Paris Motor Show: Chevrolet WTCC Ultra pics and info

Our man John just reported in from the floor of the Paris Motor Show with images and info on the Chevy WTCC Ultra concept car.

Described as "a Chevrolet muscle car reinvented for Europe", the WTCC Ultra takes its name and inspiration from the World Touring Car Championship, Europe's version of stock car racing. Motivation comes from a 2-liter common rail diesel driving over 190 hp through the front wheels.

Compact and intimidating, we can only hope some of the car's aggressive styling elements will make it into new Chevys for the road. Imagine seeing this baby rapidly growing in your rearview mirror!

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More images (LOTS more images) and full press release after the jump.

Press Release

Paris, September 2006

Chevrolet WTCC Ultra: Exciting Driveable Race car Concept

o. Muscular: Strikingly fresh design, outside and ino. Powerful: 190 hp common rail dieselo. Efficient: Modern lightweight materials

Paris. "It's a wild thing": The Chevrolet WTCC Ultra has got what it takes to be the star of the Paris Motor Show - and not just because its rear spoiler shoots so brashly up to-wards the heavens. The bold and aggressive design of the racecar study takes the Chevrolet body language to the extreme. "We wanted to explore the concept of a Chev-rolet muscle car reinvented for Europe," says David Lyon, Executive Director GM Asia-Pacific Design. "A concept that celebrates Chevy's racing heritage with a very forward looking design."

The ready-to-drive concept car set to premiere in Paris was developed by a GM team around the globe (for more details, see page 4). It is the vision of a new generation of touring car- a design icon that bends the present WTCC regulations. "In addition to the premiere of the Chevrolet WTCC Ultra, we are also celebrating our second victory in the World Touring Car Championship," says the boss of Chevrolet Europe, Wayne Brannon, referring to Rob Huff's success in Brno in Czech Republic on September 3. "Our com-mitment to the WTCC is of enormous value for emotionalising the brand."

In line with Chevrolet's diesel offensive, the compact WTCC Ultra (length/width/height with spoiler: 4,324/1,906/1,569 mm, wheelbase: 2,650 mm) is equipped with a powerful 1,991 cm3 diesel unit generating 139 kW/190 hp. The basic version of the four-cylinder engine is the common rail unit with four-valve technology and variable turbine blade ge-ometry currently powering the Chevrolet Captiva and due to go into the Epica from spring 2007. The increase in performance was achieved by raising the turbo boost pres-sure.

The WTCC Ultra has a sophisticated independent wheel suspension on McPherson struts on both axles. The lower wheel control at the front is taken care of by an A-frame arm, while at the back, two additional wishbones and one trailing arm link the wheels precisely to the chassis.

To keep the unladen weight as low as possible, the designers of the WTCC Ultra have made plenty of use of modern lightweight materials. The body parts are finished in "Stealth Blue", a further development of the familiar Chevrolet blue, and are made of a glass fibre and carbon fibre laminate. The flat underbody of the fully functioning touring concept car, which also graphically divides up the vehicle because of its dark colour, and the front and rear spoilers are made of a plain weave carbon fibre composite. The win-dow frames and the air inlet grilles at the front are finished in semi gloss dark grey. They make an attractive contrast with the glossy silver-painted wheels and the polished alu-minium door handles, number plate and centrally positioned tailpipes.

Another aerodynamic feature apart from the flat underbody and the spoilers is a rear dif-fuser to create additional downforce.

The design: As dramatic and exciting as possible

For Ewan Kingsbury, the Lead Designer of the WTCC Ultra, "aggressive", "muscular" and "dramatic" are the words that first spring to mind when he is asked to describe the design of the new project. "As the chosen theme of the car was a concept racecar, this immediately gave me license to push the passion and aggression of the styling to the ex-treme".

The proportions of the WTCC Ultra give the impression of a car that looks fast even when it's standing still. "A car's proportions are the biggest factor in its appearance, so all the early work concentrated on this area," said 25-year old Kingsbury, who studied transport design at Coventry University in England and subsequently worked for Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) Design before moving to GM in Australia. With the WTCC Ul-tra, the designers pushed the front screen forward to create a more aggressive frontal bias, with the added bonus of visually shortening the front overhang. The track was wid-ened significantly to 1,685 mm at the front and 1,670 mm at the rear, giving the car a more muscular and powerful stance.

