After some engine modification to best the 11 Ford Super Duty.
Wayne Gerdes -
CleanMPG - May 18, 2010
2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD working as it was meant to work.
Chevrolet and GMC announced today that the new 2011 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickups have increased towing and payload ratings to 21,700 pounds of towing and 6,635 pounds of payload. The new figures were achieved through ongoing development and testing, making the Silverado and Sierra the most capable and powerful heavy-duty pickups in the segment.
Through ongoing development and testing, the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD capability ratings have been increased to 21,700 pounds of towing, and 6,635 pounds of payload. Based on these ratings, the Silverado HD will offer heavy-duty truck buyers the most power and most capability available in the segment.
According to Rick Spina, GM Full-size Truck global vehicle line executive, the increased ratings are a result of exceeding the original performance targets for the Silverado HD:
“Our focus has consistently been on delivering customers the most capable heavy-duty trucks in the market. The first set of capability tests confirmed that the team had exceeded the payload and towing targets by a significant margin. Ongoing testing demonstrated a clear opportunity to increase the true capabilities of these trucks. Even pulling a combined weight of nearly 15 tons seems easy behind the wheel of a 2011 Silverado HD 3500 with the proven Duramax Diesel.”
To certify increased payload and towing capacities for the 2011 Silverado HD, engineers conducted a battery of tests.
Based on extensive testing at maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR) to validate the durability of the powertain, drivetrain, and brake components, the GCWR is increased to 29,200 pounds.
Based on further testing in varied terrain, grades, and climates while pulling the maximum trailer weight to confirm predictable and stable handling, the maximum 5th-wheel towing capacity was increased to 21,700 pounds, and conventional towing capacity increased to 17,000 pounds.
After higher-strength steel for cargo box cross sills was specified, the team conducted additional testing hauling maximum payloads to test the stronger cargo box and rear-axle components. As a result, the maximum payload has been increased to 6,635 pounds.
Based on these improved capacities, the 2011 Silverado HD possesses segment-leading capability in horsepower, torque, conventional towing, 5th-wheel towing, and payload.
Starting production next week, it becomes the most capable heavy duty pickup on the market.
“We encourage consumers to test drive the Silverado HD against competitive models,” said Spina. “Based on our test results, we are confident the Silverado HD will prove to be the best choice for real-world towing and hauling needs.”
The Specs
| Specification | 2011 Silverado HD | 2011 Ford F-350 | 2010 Ram HD |
| Max. Horsepower | 397 HP | 390 HP | 350 HP |
| Max. Torque | 765 lb-ft | 735 lb-ft | 650 lb-ft |
| Max. Conventional towing | 17,000 lbs. | 16,000 lbs. | 12,000 lbs. |
| Max. Fifth-wheel towing | 21,700 lbs. | 21,600 lbs. | 18,500 lbs. |
| Max GCWR | 29,200 lbs. | 29,100 lbs. | 25,400 lbs. |
| Max. Payload capacity | 6,635 lbs. | 6,520 lbs. | 5,130 lbs. |
Conclusions
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With a little specification spin and last minute tuning, the Silverado looks to best the Super Duty with Ford yet to do their own “
additional modifications”. In terms of FE, maintenance intervals, safety equipment and TCO’s, Ford’s Super Duty w/ the 6.7: Power Stroke owns the HD truck segment from initial impressions.
Linear Mode
