Chevrolet at The Chicago Auto Show

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Feb 10, 2010, 12:01 ET

CHICAGO, Feb. 10 /PRNewswire/ --

New 2011 Silverado HD delivers segment-best towing (20,000 lb. / 9,072 kg) and payload (6,335 lb. / 2,873 kg) capability
- All-new, stronger frames and strengthened suspensions
- Available powertrains include new, more powerful 6.6L Duramax diesel that delivers class-leading torque with at least 63-percent lower emissions and B20 biodiesel capability; and stronger Allison 1000 six-speed transmission for class-leading fuel economy and quicker acceleration
- New exhaust brake system
- New louvered hood, front bumper and grille design and 20-inch wheels
- Goes on sale this summer
Chevrolet introduces 75th Anniversary Diamond Edition Suburban; first vehicle ever to achieve 75 years in production
Simultaneous rollout of Volt in California, Michigan and Washington D.C., followed by other markets
Chevrolet's plans for its growing family of fuel-efficient small and compact cars highlighted with Spark, Aveo RS show car and Cruze

Chevrolet today introduced the 2011 Silverado HD truck lineup, with an all-new chassis that helps deliver segment-best towing and payload capability, as well as an available new Duramax 6.6L diesel engine and Allison 1000 transmission combination expected to achieve best-in-class fuel economy. The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD trucks go on sale this summer.

"We reached out to our customers during the development of the 2011 Silverado HD and considered their input to produce a truck that offers class-leading strength and capability with more power, quicker acceleration and lower emissions," said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet general manager.

The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD lineup offers all-new, fully-boxed frame assemblies; stronger independent and new asymmetrical leaf-spring rear suspensions; a strengthened 6.0L Vortec 6L90 standard powertrain; a new, exclusive exhaust brake system; larger brakes; improved ride, handling and steering; and comprehensive safety and functional technologies such as 170-degree-opening rear access doors on extended cab models and state-of-the art connectivity.

The Silverado heavy-duty lineup grows to 11 2500HD models and eight single- and dual-rear-wheel 3500HD models – including a new 3500HD Crew Cab with a 6.5-foot cargo box. WT, LT and LTZ trim levels are offered and popular features, including the EZ Lift tailgate and rearview camera system, return. All models bring greater capability, improved ride and handling and a greater feeling of driver control. Depending on the model the Silverado HD offers:

On the available Duramax 6.6L diesel, horsepower and torque are expected to top the previous model, along with expected segment-best fuel economy and B20 biodiesel capability
Segment-best fifth-wheel towing capacity of 20,000 pounds (9,072 kg)
Segment-best conventional towing capacity increases up to 23 percent, with a maximum of 16,000 pounds (7,272 kg)
Segment-best payload capability of 6,335 pounds (2,873 kg) with a complete vehicle
Segment-best Gross Combined Weight Rating increases to 27,500 pounds (12,500 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings increases up to 17 percent to 13,000 pounds (5,909 kg)
Front Axle Weight Rating increases by up to 25 percent to 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg)
Exhaust brake system designed to extend brake pad life and help avoid overheating on long descents
Snow plow capability enabled for all 4WD cab configurations

"Along with all their heavy-duty equipment, these trucks are designed to be stylish and refined, inside and out," said Campbell. "We paid close attention to all the details, giving them a distinctive, muscular appearance on the exterior and a well-appointed interior with the comfort, convenience and safety features customers appreciate."

On the outside, the 2011 Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD models are distinguished by a power dome-style hood with a new, louvered design, as well as a new grille and full-width chrome steel front bumper. A new lineup of 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheel/tire combinations is featured, too (20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels available on 2500HD).

Chevrolet Suburban turns 75 with special-edition model

When the first Chevrolet Suburban went on sale in 1935, America had not yet put a man in space, the microwave oven did not exist and there was no Internet. While times have changed, the Suburban – the industry's longest-running model – is still serving families and businesses that need maximum passenger and cargo space and truck-like towing capability.

