Chevy's 2003 Cheyenne concept truck is a thunderstone metallic full-size pickup. With enhanced cargo-carrying features, the truck is what the designers at Chevy set out to build--a pickup that makes the best use of both interior and cargo space while increasing passenger comfort.
"These trucks feature a purity of form and purpose, and exuded class and elegance," Jeff Angeleri, Cheyenne's exterior designer, told reporters. "We wanted to communicate rugged elegance by creating an integrated, refined, muscular exterior with flowing flared wheel arches connected to soft yet tense body forms."
Cheyenne Body and Chassis
A cab that's thrust forward on its extruded aluminum chassis.
Wheels positioned at the corners to enhance stability and cargo capability.
An independent rear suspension and rear-wheel-steering system, similar to the QS4 system used in some of today's GM vehicles.
A front-hinged clamshell hood that provides full access to the front compartment.
An Innovative Cargo Box
A bed that's accessible by two side-access doors positioned directly behind the cab, in addition to a traditional tailgate.
A bed floor that's just 28 inches above the ground, significantly lower than the two-wheel-drive Silverado. This lower bed was made possible by the independent rear suspension configuration.
A tailgate that opens fully in the traditional manner, or halfway for loading small cargo or create a work shelf.
Multiple storage bins in the box floor and drawers in the box sides. The box is equipped with lighting and integrated tie-downs.
Interior Enhancements
A low and uncluttered instrument panel.
A seat mechanism that's integrated into the floor to provide more usable foot room.
Seats and headliner covered in mottled saddle, handcrafted leather.
Brushed, satin-finish aluminum inlays in the doors and floor.
A drop-down assist step, developed in partnership with Amp Research.
A two-panel glass roof, with integrated sunroof, and a wraparound, "bubble back" rear glass to accentuate the cab's openness (a feature borrowed from the 1955 Cameo).
Throw In a Supercharged V-8 Engine
A supercharged all-alloy 6.0-liter Vortec engine, generating 500 horsepower and 580 lbs.-ft. of torque. This V-8 engine is used with GM Powertrain's Displacement on Demand (DOD) technology, debuting on some 2005 GM models. DOD shuts down half of the cylinders during most driving conditions, and automatically and seamlessly reactivates them for more demanding tasks, such load hauling.
More
All-new aluminum alloy control arms and Fox coil-over remote reservoir shocks to increase off-road capability.
BF Goodrich 35-inch tires mounted to 22-inch wheels. Six-piston calipers with 15-inch rotors on the front wheels; four-piston calipers with 14.75-inch rotors on the rear.
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