General Motors has introduced the new 2007 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickups, with new exterior designs and the choice of two unique interiors. Silverado and Sierra are offered in a range of 2500HD (three-quarter-ton) and 3500HD (one-ton) guise. Silverado is available in WT, LT and LTZ trim; Sierra is available in WT, SLE and SLT trim – all with differentiated appearance and interiors. Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD models will arrive in the first quarter of 2007. A faster, 57-degree windshield angle reduces wind noise and improves fuel efficiency. Silverado and Sierra heavy-duty trucks are offered in regular, extended and crew cab configurations, which are complemented with standard (6-foot 6-inch) and long (8-foot) cargo box lengths. Silverado and Sierra 3500HD models also are available with the Dually dual rear wheel configuration on a long (8-foot) box.

The standard engine is the new, 6.0L gas V-8. It is rated at a best-in-class 353 horsepower (233 kW) and 373 lb.-ft. of torque (506 Nm) on single rear wheel configurations. Variable valve timing helps improve performance and fuel economy. A new, Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission is paired with the engine. A cleaner, more powerful Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel engine is also available, with power ratings increased to 365 horsepower (272 kW) and 660 lb.-ft. of torque (895 Nm). Upgrades to the engine and a new diesel particulate filter system help provide a 90-percent reduction in particulate matter and a 50-percent reduction in NOx (compared with current standards), meeting a new federal government mandate. All diesel manufacturers are required to meet the new emissions standard, starting in calendar year 2007.

The renowned Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission is partnered with the Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel engine. It delivers good fuel economy, quietness and control. It features a class-first range selection function, which allows the driver to easily select the desired gears to match driving conditions, such as towing a trailer on a steep grade.

Additional highlights of Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra interiors include:

• A new, stadium-style rear seat with a 60/40-split design and folding center arm rest can be easily folded up to provide an uninterrupted load floor. Or, either section of the split seat can be stowed independently, allowing room for both cargo and a rear-seat passenger.
• A “double” glove box, which includes a large-capacity, traditional glove box and a new, covered storage compartment above it, with a 3.4-liter storage capacity.
• Models equipped with the luxury-inspired premium interior come with a single large glove box that offers approximately 25 percent more storage capacity.
• The premium interiors include large center consoles with the segment’s largest storage capacity: 20.1 liters of undivided volume.
• The pure pickup interiors feature a 6.1-liter armrest storage console and a new underseat storage bin built into a new 40/20/40-split bench seat. This 9.1-liter lockable storage bin, which includes an accessory power outlet, is located under the center seat cushion and is large enough to store a laptop computer.
• The gauges have an analog display, with large, easy-to-read graphics. They are lit with ice-blue LED lighting, which provides crisp, bright illumination and a more upscale look. A driver information center is incorporated on the instrument panel.
• A manual-control climate control system is standard on all models, with a dual-zone automatic system available. The dual-zone system allows for up to a 30-degree F difference in temperature settings between the driver and front passengers.
• Power-operated rear side glass is featured on extended cab models. The windows lower completely into the rear access doors.
• Power-operated back glass is available on extended and crew cab models. The window operates with the touch of a button located on the overhead console.
• A large, power-operated sunroof is available on extended and crew cab models. The crew cab sunroof has a tilt/slide design, with a sliding sun shade and express open/close feature. The extended cab sunroof uses a spoiler-type sunroof design that slides back over the roof surface.
• Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist provides audible warnings of objects behind the vehicle.
• A heated windshield washer fluid system more effectively removes bug spatter and thin layers of ice and frost. When the system is activated, washer fluid is heated to 150 degrees F (60 C) or more.
• A diverse range of radio systems, including single-CD, six-disc, MP3- and DVD-capable systems, is available. Several radios feature RDS technology, which provides enhanced information for participating FM stations.
• XM Satellite Radio is available.
• A rear-seat entertainment system isavailable on crew cab models; it combines a dual-play radio system, rear-seat audio controls and a larger, eight-inch flip-down screen.
• Two touch-screen DVD-based navigation radio systems are offered; one is specific for systems equipped with the rear-seat entertainment system.
• A new generation OnStar feature that provides Turn-by-Turn Navigation commands is automatically downloaded into the driver information center.

Additional features:

• All 2500HD and 3500HD models ride on a wide, 68.6-inch (1,742 mm) front track. The rear track on 2500HD trucks is 66 inches (1,676 mm); the rear track on 3500HD models is 74.7 inches (1,897 mm), giving Silverado and Sierra heavy-duty models a firmly planted feel.
• Two suspension packages: Z85 and Z71. The Z85 suspension is standard on 2WD and 4WD models; the Z71 Off Road suspension is optional and includes additional chassis and suspension equipment, including skid plates.
• A new steering control box is used with the recirculating ball steering system, delivering improved returnability for a greater feeling of control and on-center feel.
• A high capacity, four-wheel disc brake system with Hydroboost and four-wheel ABS is standard on all models. The brake system includes large-diameter front and rear disc rotors and stiff brake calipers.

Additional safety features include:

• Dual-stage frontal air bags are standard on all models.
• Segment-first front safety belt pretensioners with both front and rear crash sensing.
• A standard, high capacity four-wheel disc brake system with four-channel ABS system provides superior stopping capability.
• A new Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist system is available and provides visual (LED lights) and audible warnings of objects behind the vehicle.
• Tire pressure monitoring system is standard on all models except Dually.
• Segment-exclusive factory-installed remote vehicle starting system is available on most models.
• Power-adjustable pedals complement increased front seat fore/aft travel to enable smaller-stature drivers to find an optimized driving position.

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