Topic: Test Drive: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado Z71

[Autos_Editor]

All-new Silverado impresses with highway refinement and efficiency, but is still tough as nails off-road.

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[ChaosphereIX]

they have improved these by quite a bit, and they are selling well here at our shop...

[blotter]

the fuel economy is very impressive.  Actually it seems all the full size domestics are pulling out pretty good numbers when you compare them to the current smaller trucks (Tacoma)

as for the Chev... i'm starting to see plenty of new ones (along with the GM)... sometimes I think they look pretty good and sometimes I don't like the grill.

One thing I do know is i'm not big on the dash at all.

[Solstice2006]

Keeping up with the RAM and Ford it seems, nothing classing leading it seems though.  Wonder how the 4.3L performs, as this is new, I am sure performance is adequate, but curious about fuel efficiency. 

[PJ]

As mentioned I think the Chevy guys will be happy.   A nice improvement on their favorite truck.

Don't think it will win many converts though. 

MPGs seem good but trucks have such a wide range depending on what you doing it's had to compare.   I've measured from a high of 11.5 l/100km to a low of 23 l/100 on my Expedition.   Technically I could claim the mileage is anywhere between those numbers. 

[revalations]

I'm going to wait for the 6.2's to hit the lots in late December. 420 hp 450 tq with very similar fuel economy as the 5.3. Just can't decide between the GMC or Chevy styling wise.....I really like them both. I wish the Chevy had a chromed down all terrain package like the GM does.

[paul246]

Did I hear right when the video stated that the rear axle has an auto-locker?

[ChaosphereIX]

Did I hear right when the video stated that the rear axle has an auto-locker?

G80 locking diff

[PJungnitsch]

Pretty good animation of it here:

http://www.truckmodcentral.com/forums/f168/inside-eaton-g80-locker-22191/

[Fobroader]

Did I hear right when the video stated that the rear axle has an auto-locker?

G80 locking diff

It works half decent, but on a 1/2 ton, do not spin one tire on ice and gravel and have one on pavement because there is a good chance of . Id prefer a proper locker like on the Rubicon, SVT Raptor or Power Wagon, but its still way, WAY, better than an open diff. Nothing worse than one tire fire 

[paul246]

Pretty good animation of it here:

http://www.truckmodcentral.com/forums/f168/inside-eaton-g80-locker-22191/

Good animation and description. Thanks.

[mixmanmash]

Did I hear right when the video stated that the rear axle has an auto-locker?

G80 locking diff

It works half decent, but on a 1/2 ton, do not spin one tire on ice and gravel and have one on pavement because there is a good chance of . Id prefer a proper locker like on the Rubicon, SVT Raptor or Power Wagon, but its still way, WAY, better than an open diff. Nothing worse than one tire fire 

Yup!  I've heard of that happening with those diffs.  Open diffs suck.

[KD]

For comparison sake: I have been averaging 13.0 l / 100 km with a brand new 2013 F150 Supercrew 4x4 with the 5.0 and 3.55 gears.

My 2013 F-150 XL is getting 17 l/100 km with the 5.0 L V8.  It is a supercab with the 8' box and 3.73 gearing.  I've put 13k on since early July.

[Solstice2006]

I haven't seen one yet.  But I don't live in a truck dominated area....I think our street has more minivans than trucks...

[Northernridge]

I checked them out at the local dealer and the new trucks are definitely nicer in terms of refinement but it's all very subtle. Still have to drive one tho.

[Neromanceres]

Word has it sales are crap in the US on these. http://www.autoblog.com/2013/10/21/gm-dealers-unhappy-pickup-prices/

They are increasing prices because they are selling very well.  One dealer in the US does not constitute a good sample size.  In fact GM is running into supplier issues on the 5.3L V8's right now.  They can't make them fast enough.

Wonder how the 4.3L performs, as this is new, I am sure performance is adequate, but curious about fuel efficiency.

I hear the 4.3L engine is very good for a V6 with decent power and good torque curve.  The reviews I've seen have been pegging the average fuel efficiency in the 12'sL/100kms which is quite good.  About the same I used to get in my 2010 Grand Caravan.

But with the 5.3L V8 in several reviews averaging in the 13'sL/100kms and it doesn't take much coin to upgrade a lot of people are opting for the V8.

[paul246]

So apparently the housing market is trending toward smaller, more sensible houses. People are slowing ditching the McMansions.

Wondering if this trend will happen with regard to pick up trucks?

[Fobroader]

So apparently the housing market is trending toward smaller, more sensible houses. People are slowing ditching the McMansions.

Wondering if this trend will happen with regard to pick up trucks?

You dont need a 5000sq/ft home, but if you work in an industry that you need to haul large things, over bad terrain, haul trailers then youre kind of needing a pickup. All of the people I know that have a truck, have one because they need one. Maybe you should be focusing your question at the mid life crisis mobiles, Porsche/Ferrari/Corvette crowd, because truly those vehicles serve no practical application.....or how about the guy driving a BMW 760iL or a Merc S65 to work, come on, you would be much happier in an Accent.

[ChaosphereIX]

So apparently the housing market is trending toward smaller, more sensible houses. People are slowing ditching the McMansions.

Wondering if this trend will happen with regard to pick up trucks?

You dont need a 5000sq/ft home, but if you work in an industry that you need to haul large things, over bad terrain, haul trailers then youre kind of needing a pickup. All of the people I know that have a truck, have one because they need one. Maybe you should be focusing your question at the mid life crisis mobiles, Porsche/Ferrari/Corvette crowd, because truly those vehicles serve no practical application.....or how about the guy driving a BMW 760iL or a Merc S65 to work, come on, you would be much happier in an Accent.

exactly - why compromise when you can get the best vehicle/house for the job. I would not drive an Accent, just because it gets the job done the same way my Alfa does. Just get what makes you happy, and let the rest go - life is too short to compromise.

Being over practical is boring.

[jyarkony]

Thought I read somewhere else they had a 150+ day supply on lots.  Is there a website for that?  Maybe not the same here...but that's what, total annual sales in Canada anyway? 

Our numbers always look small, but the reality is we outsell the US on trucks per-capita (assuming a straight 10X increase in population).  Interesting.

US sales of Chevy's down 10%, Sierra down, in Canada, Sierra up almost 10% and Chevy down 5%...Dodge posting phenomenal numbers considering...j/k, nice truck.  We def like our Dodge's more than they do!

that graphic shows that the Chevy and GMC (and Ford and Ram) are both up 20+% on the year - one month is just one month... those are still lights-out numbers.

every carmaker would wish for growth numbers like that, but it's most impressive for the Ford, which doesn't have as recent a significant refresh as Ram and GM. Can't wait to see how much the diesel will help Ram... everyone is watching that.