The lines and surfaces were created to project the impression of great energy under tension, captured at the moment before unspringing. "The intention was to give the con-cept a fresh, exciting and aggressive combination of surfacing and graphics," explains Kingsbury. All the lines on the car, plan view lines included, accelerate rearward of the front door, to give the car more speed, and keep the visual weight in the correct position. A dramatic effect is created by the steeply rising sweep of the lower window-line, which, together with the small separate front quarter-light window between the A and B posts, serves to create a fresh identity.

The sharp, accelerating graphics contrast with more organic, flowing surfaces. Kings-bury: "A dominant surface feature evident in the car is the use of 'broken' lines in many areas. This is most obvious in the waterline on the bodyside. This line contributes to the frontward biased proportions, by drawing the eye forward and down." Equally striking are the powerful wheel arches to accommodate the 20" slicks needed to keep the car on the road.

New Chevrolet front end graphics form the main fuselage of the body. The front section is dominated by two grill apertures which are visually split by a body colour section to accommodate the Chevrolet logo.. "When designing the front section, we took inspira-tion from birds of prey," explains Kingsbury. "The form of the lights is crucial to exhibit the correct expression." The indicators, which are fitted into the top of the light unit, have been used to graphically 'hood' the main LED projector element, while the reflectors are captured by an aluminium surround.

The interior: As ergonomic as a production-line Chevrolet

"Our general aim was to bring the sporty nature of the exterior design inside," explains Breony Crittenden the designer in Australia responsible for leading the colour and mate-rials design. "We opted for raw dark surfaces by using, for example, unpolished metal or matte carbon fibre inserts. By doing this, we kept a little secretive about the material, and called this design principle the "stealth theme". But Batman fans will get their money's worth in the WTCC Ultra, too: The upper part of the dash is finished in rubberised paint - and was inspired by the suits in the film "Batman returns". Overall, the Ultra's interior consists of materials and textures selected for their performance characteristics creating an aesthetic of functional beauty. .

For weight distribution, the driver is situated as far back and as low as possible. All the control surfaces of the car are designed to be exactly where the driver requires, from the steering wheel and sequential gear selector, to the adjustable pedalbox and the console-mounted electrical switches. The inner door releases in the front doors are also situated further back than usual to be in reach of the driver. The steering wheel is similarly rear-ward of normal, and houses all the technical information readouts for the driver in two screens. The main circular screen displays the gear selection and tachometer, as well as oil and water temperatures, fuel and oil levels, and brake bias. Four push buttons on the wheel control the functions of the main screen. The second screen situated in the top of the ergonomically designed wheel rim displays the tachometer as a graphical display, to aid the accurate timing of gear selection. The surface treatment around the circular screen emulates the wheel arch design on the exterior.

The seat also borrows aspects of the exterior, comprising complex interwoven surfaces that echo the broken lines of the exterior. The striking form of the frame and the uphol-stery is designed to support and protect the driver, and is made from carbon fibre com-posites with self-skinning polyurethane cushions. Aggressive sculpting of the frame and cushions provides ergonomic support of the driver to ensure a comfortable driving posi-tion. The surface of both the cushions is broken up by an asymmetrical pattern of raised dots, designed to give added grip to the driver. The seat provides head and neck protec-tion via wings that project either side of the head support, and a six-point racing harness is employed to keep the driver in position. The love of detail is also evidenced by the embossed Chevrolet insignia on this harness belt. Nowhere on the car are there any printed logos or letters - everything is embossed, milled or cast.

The project: As global as the Chevrolet brand

"The WTCC Ultra is the most global concept vehicle GM has ever created," says Peter Bramberger, GM Design Manager in Australia. Indeed, the way it took shape is indica-tive of Chevrolet's international alignment. The initial concept and early design work was developed in South Korea by Max Wolff and Steve Eum from the GM DAT Advanced Design Studio. The dynamic look of the car stems from "down under" - it was the Aus-tralian GM design department that came up with the exciting contours and the no less striking interior. Not the first hot Chevrolet GM's Australian subsidiary has styled: Cur-rently a team at GM Holden is working to turn the Chevrolet Camaro concept car into re-ality.

