Press Release
Page 1: Overview (I)
Page 2: Overview (II)
Page 3: Chassis
Page 4: Design
Page 5: Interior
Page 6: Powertrain
Chassis
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Integrated trailer brake controller system
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New 17-inch wheels and tires
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Revised steering with improved on-center feel
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New trailer hitch platform enables segment-leading 13,000-pound (5,897 kg) maximum conventional trailer weight
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Segment-leading gross combined weight rating of 18,500 lbs. (8,393 kg)
Designed to pull their weight for any task while simultaneously delivering a smooth, responsive ride, 2007 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty chassis and suspension systems are enhanced to support the trucks?????????????????????????????????????? increased capabilities, including segment-leading maximum conventional trailer weight rating (13,000 pounds / 5,897 kg) and gross combined vehicle weight rating (18,500 pounds / 8,393 kg). Enhancements include revised suspension tuning and a new steering gear. New 17-inch aluminum wheels and tires also are available.
???????????????????????????????????Silverado and Sierra heavy-duty pickups are known for their balance of great ride and handling while performing under load,???????????????????????????????? said Jim Mikulec, vehicle performance manager. ???????????????????????????????????The new 2007 models build on that reputation with refinements that bolster driver control and enhancements that support their increased capabilities.????????????????????????????????
In addition to their greater capabilities, the heavy-duty trucks are offered with an integrated trailer brake controller that eliminates the need for add-on brake controller systems.
Robust frame
Serving as the backbone of the Silverado and Sierra heavy-duty pickups?????????????????????????????????????? strength and capability, the vehicle frame is comprised of a sturdy ladder design that is reinforced with numerous cross braces. It features a segmented design that enables easy and accurate adaptation of numerous lengths to accommodate the trucks?????????????????????????????????????? five wheelbase lengths. The frame sections are joined with strong, welded, overlapping segments that bolster overall strength and rigidity. There are five wheelbase lengths to accommodate the trucks?????????????????????????????????????? broad range of configurations.
The front frame section is constructed of hydroformed side rails; GM pioneered the use of hydroformed frame rails for full-size trucks on the previous-generation vehicles. The process uses highly pressurized fluid ??????????????????????????????????????? up to 20,000 psi ??????????????????????????????????????? to shape the frame rails. This provides a strong, more accurate frame section that enables very precise location of suspension components.
The midsection of the frame features a ladder-type design, with strengthening cross braces. The midsection retains the basic configuration of previous models, with minor revisions to accommodate new body mounts and diesel particulate filter equipment. The rear frame section supports the rear leaf spring suspension, axle and trailer hitch platform and, like the midsection, it features strategic cross braces for strength and stiffness.
Integrated trailer brake controller
New Silverado and Sierra heavy-duty trucks are now available with an integrated trailer brake controller. It is integrated with the ABS system and provides immediate and measured brake force signaling to electric-controlled trailer brake systems. As it is fully integrated with the vehicle??????????????????????????????????????s ABS and electric systems, there is no requirement for external and/or aftermarket brake control systems ??????????????????????????????????????? response is simultaneous with the application of the vehicle brakes. The trailer brake controller switch is located at the lower-left of the instrument panel.
???????????????????????????????????This is a feature anyone who tows a trailer will really appreciate,???????????????????????????????? said Mikulec. ???????????????????????????????????There??????????????????????????????????????s no need to have an aftermarket system wired up ??????????????????????????????????????? this factory-installed system does it all within the vehicle??????????????????????????????????????s new electrical architecture.????????????????????????????????
Increased capacity tow hitch receiver
To maximize the towing capacity of the 2007 Silverado and Sierra heavy-duty pickups, the tow hitch platform is upgraded and features a 2.5-inch receiver, versus the previous two-inch design. This enables a higher-capacity tow hitch to be used and increases the maximum conventional trailer weight to a segment-best 13,000 pounds (5,897 kg). The hitch receiver platform is mounted directly to the vehicle frame.
The increased-capacity hitch platform complements the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 18,500 (8,392) pounds for both gas- and diesel-powered vehicles ??????????????????????????????????????? a segment-best for small-block gas-powered heavy-duty trucks.
Suspension systems
The front suspension for all Silverado and Sierra heavy-duty models uses an independent short-long arm ( SLA ) design with torsion bars. Shock absorber valving is tuned to balance smooth, compliant ride and handling traits whether the truck is loaded or empty. A Hotchkiss-type live axle rear suspension features a robust rear axle design and two- or three-stage multi-leaf springs that support the vehicles?????????????????????????????????????? towing and payload capabilities.
There are two suspension packages available: Z85 and Z71. The Z85 suspension is standard on 2WD and 4WD models; the optional Z71 Off Road suspension is new on 2007 heavy-duty models and includes additional chassis and suspension equipment, including skid plates.
All Silverado and Sierra heavy-duty models ride on a wide, 68.6-inch (1,742 mm) front track. The rear track on 2500HD trucks is 66 inches (1,676 mm); the rear track on 3500HD is 74.7 inches (1,897 mm). The wide track widths give Silverado and Sierra heavy-duty models a firmly planted feel and contribute to their smooth, responsive ride and handling.
Steering details
A new steering control box is used with the recirculating ball steering system on all heavy-duty models, delivering improved returnability for a greater feeling of control and on-center feel. The steering ratio remains at 24:1.
The new steering gear also is lighter in weight than the previous steering box. Power-assisted steering is standard on all models.
Large-capacity brake system
A high-capacity, four-wheel disc brake system with four-wheel ABS provides Silverado and Sierra heavy-duty trucks with superior stopping capability. ABS is standard on all models. The brake system includes large-diameter front and rear disc rotors and stiff brake calipers.
The front rotors are thick, with large cooling vents, and are acted upon with stiff, cast iron, dual-piston brake calipers. The calipers reduce the tendency for flexing during hard or prolonged braking and, with the large rotors, contribute to a direct and strong brake pedal feel. The rear disc brakes feature standard vented discs and a single-piston rear brake caliper design that contributes to reduced brake noise and more immediate braking response.
The brakes are complemented by the Hydroboost brake application system, including a larger master cylinder and active brake booster. Engineers tuned the application system to optimize pedal feel and system responsiveness. Less pedal pressure is required to provide a more immediate brake response.
Wheels and tires
New 17-inch tires and aluminum wheels are available on the heavy-duty models. They complement the standard 16-inch wheel-and-tire combinations on single rear wheel models. Sixteen-inch steel wheels are standard; 16-inch aluminum wheels are available. Models equipped with the Z71 Off Road package come with 17-inch aluminum wheels. All Dually models are offered with 16-inch wheels.
All models are available with either all-season tires or all-terrain tires. Sixteen-inch tires are sized at 245/75R16; the 17-inch tire size is 265/70R17.
