The new and revised design for 2012 includes a chrome mesh grille matched with either a chrome surround on LS and LT models or a body-color surround on LTZ. LS and LT models now feature a silver-painted lower bumper fascia that is more aerodynamic on 2WD models without tow hooks, and a new 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheel. Four new exterior colors: Silver Ice Metallic, Mocha Steel Metallic, Carbon Flash Metallic, and Graystone have been added. Two new interior color combinations are available: Dark Titanium/Light Titanium and Dark Cashmere/Light Cashmere.
The White Diamond Edition is available in LT or LTZ trim. Content includes a unique White Diamond Tricoat exterior color, chrome mirror caps and door handles, and body side moldings with chrome accents on LT models. The LTZ version adds the Z60 high-performance suspension package, 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, touring tires and a chrome tow hook and exhaust tip package.
Customers seeking a more rugged-looking Silverado can choose the Z71 Off-Road Appearance Package. It is available on LT and LTZ extended cab and crew cab models equipped with the Z71 suspension and includes Rancho front and rear shocks, body colored front end appearance, 18-inch aluminum wheels with on/off-road tires, fog lamps, bold Z71 graphics and more.
The Silverado 1500 lineup is built on GM’s full-size truck architecture, which supports a smooth ride and confident handling. A lineup of powerful small-block V-8 engines and six-speed automatic transmissions complement the strong chassis by enabling a maximum payload capacity of 1,937 pounds (879 kg) on the 2WD crew cab (with the Max Trailering Package).
When equipped with the available Max Trailering Package and the 6.2L V8, the Silverado 1500 can tow up to 10,700 pounds (4,853 kg).
Thanks to ongoing development and fuel-saving technologies such as Active Fuel Management and variable valve timing, Chevrolet Silverado’s mainstream 5.3-liter V8 is highly competitive in fuel economy.
For 4WD pickups, which make up approximately 70 percent of retail sales, Silverado V8 matches the EPA combined estimate for a competitor’s boosted V6, and provides better warranty coverage — a 100,000 mile/5-year powertrain limited warranty.
For those seeking even better economy, Silverado offers two V8 alternatives. The Chevrolet Silverado XFE incorporates improved aerodynamics, a 5.3L/six-speed automatic powertrain, and other enhancements to deliver an EPA-estimated 22 mpg on the highway. The segment-exclusive Silverado Hybrid returns for 2012, too, combining EPA estimates of 20 mpg city/23 mpg highway with Chevrolet Silverado’s traditional capabilities – including a 6,100-pound (2,767 kg) towing capacity.
