The Chevrolet Silverado Cheyenne concept embraces the adage that less is more. With this performance-oriented concept of the all-new 2014 Silverado regular cab, a reduced curb weight and the performance of the new 420-horsepower 6.2L V-8 combine for a strong power-to-weight ratio and exhilarating performance.
LAS VEGAS – The Chevrolet Silverado Cheyenne concept vehicle to
be unveiled at the SEMA Show on Monday, Nov. 4, embraces the adage that less is
more. The performance-oriented version of the all-new 2014 Silverado regular
cab combines a reduced curb weight with the
performance of the new 420-horsepower 6.2L V-8 for a strong power-to-weight
ratio and exhilarating performance.
A lowered ride height, a rear stabilizer bar and
Brembo carbon ceramic brakes complement the Cheyenne concept’s high-performance
character with enhanced handling and braking capability.
“The Cheyenne concept explores the performance
possibilities of the all-new Silverado, which is already built on a
mass-efficient layout and delivers a greater balance of performance and
efficiency than any other full-size truck in Chevrolet’s history,” said Chris
Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing.
The unique lightweight features built into the
concept vehicle include carbon fiber replacements for the bumpers, tailgate and
inner cargo box, shaving approximately 200 pounds from the 4,503 pounds base
curb weight of a 5.3L-equipped Silverado regular cab with a 6’6” box.
Cheyenne designers matched the form of the
lightweight components with their low-mass function. The carbon fiber front
bumper includes racing-inspired ground effects styling complemented by carbon
body-side ground effects while the carbon fiber tailgate incorporates a spoiler.
The hood features a Camaro Z/28-inspired extractor vent.
The Camaro Z/28 Brembo carbon ceramic brakes save
more weight because the carbon ceramic-matrix rotors are significantly lighter
than conventional steel rotors. On the Camaro Z/28, for example, they save more
than 20 pounds – and it saves un-sprung weight, too, which enhances driving
performance with more immediate and direct handling. The truck rolls on
charcoal-painted 19-inch Camaro Z/28 aluminum wheels and high-performance
tires.
The Cheyenne diet removes the trailer hitch, spare
tire, interior center console and some of the sound-deadening material. The
truck also has a lightweight aluminum driveshaft and composite rear leaf
springs.
“Lightweighting is a time-honored method of making
the most of a vehicle’s performance which Chevrolet has demonstrated time and
again with vehicles like the original 2001 Corvette Z06 and the 2014 Camaro
Z/28,” said Perry. “And like those vehicles, the Cheyenne complements its lower
weight with more horsepower.”
The all-new EcoTec3 6.2L V-8 that powers the
concept truck is rated at 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque – the most
power in the light-duty truck segment. It’s unavailable in regular-production
Silverado regular cab models, giving the Cheyenne a 65-horsepower and 77 lb-ft
boost over the production 5.3L V-8. A Borla performance exhaust system adds an
authoritative note to the 6.2L’s output.
What remains is the Silverado’s production
six-speed automatic transmission, which features hill descent control, as well
as fuel-saving electric power steering and StabiliTrak electronic stability
control with hill start assist.
Inside, the Cheyenne’s performance theme is
conveyed with Recaro sport seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel, similar to
the steering wheel offered in the Camaro ZL1. Available safety features,
including lane departure warning, front and rear park assist and a rear-vision
camera, enhance safety without detracting from the truck’s performance.
All
Silverado models feature a fully boxed frame that serves as the foundation for their
strength and capability. The main rails and major cross members are formed from
high-strength steel, providing a rigid base for maximum hauling capability.
“Elements such as high-strength steel in the frame
and body structure are found on all production models, while some also feature
aluminum suspension components, contributing to the Silverado’s everyday
performance. With the Cheyenne concept, we’ve taken the low-mass concept to a
new level – with exciting results,” Perry said.
“It is only a concept right now, but we are
continually exploring new ways to give Silverado customers more.”
FAST FACT: Cheyenne was introduced as a
premium Chevy truck trim level in 1971. The name also appeared a futuristic
2003 concept vehicle.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing
business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and
trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that
feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More
information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
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