2007 CHEVY SILVERADO CLASSIC PAVES WAY FOR ALL-NEW MODELS
Source: GM Media

Chevrolet Silverado Classic is GM’s best-selling vehicle and known for offering one of the broadest model ranges in the industry, with a diverse array of body styles and powertrains that combine to create the vehicles that meet every full-size pickup customer’s needs, whether professional or personal.

The lineup includes everything from the fuel-saving Silverado 1500 Hybrid Classic to the high-performance Silverado SS Classic, as well as 1500HD, 2500HD and 3500 models, to handle any heavy duty chores that customers throw at them. All 2007 Silverado Classic 1500, 1500HD and 2500HD models carry the distinctive front-end appearance that was introduced in ’06. It features a bold grille design and power dome hood.

The Silverado Classic is offered for the ’07 model year with the same capable, ready-for-anything lineup as 2006, as Chevrolet prepares to launch an all-new Silverado.

VortecMAX Performance Package
The VortecMAX performance package with enhanced Heavy Duty towing is designed to increase the towing capability of 4WD models of the Silverado Classic 1500 extended cab/standard-length box and Silverado Classic 1500 Crew Cab. The package includes a high-output Vortec 6.0L engine rated at 345 horsepower (257 kW) and 380 lb.-ft. of torque (515 Nm), 17-inch wheels, a heavy-duty trailering package, 9.5-inch rear axle, automatic locking differential, VortecMAX door badging and engine cover.

The high-output 6.0L engine and heavy duty 9.5-inch axle help give Silverado Classic improved towing capability. The package enables a 10,400-pound towing capacity on the extended cab 2WD extended cab model and up to 10,100 pounds with the 2WD Crew Cab.

Silverado SS Classic
The Silverado SS Classic is available in 2WD and AWD configurations. The 2WD model has an 8,100-pound (3,674 kg) towing capacity and broadens SS performance choices by offering customers traditional rear-wheel drive performance at a great value.

The Silverado SS Classic is based on the 1500 Series Extended Cab with a short bed. It is powered by a high-output version of GM’s Vortec 6.0L V-8, which pumps out 345 horsepower (257 kW) and 380 lb.-ft. (515 Nm) of torque. The engine is connected to a Hydra-Matic 4L85 four-speed automatic overdrive transmission equipped with a 3.06 first gear and 0.70 final gear, which transfers power to a 4.10-geared locking rear axle for rapid acceleration and relaxed highway cruising.

Silverado Hybrid Classic
Silverado 1500 Hybrid Classic offers up to a 10-percent fuel economy improvement through its ability to automatically stop and restart the engine under different operating circumstances. Instead of a conventional starter motor and alternator, hybrid pickups use a compact, 14 kW electric induction motor or starter generator integrated in a patented, space-efficient manner between the engine and transmission. The starter generator provides fast, quiet starting power and allows automatic engine stops/starts to conserve fuel. It also smoothes out any driveline surges; generates electrical current to charge the batteries and run auxiliary power outlets; and provides coast-down regenerative braking, as an aid to fuel economy.

The standard Vortec 5.3L V-8 engine delivers 295 horsepower (220 kW) and 335 lb.-ft. (463 Nm) of torque – the same as its non-hybrid counterpart – along with the capability of acting as a mobile power-generating station, including four 120-volt/20-amp electrical auxiliary power outlets (APO). The power outlets are located under the rear seat of the cab and in the pickup bed. Customers can conveniently operate power equipment without taking up the bed space typical portable generators would use.

Silverado Classic lineup
Within the light duty lineup, Silverado Classic can be ordered in an almost unlimited number of configurations: Regular, Extended or Crew Cab body styles; standard 6.5-foot (2m) or extended 8-foot (2.4m) cargo boxes, along with the new 5-foot 8-inch short box on light-duty models; 1500 half-ton or 2500 three-quarter-ton models; and either 2WD or 4WD systems.

An impressive array of Vortec engines is offered: a 4.3L V-6; 4.8L V-8; three versions of the Vortec 5.3L V-8 – including an E85-capable FlexFuel version; and the powerful Vortec 6.0L V-8. Engine output ranges from 195 hp (145 kW) all the way up to 345 hp (257 kW).

Light duty Silverado Classic models with the Vortec 5.3L V-8 are offered with E85 capability. E85 is a renewable fuel made of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. GM vehicles with E85 capability can run on 100 percent gasoline or on E85 or any combination of the two.

Silverado Classic can be equipped to meet any personal requirement or professional demand when it comes to hauling or towing. Payload capacities range from 1,216 pounds (552 kg) all the way to 3,129 pounds (1,419 kg) for 1500HD models.

Silverado Classic safety
All Silverado 1500 Classic models (except 1500HD) are equipped with GM’s Passenger Sensing System, which uses the latest sensing technology to turn the front passenger air bag on or off. If the sensor system detects an unoccupied front passenger seat or the presence of a smaller occupant, the front passenger air bag is designed to automatically turn off so it will not deploy in the event of a frontal collision. A status indicator on the instrument panel alerts occupants that the passenger air bag is on or off. Even with this system, GM strongly recommends restraining child passengers in an appropriate child seat placed in the second or third row of the vehicle. Never install a rear-facing infant seat in front of an active air bag. GM also recommends that all children 12 and under ride in the rear seat when possible.

