One big improvement
for 2005 that is found on all Silverado models is the redesigned brake
system. GM switched to front disc/rear drum from 4-wheel disc but improved
or replaced the master cylinder, power booster, front calipers and front
rotors. GM truck brakes have been notorious for poor pedal feel and braking
effort. The stopping distance was satisfactory, but the pedal feel hardly
instilled confidence. The new brakes are wonderfully balanced and with
no more mushy pedal feel.
The SS comes with GM’s Z60 suspension that is firm, stable and
lowers the ride height to a more aggressive stance. The Z60 includes gas-charged
shocks, front and rear anti-sway bars. It rides on P245/75R20 tires wrapped
around 20-inch spoked alloy wheels. Exterior styling cues include diamond-mesh
grille, air intakes in the lower front valance, chrome exhaust outlet
and monochromatic paint. The SS is available only in black, silver and
red. All SS trucks are first assembled in the Oshawa, Canada, truck plant,
then taken off the line and sent to a nearby Tecstar facility for installation
of the SS components.
Our brief
drive in the new 2WD SS coincided with a visit to DEI for the introduction
of the Intimidator SS, a special edition of the Silverado SS. The unique
differences include a honeycomb front grille mesh, the Dale Earnhardt
Legacy logo embroidered on the seat headrest, Intimidator badging and
floormats, 20-inch chrome wheels and race-inspired tailgate spoiler. The
truck also appeared to have the power dome hood, but there was no mention
of such a modification in the press literature.
The unveiling came during Dale Earnhardt Day, which commemorated the
racing legend’s birthday. Thousands of fans from across the country
came to the DEI shop for family activities, souvenir buying and meeting
other Earnhardt faithful. Just 1333 Silverado Intimidator SS trucks will
be produced, according to GM officials. This is the third Dale Earnhardt
signature edition of a GM vehicle. He also lent his name to the 2002 Dale
Earnhardt Signature Edition Monte Carlo (3333 units) and the 2004 Monte
Carlo Intimidator SS (4000 units). Dale Jr. also has a signature series
supercharged Monte Carlo from the 2004 model line. Chevrolet makes a donation
to the Dale Earnhardt Foundation from the sale of the truck.
Before the introduction, GM officials talked about the Silverado SS and
offered a few more details into the 2006 models before we start seeing
early previews of the next-generation Silverado. The 2WD Silverado SS
features a new 9.5-inch ring gear in the rear differential that will be
offered in more models next year.
“This (9.5-inch ring gear) will start allowing us to put the performance
levels above what we’ve had in the past,” said Michael Tulumello,
vehicle line director for GM’s fullsize trucks.
Reading between the lines, it means that an even more powerful engine
may become available in the Silverado SS soon and that the LQ9 will be
offered in other Silverados. One online source says GM is looking at an
engine with nearly 400 horsepower for the Silverado SS as well as offering
it in a regular cab, shortbed configuration.
Officials
did confirm that the power dome hood will be standard on all pickups next
year. They also said a new configuration of the Extended Cab mated with
the 68.5-inch short bed from the Crew Cab will be introduced. This combination
will shorten the Silverado about 10 inches, making parking much easier
and giving consumers who don’t need a lot of payload or cargo volume
an additional choice. The Extended Cab will be available with 5.7-, 6.5-
and 8.1-foot long beds, matching a similar offering in the new Ford F-150
lineup. Finally, officials said a new 6-speed Allison automatic transmission
will become available in the 2500/3500 heavy duty trucks. Besides closer
gear ratios for improved shifting under load, this new tranny includes
a tap-up, tap-down feature for more driver control. No other details were
given about the 2006 lineup.
