On Thursday, General Motors unveiled the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado, a full-size pickup truck with a significant technological overhaul that includes a hands-free Super Cruise advanced driver assistance system, an infotainment system with embedded Google services, and a revamped cabin. A new flagship variant, the off-road ZR2 pickup with a factory-installed suspension increase, has been added to the Silverado lineup.
The new Silverado arrives ahead of GM’s electric vehicle offensive, which will include Chevrolet and GMC pickup trucks. GM aims to launch 30 new electric vehicles on the global market by 2025, with the goal of transitioning to zero-emission vehicles by 2035. The updated Silverado models will be available in showrooms in spring 2022, according to GM.
A new front fascia and daytime running lights that activate as the driver walks up to or away from the vehicle have been added to the Chevy Silverado’s appearance. The truck’s interior, as well as its hardware and software, have seen significant improvements.
The Chevy Silverado LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, ZR2, LTZ, and High Country models all have a 2.7-liter turbocharged engine that now delivers 420 pound-feet of torque (up 20 percent over the previous model). The maximum towing capacity on 2WD vehicles is 9,600 pounds. The transmission was also changed by GM to make it smoother and give drivers more power on demand.
The 3.0 L Duramax turbocharged diesel engine was also improved, giving it a 13,300-pound towing capacity (2WD models). There are two engines to choose from: a 5.3-liter V8 and a 6.2-liter V8. To make the interior cabin feel more spacious, a 13.4-inch touchscreen and a new 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster are standard. Optional features include a back camera mirror and a head-up display. The interior of the Silverado will be available in new colours, seat types, and high-end materials. For model grades with bucket seats, the centre console will now have an electronic shift controller.
According to Alexandre Scartezini, Chevrolet Truck’s senior interior designer, it’s more contemporary and elegant, with a hint of Corvertte in the design DNA. As they progress deeper into the vehicle, they will notice Google, or more specifically Android Automotive, at the heart of the operating system. This means that Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play are all available on the infotainment screen. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will be available in the 2019 Silverado. According to GM, the system also works with Amazon Alexa.
All Silverado models include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision alerts, as well as a warning if the vehicle drifts out of its lane, a following distance indicator, automatic high lights, and front pedestrian braking. The most major change is the addition of the automaker’s Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance technology, which will be available as a High Country model option. It should also be noted that the technology can be used while trailering. Some Super Cruise features, such as automated lane changing and lane change on demand, will be disabled while the truck is towing. Super Cruise employs lidar map data, high-precision GPS, cameras, and radar sensors, as well as a driver attentiveness system that monitors the driver’s concentration. Unlike Tesla’s Autopilot driving assistance system, users of Super Cruise do not need to keep their hands on the wheel. Their focus, on the other hand, must be fixed on the road ahead.
