There’s something to be said about the rewards consumers reap from industry competition. When manufacturers who produce the goods that are necessary for maintaining our quality of life strive to outdo one another in terms of quality, consumers have the option to pick and choose which offering is best. Nowhere else is this spirit of competition more prevalent than in the automotive industry.
Especially when it comes to the pickup truck, with each new model year that passes, the powertrains, features, and options improve and grow. Leading the charge in terms of innovation is Chevy. Continuing to challenge the popular conceptions of what a truck is capable of, they’re once again reasserting their dominance, and the current lineup of Chevy trucks clearly demonstrates this dedication to innovation. Let’s take a closer look at what you can find among the 2024 lineup.
Taking the Lead in the All-Electric Truck Revolution
The growing need for ecological responsibility has permeated every corner of the globe. Within the automotive industry itself, the necessity for manufacturers to offer more electrical options to consumers has been growing steadily. In an effort to reduce the carbon footprint and amount of emission released into the atmosphere each year, manufacturers are working hard to bring EV technology to every class of vehicle.
With its long-standing reputation for innovation and design, it was only a matter of time before Chevy brought this technology to its flagship product, the Silverado 1500. That’s right; the Silverado is going electric! Slated for release in the 2024 model year, the Chevy Silverado EV successfully bridges the gap between the technological innovation of the modern age and the classic look and prowess that Chevy trucks have always been known for. Bearing a resemblance to the Chevy Avalanche, which was discontinued a number of years ago, the Silverado EV will have the same benefits as its petrol and diesel-fueled counterparts.
Chevy aims to produce a version of the Silverado EV that will have an astounding towing capacity of 20,000 lbs, and while the first models are slated to have a rating that ranges from 8,000 to 10,000, it’s nothing short of remarkable what Chevy is bringing to the table in terms of capability. With an available 510 hp and the ability to travel upwards of 400 miles on a full charge, Chevy is once again taking innovation to the absolute limit.
Heavy Duty Goes Off-Roading
One of the reasons so many people have looked to Chevy for their truck-related needs is the versatility and variety within each model. And for those who need to push the limits of the capability to their fullest extent, the Silverado 2500 and 3500 HD are two models that personify the high-end of heavy duty. Known for its towing prowess and ability to accomplish virtually any task assigned to them, Chevy has taken their potency a step further.
What happens when you take two trucks known for being the most reliable workhorses in the industry and formulate them for the rough and tumble world of off-roading? Well, those curiosities will soon be addressed as the 2500 HD has been gifted a ZR2 off-road trim for the 2024 model year. While the Silverado 1500 and Colorado have both been recipients of this off-road-ready trim, the arrival of it for the HD is nothing short of a game changer.
As is the case with the Silverado 2500 HD, the two powertrain offerings that have been associated with the vehicle will remain in place. Both the 6.6L gasoline and diesel-fueled V8s are present. The gasoline engine will be standard and exhibit 401 hp, but drivers who opt for the Duramax Diesel engine will have 470 hp and the capability to generate 975 lb-ft of torque right at their fingertips. Breaking from the normal convention of the Silverado 2500 HD, the ZR2 trim will have a ten-speed automatic transmission as standard for both engines, not to mention 4WD.
Some off-roading attributes that will be appearing will include 18-inch wheels, 33-inch tires, a lifted suspension, and an underbody built like a tank to make the obstacles that obscure your path a non-issue. And while the trim is meant for those keen on taking the less traveled path, the vehicle will still possess the attributes that the lineup is known for, including towing prowess and payload capability. While Chevy’s sibling, GMC, has already outfitted their Sierra with the AT4 and AT4X off-road packages, Chevy’s arrival on the playing field takes the term “heavy-duty” in a whole new direction.
A Welcome Return of an Invincible Force
While the new EV version of the Silverado is on the horizon, and the new off-road-ready 2500 HD is set to make a considerable mark, another form of Chevy’s truck fleet is full speed ahead. Competing against the other off-road tyrants of the industry, the Chevy Silverado 1500 ZR2 is the pinnacle of off-road performance, with its sights set on complete domination for the upcoming model year.
While those who crave the thrill of off-roading are well familiar with the ZR2 line and the excellent reputation of the Silverado 1500, there’s a notable change coming in 2024 that once again reminds us all of Chevy’s knack for providing variety to the drivers who put their trust in the bow-tie brand. The 6.2L V8 that pushes the ZR2 forward with the benefit of 420 hp is being joined by a 3.0L six-cylinder turbocharged Diesel engine. 305 hp is included with the newly available powertrain, and a ten-speed automatic transmission is standard with both.
Many of the features that have made the ZR2 a favorable option for off-roaders remain firmly entrenched in the design, such as the 18-inch wheels and elevated ground clearance of over eleven inches. While the ZR2 edition of the Silverado 2500 HD is geared towards being adept at work and play, the 1500 is specifically formulated for the path less traveled and the areas where one doesn’t require roads.
Super Cruise
One of the most exciting features that GM have implemented in recent years is a semi-autonomous driving technology which they’re referring to as Super Cruise. Hands-free driving with thousands of pre-programmed miles of American and Canadian roadways has been in production for a while. Still, availability has been limited due to the worldwide microchip shortage. The Silverado EV will have this technology when it launches, making it one of the most technologically advanced vehicles for the 2024 model year.
The Future Is Now, and It Belongs to Chevy.
There are a considerable amount of big things heading our way during the 2024 model year. From trucks that are fueled entirely by electricity, a new edition of an off-road capable vehicle that can also be an asset on the job site, hands-free driving, and more variety coming to an established veteran, the future is now. As many people can attest, there’s a lot that can occur within the automotive industry in just one year. And, from the looks of it, the one that Chevy has planned is going to be one for the ages. All that’s left is for you to experience this innovation for yourself.