The design of the WTCC Ultra was coordinated and approved by GM Design Vice Pre-sident, Ed Welburn (USA) and David Lyon, Executive Director GM Asia-Pacific Design (South Korea). GM Vice President Bob Lutz was involved in the project from the very beginning and enthusiastically supported it.

All the exterior design development was carried out at GM Holden Design, where the clay model was constructed. The interior was also built completely digitally in Australia. The WTCC Ultra prototype vehicle was entirely constructed by the Japanese company, YDS, which had already built the Chevrolet studies, T2X and S3X. For the animation to be shown at the Paris Motor Show on the Chevrolet Europe stand, GM Technical Centre in India created the 3D data for the outer skin from the clay, and the Swiss company, Protoscar, produced and rendered the animation to a storyboard provided by GM Design

European input was provided by GM Europe Engineering but also by the British mo-torsport specialists, Ray Mallock Limited (RML). The technical partner for the Chevrolet team in the WTCC helped with race components and the chassis. "Apart from that, sup-pliers like Hella, Osram, Dupont and Kumho participated in the development of parts for the vehicle. These companies are based globally, and once again an example of the global nature of the WTCC Ultra," said Bramberger.

Chevrolet WTCC Ultra: Technical dataExterior dimensionsLength (mm) 4,324Width (mm) 1,906Height (roof / with rear spoiler, mm) 1,490/1,569Overhang front/rear (mm) 935/739Wheelbase (mm) 2,650Track width front/back (mm) 1,685/1,670EngineType four-cylinderCommon-Rail dieselCapacity (cm3) 1,991Bore/stroke (mm) 83/92Output (kW/PS) 139/190

Heavy Metal: Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra HD details and pics

GM has revealed the details for its new full-size heavy-duty pickups, the 2500HD and 3500HD versions of the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks.

The big trucks offer a huge range of configurations. Buyers can chose the ¾-ton 2500HD or full-ton 3500HD with rear wheel drive or 4WD; with standard or "dually" rear axle; regular, extended or crew cab; 6'6" or 8-foot pickup bed; a large range of gas and diesel engines; smooth-ridin' Z85 or Z71 off-road suspension package; and a variety of trim levels and interior configurations. That'll give you more choices than a McDonalds menu.

Like the Ford Super-Duty, the Silverado and Sierra heavy-duty trucks now feature unique, bolder styling to set it apart from the light-duty 1500 models. The difference can be seen in the shape of the hood, front fenders, grille, headlamps, taillamps and pickup box. The windshield is raked back at a steeper 57-degree angle (making it now slightly more aerodynamic than a barn in a hurricane), and the suicide rear doors on the extended cab now open a full 170-degrees, making it easier for the entire construction crew to squeeze in.

Inside, contractors buyers can specify the standard pickup interior for the WT, LT/SLE models, or a new, more luxurious (you'll swear you were in a Bentley) interior for Silverado LTZ and Sierra SLT. GM is boasting improved interior fit-and-finish, increased sound-deadening insulation, use of higher-quality materials, more nooks and crannies to store yer stuff and improved ergonomics (there's really only way to go). The ravine between the cab and the box has been reduced by a whopping 50%, meaning you'll lose fewer wrenches back there. In the cab you'll also find a host of electronic do-dads including touch-screen sat-nav, DVD entertainment center (with theater-style folding seats in the back - arguably more for ease-of-loading than ambiance), MP3-enabled CD stereo and OnStar.

(Full press release after the jump.)

[Source: GM]

PRESS RELEASE

DETROIT - General Motors introduces the new 2007 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickups, with all-new and differentiated exterior designs, two unique interiors and class-leading power and efficiency. The redesigned pickups incorporate brand-distinct exterior and interior designs that are greatly differentiated from the light-duty trucks, along with a choice of gas and diesel powertrains. Capabilities are enhanced and complement new, segment-leading and segment-exclusive features.

