Fuel economy is what we needChevrolet has decided to increase fuel economy and sales at the same time. The new Chevrolet Silverado trucks along with the new Tahoe and suburban sport utility vehicles are built on what General Motors is calling the GMT 900 platform. The trucks have been picking up awards from consumer groups and journalists all around the world. A large miles per gallon increase coupled with increases in horsepower remains a vital area of improvement on this line of trucks. The government agency I work for has added several hundred of these new trucks to our fleet. If you give the customer what they want, more power, attractive new styling increased fuel economy and built on a solid boxed frame then sales will increase and awards will be won.
Fuel economy is on everyone's mindChevrolet is actively pushing the new 5.3 L V-8 engine. This engine is now available with active fuel management. Active fuel management simply put is the computer disconnecting four of the eight cylinders to an increase the fuel economy of the vehicle.The deactivation of the four cylinders only occurs at highway cruising speeds and cannot be felt by the vehicle's operator. When you apply more power the active fuel management system re-engages all eight cylinders providing you with the power you expect from a V-8. How does this affect fuel economy?The new 2009 Chevrolet Silverado line of trucks has been producing 22 miles per gallon or better on the highway this is a large improvement over the previous model year.My own truck is a 2004 Chevrolet Blazer with a 4.3 L V-6. My truck continues to receive around 17 miles to the gallon on the highway and about 15 miles per gallon in the city. I am working on this problem with some unconventional methods that you can see on my water4gas reviews page. But the fact that a larger more powerful truck can receive better fuel economy is a sure sign that General Motors is stepping up to the plate and designing a vehicle the automotive consumer truly needs.
What other improvements has Chevrolet made?General Motors redesigned Silverado truck line, which includes the Tahoe, the suburban and their line of pickup trucks, uses a new box style frame. Unlike other manufacturers starting to come on board with the box style frame, General Motors has run the frame in one solid piece from the front all the way to the rear axle.This improves frame rigidity and is usually connected with ride and handling considerations. This also helps with aerodynamics, thereby improving fuel economy. The Fully boxed frame keeps down the torsional twisting of the vehicle as it is driven down the road. This process closes and tightens gaps on the truck, which not only makes it look better but also improves the fuel economy by further improving aerodynamics.
The small block V-8 engine complements the stronger chassis to deliver higher towing capacity, horsepower and fuel economy while maintaining a maximum payload capacity of 2100 pounds in the bed of the truck.
The interior of Chevrolet's new models will have a choice of two configurations. The luxury option will include the interior out of the high-line Tahoe and suburban. This interior includes lots of leather and wood grain panels for the high-end buyer. Chevrolet has not forgotten the heritage of the pickup truck and is also offering a work truck style interior. This interior still includes all of the power features that we have become used to, but is still user-friendly enough to jump into with dirty boots. Better fuel economy from a 4speed automatic transmissionAs you may have noticed, Ford and Dodge have come out with a five and six speed transmissions. Chevrolet has decided not to join the crowd and retain its reliable four speed transmission as standard equipment. Chevrolet has so much faith in its proven four-speed transmission that they are able to offer a 100,000 mile or 10 year power train warranty.Chevrolet stated in an automotive news press release that their four speed automatic transmission provides better fuel economy than the competitors five and six speed transmissions. As a closing note, if fuel economy is not a concern and power is more important to you. General Motors has left this option up to you. If you are looking for raw power, go ahead and order your truck with the 6.0 L V-8. This engine provides 367 hp and a 10,500 pound tow rating.
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