The Silverado Classic also has dual-stage frontal air bags (not available on 1500HD Crew Cab and 2500HD and 3500 models) for supplemental protection for front seat passengers. Dual-stage frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of air bag-induced injury. When the air bag system’s control unit detects an impact, it determines whether the crash is severe enough to trigger a deployment, and whether the primary amount of inflation is sufficient. The primary stage alone will deploy in most frontal impacts requiring the supplemental protection of an air bag, while a secondary stage is designed to deploy in more severe frontal collisions.

GM’s OnStar safety and security system is standard on LT and available on LS light duty models. In the heavy-duty range, OnStar is standard on Silverado LT Extended Cab and Crew Cab models, and available on 2500 HD and 3500 models. OnStar-equipped Silverados feature OnStar dual-mode (analog-digital) equipment. OnStar’s digital equipment also includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada . Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Hands-Free Calling that allows drivers to make and receive voice-activated phone calls using an externally mounted antenna for greater reception.

Additional safety and security systems include electronic traction control on 2WD Silverado Classics to enhance handling and response on models equipped with a V-8 engine, automatic transmission and locking rear differential. All models come standard with PASSLock II theft deterrent system, and a driver information center that monitors and reports on up to 34 vehicle system functions.

Silverado Classic entertainment
Impressive entertainment systems – from available Bose sound systems to a Panasonic DVD passenger entertainment system – add to Silverado Classic’s comforts. On Crew Cab models, available rear-seat audio controls allow second-row passengers to enjoy a separate audio source from front-seat occupants.

Z71 Off-Road Package
The Silverado Classic Z71 Off-Road Package is available on half-ton 4WD models with LT trim. The Z71 package includes 46-mm gas-charged shock absorbers, off-road jounce bumpers, specific stabilizer bars, a skid-plate package, a high-capacity air cleaner and distinctive Z71 decals for the pickup box.

Silverado Classic with the Z71 package can be equipped with features such as cruise control, rear defogger, power door locks, remote keyless entry, rearview mirror, AM/FM stereo with CD and cassette player, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows, fog lamps, color-keyed grille and deep-tinted glass.

Silverado Classic Heavy Duty
Chevy Silverado Classic Heavy Duty pickups make up the segment's most diverse lineup of workhorse pickups, with a wide selection of weight ratings, body styles and powertrain combinations including diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG) models. At the top of the gasoline engine range is the available Vortec 8.1L V-8, rated at 330 hp (246 kW) and 450 lb.-ft. (610 Nm) of torque. The available Duramax Diesel engine was during 2006 for improved performance, smoothness and quiet. Output is rated at 360 horsepower (268 kW) and 650 lb.-ft. of torque (881 Nm).

With impressive power, tough frames, advanced suspensions and high-capacity brakes, the Silverado Classic 2500HD/3500 Series provides outstanding payload capacities as well as outstanding hauling and towing capabilities. The 2500 HD models have a GVWR of as much as 9,200 pounds (4,173 kg), and payloads of up to 4,058 pounds (1,841 kg). The 3500 Series pickup models have a GVWR of up to 11,400 pounds (5,171 kg) and payloads of up to 5,511 pounds (2,500 kg), when equipped with dual rear wheels.

For chassis cab models, Silverado Classic HD has an 11,400-pound (5,171-kg) GVWR for 2WD versions and a 12,000-pound (5,443 kg) GVWR when equipped with 4WD. Chassis cabs provide payloads up to 6,226 pounds (2,824 kg).

Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel
An all-new version of the Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel V-8 engine was introduced during the ’06 model year and paired with the Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission. In this configuration the engine delivers 360 hp (268 kW) at 3200 rpm and 650 lb.-ft. of torque (881 Nm) – more power with lower emissions than the previous diesel engine. Peak torque is achieved at 1,800 rpm.

The Duramax 6.6L’s horsepower and torque increase and emissions reduction are enabled by a strengthened iron cylinder block and a lower compression ratio. The lower compression reduces stress on the engine by reducing the peak cylinder firing pressure. This, in turn, allows more fuel to be burned – more fuel means more power – while the lower compression helps reduce NOx emissions. Lower compression also helps reduce noise and vibration, making it a quieter and smoother engine.

A revised variable-geometry turbocharger also enhances the driving experience of the Duramax 6.6L. Aerodynamic changes to the turbo’s impellers help tailor controlled application of turbo power for seamless and immediate response at full throttle. The turbo, which spins at up to 120,000 rpm, is high-speed-balanced, reducing vibration and resonance – and contributing to the engine’s overall smoothness and refinement. The revised turbo also helps reduce emissions, while maximum boost remains at 20 psi.

The Duramax 6.6L also has an intake air heater to reduce smoke and emissions during cold or light-load driving. The system features a 600-watt grid heater located in the air intake duct, which is triggered automatically by the engine controller. It heats up the incoming air to speed warm-up of the engine.