Silverado and Sierra are offered in a range of 2500HD (three-quarter-ton) and 3500HD (one-ton) models, reaffirming GM's nearly 100-year legacy of building heavy-duty trucks. The 2007 models offer unprecedented levels of performance, capability and refinement. Silverado is available in WT, LT and LTZ trim; Sierra is available in WT, SLE and SLT trim - all with differentiated appearance and interiors.

"There's not a broader, more powerful or more capable lineup of heavy-duty pickups in the industry," said Gary White, GM North America vice president and vehicle line executive of full-size trucks. "But along with the capability and functionality that our customers expect, the 2007 Silverado and Sierra heavy-duty trucks meld exceptional refinement and surprising attention to detail."

The range of configurations - three cab styles, three cargo box styles and five wheelbase lengths - delivers tremendous choice. Some full-size truck manufacturers do not even offer three-quarter-ton or one-ton heavy-duty trucks. And among those that do, the 2007 Silverado and Sierra HD pickups offer many segment-best capabilities, including 18,500-pound (8,392 kg) gross combined vehicle weight rating for vehicles with a gas V-8 and a 13,000-pound (5,897 kg) conventional trailer weight rating enabled by a larger-capacity trailer hitch platform. Maximum towing capacity is 16,700 pounds (7,575 kg), when equipped with a fifth-wheel hitch.

"GM's heavy-duty pickup heritage is built on the promises of function and dependability," said White. "The new Silverado HD and Sierra HD trucks offer exceptional capability, while building on the reputation that has put GM full-size pickups at the top of numerous quality surveys."

Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD models will arrive in the first quarter of 2007. Production of the new trucks is shared among several assembly plants, including Fort Wayne , Ind. , and Pontiac and Flint , Mich.

Bold and distinctive exterior designs

The new Silverado and Sierra heavy-duty models have bolder, muscular designs that are differentiated from their light-duty siblings. This includes new grilles, headlamps, hoods and front fenders - all conveying broad-shouldered, ready-for-anything strength. The trucks also feature more distinct brand differentiation than any previous generation.

Chevy Silverado has a wider and taller dual-port grille, with a prominent gold bow tie emblem at the center. Large, reflector-optic headlamps and corner lights wrap around the front end and flow into flared front fenders, enhancing the truck's broad stance. The fender flares have a chiseled, squared-off appearance and complement the strong power dome hood design.

GMC Sierra has a distinctive front end with a prominent GMC emblem set in a large, chrome-ringed grille (black grille surround on work truck models). The grille is flanked by large, jeweled-appearance headlamps. Chrome bumpers with body-color top and end caps are standard. SLE models feature large foglamps set into the bumper, creating an upscale appearance that further reflects GMC's brand identity.

The trucks' door handles feature large, grab-style designs that are easy to open with gloves. Other details also enhance the strong appearance and functionality includes larger front recovery hooks. A faster, 57-degree windshield angle reduces wind noise and improves fuel efficiency.

The trucks are more refined looking, too, with doors that extend over the rockers for a smooth, uninterrupted look, and lamps that have a jeweled appearance. Tolerances between panels are greatly reduced - including a 50-percent reduction in the space between the cab and cargo box.

Cab and cargo box configurations

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. New features, such as 170-degree-opening rear access doors with fully retractable power windows on extended cab models, offer increased versatility.

The pickup boxes have been redesigned with enhanced versatility, increased strength and greater capacity. A one-piece wheelhouse and inner box side add strength and a smoother, more integrated appearance. The boxes are 1.18 inches (30 mm) deeper in the front and 1.57 inches (40 mm) deeper at the rear, with stronger inner walls that offer improved performance when fitted with ladder racks, tool boxes and other accessories. Cargo bed volume is 60.7 cubic feet (1,718 L) with the regular box and 75.5 cubic feet (2,138 L) with the long box.

Dually cargo boxes are made of all steel, including new, hydroformed sheet metal outer fenders. They have a smooth, integrated appearance and enhanced strength. All Dually models feature marker lights on the fenders and new, sleek cab roof lights that are aerodynamically integrated into the top of the cab.

New tailgate designs include a lock and an available EZ Lift feature, with torque-rod assist. Despite being larger than previous models, the new tailgates are easier to use, thanks to revised construction that reduces overall mass. The tailgates are easily removed by simply opening to 45 degrees and pulling straight out and away from the vehicle.

