Shocks and Springs and Struts and Things

News

Posted on: 16-09-2015

Happy December, folks, which means that it’s effectively next year for the auto industry and with that, comes a new Chevrolet Silverado 1500. New might be a bit of a stretch since the 2016 model is basically a restyled version of the previous model that debuted two years ago. Two year model refreshes are awfully frequent, even in the highly competitive full-sized pickup market but keep in mind that since its 2014 model year launch, the Ford F-150 has undergone a full redesign featuring an innovative aluminum body and the Ram Pickup, with its trick suspension and answers to storage questions that nobody asked, underwent a refresh of its own.

The most obvious change is a revised front fascia, featuring headlights that are not identical in size to the turn signals/running lights for the first time in decades. Higher trim levels will feature LED front lighting, a la Audi and the sketchy isle at Pep Boys, while lesser models will soldier on with traditional filament bulbs that are now, ostensibly, so last year. Beefed up sheet metal styling, new wheels, fresh colors, and fancier taillights round out the exterior updates.

Not a lot has changed underneath, which is good for us since our current line of Silverado lift and leveling kits will fit perfectly on the 2016’s suspensions. In the powertrain department, available engines will be the familiar 4.3L, 5.3L, and 6.2L units but expect to find GM’s slick 8-speed transmission used in the 2015 HD’s bolted into the nicer-equipped V8 half-tons. Curiously, the powertrain warranty is down to 5 years/60,000 mi from 2015’s 5 year/100,000 mi plan. Other coverages remain identical to the previous year.

In addition to some minor aesthetic tweaks, the interior gains a plethora of high-tech options, namely the availability of GM’s corporate MyLink infotainment system. This features a seven-inch touch screen in place of the radio that displays the app menu from compatible iOS and Andriod devices. This presumably will prevent drivers from fumbling with their phones so much in traffic while keeping that expensive touch screen system from becoming obsolete as quickly as past systems. Also available is a wireless smartphone charging pad as well as a nifty feature that automatically dips the high beams when approaching an oncoming vehicle. As far as we can tell, though, the steering column remains slightly off-center.

Pricing begins at a scant under $27,000 for a bare-bones V6 Work Truck but can climb north of $60,000 once all the option boxes are checked. Bear in mind that the loaded versions are packed with luxury and tech features that were only found on the most elite of German sedans until a just couple of years ago. A very nicely appointed Silverado can be had for under $45,000 and we expect the brunt of sales to fall into that price range.

In other news, the GMC Sierra 1500 is also restyled for 2016. We are not surprised.