General Motors at 2006 SEMA

Press Release

Chevrolet Silverado 427

During the heyday of the muscle car, three digits struck fear into the hearts of challengers who found themselves unlucky enough to sidle up next to a Chevy wearing the badge “427.� The badge is back on the Silverado 427 – a concept vehicle that demonstrates a tangible extension of the new Silverado’s performance parameters.

The Silverado 427 is powered by GM Powertrain’s 7.0-liter LS7, the same Gen IV small-block V-8 that is the center of power in the Corvette Z06 and available as a “crate engine� package from GM Performance Parts. Its cubic-inch displacement is 427. A six-speed manual transmission backs the engine, providing the driver with full control of the vehicle’s substantial capability.

“There’s hardly a more legendary – or menacing, depending on your point of view – moniker in the world of performance than ‘427’,� said John Cafaro, chief designer for full-size trucks. “The Silverado 427 concept delivers on the expectation of that revered badge with performance that equals or surpasses the original.�

More than just a pickup with a more powerful engine, the Silverado 427 is a total performance package, with a lowered suspension that delivers racecar-like reflexes and an exterior styling package that is simultaneously aggressive and understated.

“The regular cab, short box body style of the Silverado 427 was a deliberate choice, because it represents the essence of elemental performance: filling the smallest, nimblest body and chassis with the most powerful engine,� said Cafaro. “Indeed, all elements of this concept are simple and minimalist; it is equipped only with the components necessary to convey its performance.�

This means a traditional rear-drive layout for the Silverado 427. There is no all-wheel drive or electronic traction enhancers. Luxury features also were kept to a minimum, as the vehicle’s focus was kept squarely on performance.

Drivetrain details

Fitting the LS7 engine into the Silverado’s engine bay was relatively simple, because it is based on the same Gen IV small-block V-8 family as the Silverado’s regular production V-8 engines – and is available as a “crate engine� package from GM Performance Parts. A custom-fabricated air intake system was designed for the Silverado 427, adding not only a necessary air path for the engine but also some underhood distinction.

The LS7 is rated at 505 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, and is built with lightweight reciprocating assembly components and other design features that have their roots in the Corvette racing program. In fact, the LS7 uses a racing-style dry sump oiling system that ensures optimal engine oiling during all driving and cornering maneuvers. Engineers had to make room under the Silverado’s hood for the LS7’s external oil supply tank.

The Silverado 427’s LS7 engine is backed by a Tremec heavy-duty six-speed manual transmission, which transfers torque to GM’s automatic locking rear axle. It’s fitted with 3.73 gears, which multiplies the torque of the LS7 to provide muscle car-challenging acceleration. The six-speed transmission has a steep, 3.01:1 first gear, which contributes to a tremendous performance at launch, while two overdrive gears balance the Silverado 427’s performance with fuel economy that first-generation 427 drivers could only dream of.

Complementing the drivetrain is a set of 22 x 10-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels mounted to wide Pirelli Scorpion 305/40ZR22 performance tires, which do their best to maintain adherence to the Tarmac as the LS7’s revs climb. The tires are the contact points for a performance-tuned suspension that used Ground Force custom front and rear lowering springs, front struts and rear shocks. The lowered suspension helps the Silverado 427 corner flatter and with more precision, while also giving the vehicle a “just right� performance stance. A set of Baer disc brakes, with six-piston calipers and 16-inch-diameter rotors, provides the stopping force for the vehicle.

Powerful design – inside and out

Complementing the Silverado 427’s performance is a thoughtfully designed exterior that deftly incorporates high-performance styling cues in a restrained manner, giving the truck a look that is unmistakably aggressive yet respectful of its minimalist performance ethic. The design incorporates numerous changes compared with production Silverado models, including new front and rear fascias, hood, cowl, tailgate, tonneau and body-side cladding.