A new, innovative cargo management system is available on all Silverado and Sierra models and is complemented by a range of dealer-ordered accessory packages. Three rails that run the length of the box sides and the forward box wall are secured with high-strength anchors and, unlike competitors' systems, incorporate upper and lower tracks. Four adjustable tie-down brackets are included with each system and can be located anywhere on the tracks, each rated for a load point of 500 pounds (227 kg).

At the heart of a comprehensive accessories portfolio for the new pickups is a group of specific accessory products designed to integrate into the cargo management system. The rails enable the use of an overhead utility rack rated at 500 pounds (227 kg) loading capacity, a sliding diamond plate toolbox, a sliding bed divider, diamond plate side storage boxes or a bicycle mount. These accessories use either the upper or lower rails, allowing numerous combinations that can easily fit together or bypass one another as they slide along the rails. The tool boxes and bicycle mount use a codeable lock, enabling the vehicle key to be used for locking and unlocking these accessories.

Segment-leading interior designs with superior craftsmanship

Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra HD pickups are quieter, more spacious and refined inside, with increased passenger comfort and storage space. They each feature two new and distinct interior designs that reflect their respective brand identities, including specific trim, appointments and gauge cluster appearance.

Silverado and Sierra HD base and midlevel trim models include a functional pure pickup interior design theme with a contemporary adaptation of GM's ergonomic cockpit instrument panel design. In addition, this interior includes specific door panels with large door pull and release handles, new seat construction and configurations, unique center console and underseat storage systems, and two glove boxes (a traditional lower glove box and a covered upper storage compartment).

New luxury-inspired premium interiors are standard on Silverado LTZ and Sierra SLT. They offer richly appointed features, including a distinct instrument panel design, large-capacity center console (20.1 L), specific door panels, seats and other trim elements. Features on the premium interiors include power-adjustable heated bucket seats, leather surface seats, leather-covered steering wheel and selective chrome trim.

Spaciousness in each interior trim level is enhanced with new, "low and forward" instrument panels that provide a more airy feel to the cabin as well as a panoramic field of vision. The instrument panels are mounted approximately 3.5 inches (90 mm) down and forward on the pure pickup interiors, while the premium interior instrument panel is located 5 inches (127 mm) down and forward. Both instrument panel designs are integrated into their specific door panels to create a swept appearance.

The spacious interior and enhanced field of vision create an environment that enables better outward vision. Legroom, headroom and hip room also have increased. The recline angle and fore/aft travel of the front seat have been increased.

All interiors are refined and craftsmanship is highlighted by flush surfaces, tight gaps and tolerances on the instrument panel, center stack, clusters and other components. Most gaps on the instrument panels and clusters have been narrowed to 0.5 mm or less. Attention to detail was given to concealing fasteners and metal structural components of all seats. There is no exposed hardware in the interior or door sills. New, soft-touch and low-gloss finishes for the instrument panels and other trim pieces are used throughout. The color and grain of the materials were carefully selected to provide a premium look. Sculpted headliners of new woven fabric and door trim, as well as sculpted seat backs, enhance the perception of precision in the new interiors.

Complementing the interiors' finely crafted look and feel is segment-leading quietness. All trim levels - even base work truck models - benefit from a comprehensive system that delivers a passenger environment almost devoid of noise. This is achieved with the use of strategically placed sound-deadening and sound-absorbing material in the body structure - including liquid-applied dampener on the floor and front-of-dash - as well as the inherent, vibration-minimizing traits of the stiffer frame and quieter attributes of the aerodynamically tuned exterior. Also, improved door sealing and a doors-over-rockers design help eliminate road and wind noise.

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. Driving experience and capability

A new, Gen-IV 6.0L gasoline V-8 engine with variable valve timing and an enhanced, more powerful version of the Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel are the engine choices for the Silverado and Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD models. Both engines offer segment-leading power and torque ratings. The gas engine is backed by a new, Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission, which features grade braking capability. Duramax-powered trucks are backed by the reknown six-speed Allison 1000 automatic transmission.

