribute to its “true” truck capability. They include the Durabed cargo box that optimises every square millimetre for maximum cargo capability in the long load box as well as the CornerStep rear bumper, BedSteps, available six-position Multi-Flex tailgate, optional 120V power outlet and optional power tailgate among a host of other features.

The line-up also retains the popular Z71 Sport Edition, Z71 Chrome Sport Edition and Midnight Special Edition appearance packages, as well as the Alaskan Snow Plow Special Edition.

New wheel and tyre options for the Silverado HD include: 20-inch bright chrome wheels available on LTZ, 18-inch polished aluminium “dually” wheel and all-terrain tyres optional on 3500HD LTZ and standard on 3500HD High Country, 20-inch off-road tyres available on Z71 Sport Edition, Midnight Special Edition, Alaskan Snow Plow Special Edition and Z71 Off-Road package.

Chevrolet didn’t stop with the exterior of the new Silverado HD; they had a good crack inside as well with all models receiving a new interior designed for greater work-ready functionality and next-level technology integration.

LT, LTZ and High Country grades introduce a dramatically redesigned passenger space centred around an all-new instrument panel that houses a large infotainment screen: a 13.4-inch-diagonal infotainment display. A 12.3-inch-diagonal configurable driver information centre complements the new infotainment display. The infotainment screen and other controls are also canted toward the driver, giving the driver more of a “command centre” perspective.

This smarter command centre also includes a redesigned wireless phone charger area to reduce distractions and a flow-under console. The latter design provides the spaciousness of a bench seat while retaining the functionality of a centre console. A head-up display is optionally available.

“It’s a more open-feeling and contemporary interior that passengers will find inviting,” said Global Chevrolet Design executive director Phil Zak.

“It’s an environment that intentionally puts more at the driver’s fingertips, for a greater feeling of confidence and connection with the vehicle.”

Additional interior updates have been introduced across the Silverado HD range for the ’24 model year.

Those towing refinements mentioned earlier are designed to improve the experience with optimal visibility, easier hitching and greater driving comfort when towing a trailer and include: Adaptive Cruise Control with Trailer technology that allows the Silverado HD to account for additional drag and increased braking distances when towing a trailer.

The truck also gains what’s called Enhanced Transparent Trailer that expands the current Transparent Trailer technology by allowing it to work with fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers while Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert extends the blind zone area of interest to help enhance safety and situational awareness when trailering.

Further, GCW Alert warns the driver if the vehicle and trailer weight exceed the vehicle’s Gross Combined Weight Rating.

Chevrolet says the new Silverado HD will make its public debut at the State Fair of Texas that started on September 29, and the truck will be on display throughout the public days. Production begins in the first half of 2023 at General Motors’ Flint Assembly in Michigan, and at Oshawa Assembly in Canada.