Chevrolet returned to the medium-duty conventional truck market with the 2019-model-year Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD and 5500HD to replace offerings that didn’t survive its bankruptcy reorganization, and the brand’s first Class 6 truck, the 6500HD. The new Silverado HDs will offer GVWs from Class-4 15,000 lb. to 22,900 lb. in Class 6.
The Silverado will be available in 2WD and 4WD and will be powered by a 6.6L Duramax diesel engine with 350 hp and 700 lb.-ft. of torque and Allison transmissions with a Power Take Off (PTO) option.
Chevy reps told the media gathered at this week’s Work Truck Show in Indianapolis that the trucks were developed with partner Navistar, and news last year indicated that the jointly developed trucks would be powered by GM Duramax diesels and Allison transmissions, but manufactured at Navistar's facility in Springfield, Ohio. The trucks’ clean, one-piece frame rails and seven wheelbase options ranging from 60 to 162 in. suggest that, despite the Silverado name, these are more than upsized pickup trucks. Huck bolts attach crossmembers to the frame (competitors use rivets on top of the rails), presenting upfitters with a cleaner frame rail.
[VIDEO] Chevrolet Reenters Medium-Duty Market
Key features of the new Silverado HD medium duties include:
- Five unique axle-to-back-of-frame (AF) lengths sized in 8-in. increments
- Lightweight, front-hinged clamshell hood that, combined with a 50-degree wheel cut, allows walk-up access to under-hood components
- Triple-sealed, inset doors to help reduce wind and road noise
- Available, factory-installed rear air suspension
- Optional 15,500-lb. rear axle for the 5500HD and 6500HD
- Both trim levels – WT and LT – include OnStar and the Chevrolet driver infotainment system
- Crew Cab and Regular Cab choices
Connectivity options Commercial Link, a built-in 4GLTE Wi-Fi hotspot (paid data plan required), wireless cellphone charging, Bluetooth and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
GM execs told AutoWeek that the company has no plans to sell a medium-duty GMC truck.
Production of the new Silverado begins in late 2018. Order guides will be available this spring and pricing will be announced this summer. More than 400 commercially focused Chevrolet dealers are expected to carry the new Silverado line.