One of the biggest improvements to the body design came in its aerodynamics. Some of the aesthetic stylings took inspiration from GMT900 SUVs and the Chevy Colorado pickup. The pickup was built on the “Shakebody” platform, and was dubbed “the new body style.” Some of the changes include a redesigned truck interior and exterior, changes to the frame and suspension and power upgrades for some engine options. This new generation featured several changes from the previous generations of Silverado. The final quarter of 2006 saw the release of the first of the 2nd generation Silverado models. The 3500HD was rated for a towing capacity of 16,700 lbs and can haul 5,753 lbs behind it. The 3500HD was made to be absolutely tough as nails, rated to be able to tow the heaviest stuff and haul the biggest cargo. The major difference for the 3500HD was the “dually” wheels in the rear and a stronger suspension. The 3500HD had the same engine and transmission options available as the 2500HD. The towing capacity was rated at 16,100 lbs and could haul 3,964 lbs. The 2500HD featured a five-speed automatic transmission with a six-speed variation becoming available in 2006. The 2500HD had the option of an LB7 Duramax V8 with 300 hp and 520 lb/ft of torque, the LLY v8 at 310 hp and 605 lb/ft of torque, or the LBZ Duramax V8 with a huge 360 hp and 650 lb/ft of torque. The towing capacity was rated at 10,300 lbs and could haul up to 3,129 lbs. It also came with a Hydra-Matic 4L80E four-speed automatic transmission. The 1500HD came equipped with a Vortec 6000 V8 rated at 300 hp at 5200 rpm and 360 lb/ft of torque. It was a bolstered version of its little cousin and came in 1500HD, 2500HD, and 3500HD models. The Heavy Duty variant of the Silverado was introduced in 2000 as a heavy-duty light truck. The hybrid models proved to be quite popular, combining a decent mileage rating with the dependability of a Silverado. This marked an important turning point for Chevrolet and General Motors as the world entered a more eco-conscious period. The electric motor in the Hybrid Silverado only provided power to engine cranking and starting, battery charging, and powering the truck’s accessories. This first hybrid was referred to as a Parallel Hybrid Truck (or PHT) but did not actually meet our current standards for what we consider a PHT. In 2004 General Motors made history again when they released their first Hybrid Chevy Silverado. The Vortec Max was rated for 10,800 lbs towing capacity. While the High Output package focused on the mechanical parts of the SS without the same look, the Vortex Max package focused solely on trailering ability. The biggest boon for it’s trailering ability was the Z85 Handling/Trailering suspension. The big difference in the Vortec Max was the focus on trailering strength. This package was mostly the same as the High Output package with slight variations in badges and other small cosmetic features. In 2006 Chevrolet introduced the Vortec Max Trailering package. The High Output package received minor upgrades and variations over its lifetime. One of the biggest upgrades was the LQ9 6.0L V-8 engine, rated at a whopping 345 horses under the hood, 5200 rpm, and 380 lb/ft of torque. There were several changes made for the High Output option that was not available for previous light-duty Silverados. This became a nationwide option for Chevrolet and GMC 1500 series trucks in 2005. The Vortec High Output option was first made available in limited quantities mostly in Texas in 2004. Who doesn’t want their favorite truck to get tougher? It added a little extra oomph to the Silverado and it was happily accepted by loyal Silverado enthusiasts. The 5.3 L engine got an increased output of 285 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. The engine also received a small facelift. This was the first time we got four doors on a light-duty Silverado, and the crew-cab was added to the light-duty Silverado lineup in 2004. In addition, a driver’s side door option was added for the Silverado’s extended cab. In 2000, the light-duty Silverado saw some design changes. There were three engine options as well, the Vortec 4300 V6 engine, the Vortec 4800 V8 engine, and the Vortex 5300 V8 engine. In its first year of production, the regular cab and 3-door extended cab were the only options available. The first 1500 came in three different cab configurations: But it did have some excellent trim levels to choose from. This first Silverado didn’t have all of the bells and whistles we know modern trucks for today. Much like the trucks of Chevy’s past, the Silverado was made to look great and handle the toughest jobs. 1999 saw Chevrolet’s first production of the Silverado’s light-duty series, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
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