Many of the design elements are subtle, such as the tight body cladding – which incorporate polished billet side-exit exhaust outlets – and shaved door handles. Other elements immediately draw the eye; the most prominent of these being the dramatic hood scoop. It was designed as a contemporary interpretation of the famous Corvette “Stinger� hood scoop, which identified 427-powered Corvettes of the mid-1960s. And like the original Stinger scoop, the Silverado 427’s hood scoop is emblazoned with the “427� numbers and a complementing accent color over the Laser Blue exterior color.

The grille, fascias and tailgate all are designed with a performance-oriented, streamlined appearance. The doors are opened via an ITW Active Touch.

Inside, the Silverado 427 is outfitted with Corvette seats that have been covered with custom Soliel Keisel leather upholstery and equipped with three-point racing-style harnesses. The perforated, black leather seat coverings have blue inserts. Between the seats is a custom center console that incorporates the shifter and houses a set of billet-face instruments. Other details include a revised instrument panel, with billet inserts and trim.

Chevy U.S. Ski Team Tahoe

Chevrolet and the U.S. Ski Team are strong partners, and the uniquely outfitted U.S. Ski Team Tahoe is an extension of this relationship. The all-new 2007 Chevy Tahoe is an ideal winter activity vehicle that provides all-weather capability, comfort and safety. Tahoe’s distinctive, sporty exterior design is a standout with the custom U.S. Ski Team colors and graphics. The tactfully located Spyder apparel and U.S. Ski Team logs and graphics accent the white-with-red-and-blue trim color theme that continues throughout Tahoe’s refined, spacious and luxurious interior. Practicality is enhanced with a modified luggage rack outfitted for skis and snowboards, plus Chevy Accessories’ tubular assist steps, tow hooks and rear fascia closeout.

Vehicle highlights

• 5.3L Gen IV V-8 engine

• Multi-color custom paint – White Diamond with blue, red and gold graphics

• U.S. Ski Team logos

• 20 x 9-inch polished aluminum wheels

• BFGoodrich 285/55/20 All Terrain tires

• Re-trimmed interior in U.S. Ski Team colors – white leather with blue inserts, red and blue hand-stitching, custom embroidered Spyder web design with U.S. Ski Team and Spyder logos

• Matching white leather door panels with hand-stitched red and blue inserts

• Custom switch bezels on doors and steering wheel with a matching gauge cluster

• Modified 2007 Cadillac Escalade luggage rack with body color end caps

• Roof mounted ski / snowboard rack

• GM Navigation system

• Magellan portable GPS eXplorist 600 Series

Chevy Avalanche Z71 Plus

The all-new 2007 Chevy Avalanche is one of the industry’s most unique and capable SUVs, combining full-size utility interior room and truck-like cargo capability. GM engineers developed the Avalanche Z71 Plus to project the ultimate off-road image, equipping it with accessories that make the Z71 Plus a go-anywhere, do-anything vehicle. Among its details are 20-inch wheels, BF Goodrich off-road tires, an integrated Warn 6,000-pound winch that is concealed in the bumper, roof-mounted lighting and unique PPG tri-coat Spectra Flair custom paint.

Vehicle highlights

• GM Vortec 6.0L V-8 and Hydra-Matic 4L70 four-speed automatic transmission

• Eaton locking front and rear differentials; 4.10 gear ratio

• BFGoodrich 285/55R20 All Terrain tires

• Z71 grille, fascia and wheel flare package

• Custom-mixed PPG Spectra Flair tri-coat paint

• Color-tinted chrome package

• Custom overhead halogen lights

• Warn 6,000-pound winch integrated into front bumper

• Oversize tow hooks, polished exhaust tips

• Custom-trimmed Townsend leather interior with Z71 billet seat inserts

• Unique stainless steel dash cluster, billet pedals, custom floor mats

• Magellan portable GPS – eXplorist 500 Series

• Waeco Freezer (CU84) with Plate Evaporator (VD-18) cooler built into cargo area

