UPDATE: We’ve now driven the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado
Chevrolet revealed the next generation of its Silverado full-size pickup in a dramatic fashion in front of its most enthusiastic owners during its Truck Centennial celebration in Fort Worth, Texas, by flying the all-new model in by helicopter.
The reveal of the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado capped a day honoring 100 years of Chevrolet trucks and the people who love them. Taking place at the Texas Motor Speedway, the event included hundreds of Chevy loyalists, automotive media, and even an appearance by recently retired NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt Jr.
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Amid the scores of Chevy trucks on display arranged to spell "100," the one that got the most attention arrived from above. Strapped to a massive helicopter and carefully placed on the speedway before it roared onto a podium, the 2019 Silverado was among the highlight of the Centennial celebration.
Significant sneak peek
The 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 will make its official public debut in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, exactly 100 years after the first Chevrolet trucks were delivered to customers. But this weekend’s event marked a significant early look. While details such as powertrains and final trims are still under wraps, officials did grant a few key insights into this new Chevy pickup.
First off, the latest Silverado is new from the ground up. While it appears that GM isn’t following Ford with an aluminum body to reduce weight, the Silverado has shed it in other ways. For example, Chevy says the bed floor is made from a high-strength steel that uses a higher-grade alloy that is both lighter and more functional that the current one. Also rumored is extensive use of carbon fiber to reduce mass.
Chevy also promises an expanded range of Silverado models, eight in total. One of those models and the example flown in is the Silverado LT Trailboss. This tough-looking truck also looks to be highly capable off-road, as it integrates equipment from the Z71 package and has a 2-inch suspension lift.
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As for powertrains, at this time Chevy is only saying the new Silverado will have "more engine/transmission combinations," not to mention more technology and convenience features.
We’ll know more when the 2019 Silverado makes its official debut in Detroit in a few weeks. For now, Chevy has granted some of its most loyal owners a sneak peek they won’t soon forget.
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