New designs for the 2016 Silverado provide a unique look for each trim level, enabling customers to choose the one that fits their personalities.Photo: General Motors
The expanded use of an 8-speed automatic transmission might be the most anticipated offering for the 2016 Silverado, but advanced lighting technologies are a point of pride for General Motors engineers.
Designers integrated lights into the sweeping horizontal elements and deep grille inserts, which they say “create more expressive forms.” Turn signals and brake lamps wrap around the corners of the truck for a more streamlined look.
The new designs provide a unique look for each Silverado trim level and let customers choose a look that fits their personalities, according to Chevrolet.
For example, the Silverado WT features chrome horizontal grille elements, black grille inserts and compact, high-intensity discharge headlamps. LT and LTZ Silverados feature chrome grille elements and bumpers, while Z71 models have a monochromatic appearance. Silverado High Country features chrome horizontal bars and unique grille inserts, set off by body-colored bumpers.
All trim levels feature LED signature daytime running lamps and park/turn lamps. LED fog lamps are available on LT and standard on LT Z71.
LTZ, LTZ/Z71 and High Country models feature LED technology for all lighting, including LED headlamps, daytime running lights, fog lights, parking and turn-signal lamps and tail lamps.
Lighting isn’t the only technology getting a boost in the new Silverado. The updated available Chevy MyLink, with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as additional safety technologies are also new features.
Silverado customers are among the top users of the connectivity offered by available OnStar and 4G LTE Wi-Fi, according to the company.
This integration of phone and vehicle allows drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri.
Using CarPlay is simple, Chevrolet says. A “Projection” icon on the MyLink screen, visible when a phone is not connected, changes to indicate “CarPlay” when a compatible phone is connected via USB. Compatible apps need to be downloaded to a phone before using and Apple’s privacy statement and terms of use apply. Data plan rates may also apply.
CarPlay-supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third-party apps. A full list of those apps can be found at Apple.com/ios/carplay.
Silverado models with the available 7-inch color MyLink also will support Android Auto.
Safety features offered with the 2016 Silverado 1500 include Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist and IntelliBeam high-beam assist.
The truck is also available with a remote locking tailgate.
Wireless phone charging is available on LT and LTZ double-cab and crew-cab models with available bucket seats and it is standard on High Country.
Silverado High Country also will be available with power articulating running boards, which extend to enhance access to the cab and can also swing rearward for easier access to the bed.
Silverado features a fully boxed, high-strength steel frame. Chevrolet says the body structure also makes extensive use of high-strength steels, as well as roll-formed steel beds.
Customers can choose from three EcoTec3 engines. All three feature direct fuel injection, continuously variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation, also known as Active Fuel Management. All switch to four-cylinder mode under light-load conditions.
Silverado’s standard 4.3L V-6 is SAE certified at 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque, the most torque of any standard V-6, according to the manufacturer.
The 5.3L V-8 is certified at 355-horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque.
Silverado’s available 6.2L V-8 is certified at 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Chevrolet says the engine also offers the highest towing of any V-8 light-duty pickup at up to 12,000 pounds.
For 2016, the new 8-speed automatic transmission that is standard on 6.2L-equipped Silverados will be standard on LTZ, LTZ/Z71 and High Country Silverados with the 5.3L V-8.
The new 8-speed provides a numerically higher first gear ratio. Its wider overall gear ratio spread also enables numerically lower rear-axle ratios, which reduce engine rpm on the highway.