Chevy Tahoe Street Tuner

The 2007 Chevy Tahoe Street Tuner demonstrates what can be done with carefully selected Chevrolet Accessories that transform a vehicle into a contemporary, custom-look street machine. It features 22-inch wheels that accentuate the custom paint work and ground effects, which include new front and rear fascias and rocker panels. The interior features a host of Chevrolet Accessories, including a carbon fiber trim kit, premium carpet floor mats, second-row console, headrest-mounted DVD screens and a ceiling-mounted portable overhead DVD system with a 10-inch screen. The Tahoe Street Tuner also has been lowered and fitted with a Chevy Accessories cat-back exhaust system, which adds an aural punch to the Street Tuner’s visual appeal. Most of the upgrades are available now from Chevy Accessories, with others coming soon or still in the concept stage.

Vehicle highlights

• 5.3L Vortec V-8 engine and Hydra-Matic 4L60 transmission

• Custom paint

Chevrolet Major League Baseball Suburban

Chevy Suburban has ably served as a capable family road trip vehicle for more than 70 years. The tradition of easily fitting the whole family and all their gear into one comfortable vehicle continues with the 2007 Chevy Major League Baseball Suburban. Chevy, as baseball’s No. 1 fan, has created the MLB Suburban, which is ideal for hitting the road for far-off ballparks or spring training camps. The handsome seats are trimmed in Spinneybeck Andes leather and Mararam Parlay cloth, with matching door panels. Two baseball equipment bags echo the seating materials and, to make longer trips more comfortable, the first- and second-row seats feature power lumbar massage. Finding any ballpark in America is simpler, thanks to the OnStar Turn-By-Turn Navigation System. Waeco Tropicool coolers in the first- and second-row center consoles enhance snacking options, while entertainment highlights include a KVH satellite TV receiver with wireless internet, a Chevy Accessories portable DVD and Visteon gaming system and a Visteon inductive charging unit that is perfect for charging cell phones, iPods or PDAs on the go – features that ensure no inning will be neglected.

Vehicle highlights

• Intense Dark Blue custom PPG paint with matching color on interior metal trim

• 5.3L V-8 with E85 ethanol capability

• Hydra-Matic 4L60 automatic transmission and all-wheel drive

• Handsome leather and cloth interior, with two matching baseball equipment bags

• Bamboo bezels and interior trim switch plates

• Heated front-row seating

• Power lumbar massage for first- and second-row bucket seats

• OnStar Turn-By-Turn Navigation System.

• Waeco Tropicool coolers for first- and second-row seats

Chevrolet Silverado E85 Handyman

The Chevy Silverado E85 Handyman is a versatile truck, delivering both comfort and capability to owners who use it as their rolling office or to transport loads of mulch on the weekend. Equipped with a StarGate Mobile dockable personal notebook computer with internet access, no information is far away. From ordering materials to finding that out-of-the-way restaurant, the Silverado E85 Handyman 4WD concept vehicle was designed as a dream truck for the real world of hard work. The bed has been modified to accommodate the Stealth Dump box mechanism, which has a tailgate that hinges from the bottom and top to accommodate easy dumping. The interior features durable, easy-to-clean materials such as breathable vinyl that looks and feels like leather. It’s a truck that can work hard all day and still look great for evening outings. It’s an efficient truck, too, powered by an E85-capable 5.3L V-8 with fuel-saving Active Fuel Management, allowing owners to “Live Green Go Yellow� while working hard.

Vehicle highlights

• E-85-capable 5.3L V-8 with Active Fuel Management

• Locking front and rear differentials

• Stealth Dump hydraulic dump box with dual-hinged tailgate

• 20-inch alloy wheels

• Chrome brush guard and assist steps

• Durable, cleanable interior materials

• Vinyl seating surfaces that look and feel like leather

• StarGate Mobile dockable personal notebook computer with internet access