Towing, horsepower, fuel economy and some other specs aren't available yet, but we do know a bit about the new trucks.
EcoTec3 Engines
Watch for three new engine choices for 2014 -- all part of GM's EcoTec3 program. Choose from:
- a 4.3 liter V6
- a 5.3 liter V8
- a 6.2 liter V8
EcoTech3 engines benefit from direct fuel injection and variable valve timing. Cylinder deactivation is another feature, and allows the engine to run on only four cylinders under light load conditions, improving fuel economy.
More 2114 Silverado Truck Highlights
Transmission: All EcoTech3 engines are backed by a six speed automatic transmission with Auto Grade Braking, which helps slow the truck when coasting down hill... you won't need to use the brakes as much.Steering: 2014 Silverado trucks will all be equipped with Electric Power Steering. The system uses an electric motor to reduce steering effort, instead of the hydraulic systems used in the past. One major benefit -- electric steering systems require very little power from the engine, resulting in improved fuel economy.
Brakes: Four wheel disc brakes are standard on the 2014 Silverado, and GM's Duralife rotors are hardened and strengthened to make them last nearly twice as long as conventional rotors.
Silverado Exterior: Although the 2014 Silverado resembles trucks from previous years, it is truly redesigned from its front bumper, grille and hood to the rear CornerStep bumper and tailgate with an incorporated spoiler.
Body updates were designed to reduce wind drag, which improves fuel economy and lowers wind noise to create a quieter cab.
- Grille openings are designed to allow the proper amount of air into the radiator for ideal cooling, but they direct the rest of the air around or over the body.
- The Power Bulges in Silverado's hood are designed to direct air over the wipers.
- Instead of curving towards the roof at their tops, doors stop just short of the roof panel. The shape of the roof panel creates a spoiler effect and the fender contours are designed to smooth and direct air down the sides.
Silverado's Bed
Silverado's bed is constructed of roll-formed steel, making it stronger (but lighter) than conventional stamped beds. The bed is configured with upper-mounted tie-down hooks, LED lights under the side rails and hand grips in the rail caps. Hand grips are used with the truck's CornerStep bumper for improved access into and out of the bed. Silverado's tailgate still has the EZ lift-and-lower feature for hassle-free operation when your hands are full.
Silverado's Chassis
Chevrolet increased the amount of high-strength steel and hydro-formed steel in the truck's frame and cross-members, reducing weight and flex.
Changes to the Truck's Cab
Silverado's cab is built with high-strength steel in the A and B pillars as well as the roof rails and rocker panels. Parts of the rocker panels and the underbody are made from Ultra-high-strength steel for better protection during a side impact.Cab mounts are now what GM calls shear-style, designed to reduce noise and vibrations that can be transmitted from the frame to the cab. Additional hydraulic body mounts are used on crew-cab and extended-cab trucks -- the mounts absorb even more unwanted sound and vibrations.
Extended cab trucks now have front-hinged doors that improve access, especially in tight parking situations.
Crew cab Silverado trucks now have larger rear doors, and the rear seat has been redesigned. In addition, the truck's front seat back is thinner than in previous years, another change that enhances access and allows more legroom for rear seat passengers.
Silverado Bed Lengths
- Extended cab Silverado trucks are available with a 6'6" bed.
- Choose from two bed lengths for crew cab trucks -- 6'6" or 5'8".
- Standard cab picks are available with either a 6'6" or 8' bed.