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. This powertrain combination offers a higher maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR) - 18,500 pounds (8,392 kg) - than previous gas-powered combinations and is the segment leader for vehicles with a small-block V-8 gas engine. The 6L90 has a wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio - including two overdrive gears - that helps deliver an excellent balance of performance and fuel economy. It also offers manual range selection and tap up/tap down control.

A cleaner, more powerful Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel engine is available. It continues to lead the segment in power and torque, 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.

Working in concert with the powertrains are a strong chassis and responsive suspension systems. The vehicle frame is comprised of a sturdy ladder design that is reinforced with cross braces. It features a segmented design that enables easy and accurate adaptation of numerous lengths to accommodate the trucks' five wheelbase lengths. The frame sections are joined with strong, overlapping segments that bolster overall strength and rigidity.

The strength of the frame and enhanced capabilities enabled by the powertrain systems allow the 2007 Silverado and Sierra heavy-duty trucks to offer a larger, 2.5-inch trailer hitch receiver platform. This enables the trucks to pull a segment-leading maximum of 13,000 pounds (5,897 kg) with conventional trailers. Trucks with fifth-wheel hitches can tow up to 16,700 pounds (7,575 kg), when properly equipped.

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. All heavy-duty models are available with an integrated trailer brake controller. It is integrated with the ABS system and provides immediate and measured brake force signaling to electric-controlled trailer brake systems. There is no requirement for external and/or aftermarket brake control systems. The brake controller switch is conveniently mounted on the lower-left section of the instrument panel.

Safety details

Silverado and Sierra heavy-duty models are designed to help drivers avoid crashes and protect passengers in the event one occurs. The robust ladder frame and strong body structure provide occupant protection. The frame is designed with crush zones that crumple to absorb crash energy, while the new body structure incorporates the strategic use of high-strength steel and structural adhesives designed to help maintain passenger compartment integrity and manage energy in a crash.

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. All retail models come standard with the OnStar Generation 7 system, including a one-year subscription to the Safe & Sound plan. The OnStar service includes the General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, making crash data available to emergency services to potentially dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster. If the vehicle is in a crash that activates an air bag, the OnStar system automatically notifies an OnStar advisor, who will check on the occupants or summon emergency help if necessary. OnStar also can assist authorities in locating a vehicle if it is reported stolen and provides remote door-unlocking service (when the vehicle is equipped with power locks).

*SAE certification. A new voluntary power and torque certification procedure developed by the SAE Engine Test Code committee was approved March 31, 2005. This procedure (J2723) ensures fair, accurate ratings for horsepower and torque by allowing manufacturers to certify their engines through third-party witness testing. GM was the first auto manufacturer to begin using the procedure and expects to use it for all newly rated engines in the future.

GM pricing of Silverado and Sierra oddly familiar

General Motors didn't look too far to find its pricing for the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks - they're exactly the same as last year, for the most part. The Silverado and Sierra start at $23,605 for the 4.8L V8, RWD, extended cab, base model, including shipping. The crew cab option bumps the price up to $27,000, also the same as last year's pricing.

Other models are apparently within $300 of last year's pricing, and GM has even reduced the pricing of some of them. The four-wheel drive version of the extended cab model starts at $29,960 for the Chevy and $30,500 for the GMC, the 4WD crew cab'd model starts at $32,515 for the Chevy and $33,055 for the GMC. All models come standard with OnStar, a tire pressure monitoring system, and GM's 5-year/100,000 mile warranty. The trucks start coming down the production lines next week.

[Source: AutoWeek]

More on the Chevy WTCC Concept

More information came from on high this morning about Chevrolet's WTCC Concept. The vehicle, which Chevy's Executive Director of Design in Europe and Asia calls, "a Chevrolet muscle car reinvented for Europe," pulls design cues from its current touring car siblings and takes a good look into the future.The compact, winged beast finds motivation from a 2-liter common rail diesel, producing upwards of 190 HP and sending power through the front wheels. The newly developed independent suspension is partnered with McPherson struts all-round, which should make this into one of the most capable bombers from Chevy in recent memory.World Car Fans has all the details, along with a host of pictures and even an Ibiza-inspired C.G. video. Check it.[Source: World Car Fans]Related Link:

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