Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid new for 2013

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid is the most fuel efficient, full-size pickup on the market, GM reports. Compared with similar non-hybrid models, it delivers 29-percent greater city fuel efficiency, a 22-percent improvement in overall fuel efficiency, and a 2,767 kilogram (6,100-pound) trailering capacity.
Fuel consumption rating for 2WD model is 10.1 L/100 km city and 8.4 L/100 km highway; the 4WD model is rated at 10.2 L/100 km city and 8.5 L/100 km highway. These ratings are the highest of any full-size pickup, including those with a V-6 engine, the company says.
The Silverado 1500 Hybrid’s propulsion comes from General Motors’ patented two-mode hybrid system and a powerful 6.0L gas V-8, which combine to deliver all-electric driving up to 48 km/h (30 mph). The system saves fuel using electric propulsion, even when towing a trailer.
The Silverado Hybrid is offered in the crew cab body style on both 2WD and 4WD models, with 1SH and 1SJ trim levels. All models are equipped with StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, a locking rear axle and a trailering package. It also includes dual-stage frontal air bags, head curtain side air bags and seat-mounted side-impact air bags.
Hybrid system
The Silverado Hybrid’s unique powertrain system comprises these major components:
• Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT)
• Energy Storage System (ESS)
• Vortec 6.0L V-8 with Active Fuel Management (AFM) and late intake valve closing (LIVC).
This hybrid system allows the 6.0L V-8 engine to operate in its more economical V-4 mode for longer periods.
The EVT bolts directly to the standard four-wheel-drive transfer case found on the gasoline-only models for true four-wheel-drive capability.
A key contributor to fuel efficiency is the gasoline engine’s Auto Stop mode. At vehicle speeds between 0 and 48 km/h, the gasoline engine may be automatically shut down. By leaving the engine off and allowing the vehicle to move only under electric power up to 48 km/h, such as during heavy stop-and-go traffic, fuel consumption is greatly reduced.
The regenerative braking system works in concert with the hydraulic braking system. The system uses a brake pedal emulator, which provides progressive resistance as the pedal is depressed. This consistent pedal feel is very much like that of a standard hydraulic braking system in operation.
Quiet performance
Silverado Hybrid matches its gasoline-only siblings in comfort and convenience, with special attention paid to acoustic details that makes for a very quiet driving experience.
The exhaust system and resonator are specially tuned for the 6.0L LIVC engine’s Active Fuel Management operation to ensure comfortable interior acoustics and a pleasant exhaust note during both V-4 and V-8 operation.
Additional engine intake induction tuning also reduces interior noise and provides a pleasing sound quality, and the low-rolling resistance, “quiet-tuned” P265/65R18 tires reduce road noise. A 300-volt air conditioning compressor is electrically driven, reducing vibration and allowing the HVAC system to cool the passenger compartment even when the gasoline engine is shut off.
A unique hybrid gauge cluster includes a special tachometer incorporating an Auto Stop position just above the 0 rpm mark that indicates when the gasoline engine is in shut-down mode. An analogue economy gauge, to the left of the tachometer, helps the driver maintain the most efficient driving style.
Located midway down the centre stack, the navigation system’s 6.5-inch full-colour VGA display (1SJ models) doubles as a monitor that shows a graphic representation of the hybrid drivetrain’s power flow. This display continuously informs the occupants how the system is sending power to the wheels from the ESS/electric motors, the gasoline engine or both. The screen also displays reverse electrical flow during regenerative braking and whether the vehicle is in two- or four-wheel-drive mode.
Chassis and suspension
The Silverado Hybrid is built on GM?s full-size truck platform, incorporating a fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension, leaf-spring rear suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. A stiff frame reduces vibrations transmitted to the passenger cabin, while the strength and accuracy of the fully boxed frame also enable precise mounting and tuning of chassis and suspension components.
Wide front and rear tracks – 68.1 inches (1,732 mm) front/67 inches (1,702 mm) rear – enhance handling and vehicle stability for a more confident road feel.
Additional standard features include: Autotrac electronic transfer case with rotary controls on 4WD models; axle ratio of 3.08; a locking rear differential; and a trailering package. GVWR is 7,100 pounds on 2WD models and 7,300 pounds on 4WD models.
Safety
The strong body structure is designed to absorb crash energy and provide a protective “safety cage” around occupants. Head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for both seating rows are standard, and seat-mounted side-impact air bags for driver and right-front passenger provide thorax and pelvic protection. The roof-mounted head curtain air bags include design features that provide increased rollover protection and occupant containment.
Additional safety features include:
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system helps reduce the risk of rollover crashes by keeping the vehicle in the driver’s intended path by applying throttle, braking or a combination of both;
• Rear vision camera system designed to provide the driver with a view of people or objects in the rearward path of the vehicle;
• Standard four-wheel-disc brake system with ABS featuring smooth, quiet operation, longer pad life and more resistance to brake pulsation;
• Pretensioners that minimize forward movement during a collision are standard on the front safety belts; and
• Tire pressure monitoring system.