It is no secret that the Ford F-150 is the model to beat in the half-ton pickup truck market segment. The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado comes a distant second but is not about to settle for the second position. Chevrolet keeps on improving the Silverado with the intention of overtaking the F-150 in future. For over 4 decades, the F-150 has sold more units than the Silverado. Chevrolet caught us by surprise when they decided to unveil the 2019 Silverado during the recent Chevy Trucks Centennial Celebration held in Dallas, TX. Chevy went a step further to put a dose of creativity into its unveiling; the automaker used a helicopter to carry the pickup truck through the sky before lowering it and placing it on the infield of the race track. Before the unveiling, we had been waiting for an official showcase of the Silverado at the Detroit Motor Show in January. Chevrolet needed to freshen up the Silverado not only to give the Ford F-150 a run for its money but also to protect its market share from Fiat Chrysler’s new-gen Ram 1500 pickup truck which will also be unveiled at Detroit.
2019 Chevrolet Silverado Styling
The unveiling was however like a teaser because Chevrolet is still keeping most details about the Silverado a secret until the truck makes its appearance at Detroit. We were not able to get close enough to the Silverado as the automaker withdrew the model from the stage after only a few minutes; however, we have managed to gather some information about the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado.
The new 2019 Silverado looks more stylish than the current model. Every panel of the new Silverado looks different from the outgoing model which may be a hint to a new platform believed to be the T1XX architecture. If this is the case, it means the Silverado is made of a mix of materials including some aluminum body panels in some certain locations. However, Chevy is wise enough not to use a significant amount of aluminum to compromise its “aluminum sucks” campaign against the Ford F-150. The automaker, however, boasts that the Silverado will feature high-strength steel for its bed floor. Chevy went further to reveal that the model will use a higher-grade alloy compared to the current model. Use of mixed materials is meant to help the model “slim” compared to the current Silverado which translates to better performance, improved fuel economy and more capability.
Chevrolet has opted for a sculpted body for the new Silverado rather than the slab-sided body style of the outgoing truck.
The grille is still horizontal but has been upgraded and is now flanked by projector headlights with curved LED strips. The truck even features a strong character line that starts at the edge of the headlights, dips down and then fades through the model’s front doors. There is also a shoulder line that starts above the front door handle and stretches rearwards up to the taillight. The outgoing model’s boxy fender flares are no more; the rocker trim is also no more. In their place are smoother elements. The model also features rounded wheel openings which will greatly benefit aftermarket parts dealers.
The rear features notched taillights that mimic the headlights design. The automaker’s unique stepped bumper has made a comeback in the new Silverado but the new unit features cutouts for the model’s exhaust tips. The tailgate flaunts the “CHEVROLET” lettering that occupies the space between taillights.
The greenhouse seems to derive inspiration from the Colorado pickup. In addition, the Silverado adds larger windows at the rear for better visibility. There is also a rear window spoiler that stretches from the roof which in addition to enhancing aerodynamics helps prevent snow or dust accumulating on the backlight.
We did not get close enough to the model to view its interior.
Engine and performance
As of this writing, the automaker has not released any information about the powertrains that will be used on the Silverado trucks. I, however, believe that most of the engines that power the current model will carry over. Currently, there are four mills which are a 4.6 L V-6, a 5.3 L V-8, a 6.2 V-8 as well as a hybrid drive-train comprising of the 5.3 L, mill, and a mild-hybrid system.
Price and release date
Chevy will likely announce prices and official release date of the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck at the Detroit Auto Show. Due to the array of new features, I expect the price of the Silverado to increase significantly. Chevrolet said the truck will be available in 8 trim levels. The model that was showcased at the Texas Motor Speedway was of the LT Trailboss trim. More information will be available when it makes its official public debut.
Competition
The model to beat in this segment is the Ford F-150; the Silverado also competes with the 2019 Ram 1500 which comes at a distant third in terms of sales.