To commemorate this milestone, Chevrolet introduced the 2010 75th Anniversary Diamond Edition Suburban in Chicago. Limited to 2,570 units (including 350 for Canada and other markets), it seats up to nine; features premium LTZ content; a White Diamond Tricoat exterior color and Cashmere interior; unique 20-inch chrome-clad wheels and new roof rack rails. Special badging adorns the C-pillar sail panel and steering wheel center cap, while "Diamond Edition" lettering is used on the sill plates and embroidered on the front headrests.

"We are grateful for the 75 years of support our customers have shown for the Chevrolet Suburban, and we look forward to many more years of being their vehicle of choice," said Campbell.

The 2010 75th Anniversary Diamond Edition Suburban goes on sale this summer.

Chevrolet Volt

Production of the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended range begins later this year in Hamtramck, Mich. Chevrolet has announced that sales will start simultaneously in California, Michigan and Washington D.C. with other markets to follow. In addition, Chevrolet is partnering with utility providers in each lead market and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) on development and demonstration programs designed to introduce customers to electric vehicles.

Chevrolet will deliver more than 100 Volts to 10 utilities across the U.S. as part of the extended demonstration program. The overall program includes 500 charging stations that will be installed for residential, business and public use. They will be used to learn more about the installation process, vehicle charging and to gauge customer feedback.

The program is made possible with a grant of more than $30 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds from the Transportation Electrification Initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Energy.

The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle with extended-range capability. It is designed to drive up to 40 miles on electricity without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the Volt's lithium-ion battery is depleted, an engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range about 300 miles before needing to refuel or plug in to recharge the battery.

Chevrolet grows its family of small and compact cars

Chevrolet's plans for fuel-efficient small and compact cars are highlighted with the Spark five-door mini car, Aveo RS show car and Cruze compact sedan. Revealed last month in Detroit, the Aveo RS show car features a European-inspired hot hatch design that strongly hints at the upcoming Aveo production car.

Here's a deeper look at the cars:

Chevrolet Spark: The five-door Chevrolet Spark, the smallest member of Chevrolet's family of cars, brings style, roominess and versatility to a segment of extremely fuel-efficient small cars. Spark will provide great fuel economy, and its trim size makes it very agile in all kinds of driving conditions while still feeling substantial on the open road. The U.S. production version of the Spark will go on sale in early 2012.

"This small vehicle makes a big statement," said Margaret Brooks, Chevrolet marketing director for small cars. "With its fresh, youthful approach, we believe Spark will appeal to customers who want excellent fuel economy, functionality and style at an affordable price."

More details on the U.S. version of the Spark will be announced at a later date.

Chevrolet Aveo RS show car: The Aveo RS show car provides a glimpse of what designers have in mind for the future production car. Its electric Boracay Blue finish, motorcycle-inspired exposed headlamps and taillamps, low roofline, fender flares, large wheels and tires, and dual-cockpit interior hint at the next-generation Aveo.

"The current Aveo is a major player in Chevrolet's global small-car portfolio," said Campbell. "Our intent with the Aveo RS show car is to demonstrate Chevrolet's vision and design potential for a small car we think will resonate well with customers in the U.S."

Focusing on Aveo's target audience of young buyers, Chevrolet gave the show car a sporty appearance inside and out. An aggressive front fascia; clean, uninterrupted body side lines; an integrated rear roof spoiler; wide stance; and large, 19-inch, five-spoke wheels with a gun metal metallic Chevrolet logo and Boracay Blue brake calipers suggest upscale style and dynamic handling.

The Boracay Blue continues inside, with accent stitching in the instrument panel dual cockpit, front and rear door panels, gear shift boot, parking brake and seat bolster.

The Aveo RS show car features the same small-displacement 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged engine that will be available in the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. Delivering 138 horsepower (103 kW), it performs like two powerplants in one, with the fuel economy of a small engine and the performance of a larger one. In the Aveo RS show car, the 1.4L turbo is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Chevrolet has previously announced the new Aveo will be built at Orion Assembly in Orion Township, Mich., in 2011, a move that will restore 1,200 jobs to Southeast Michigan. Plant retooling is scheduled to begin later this year.

Chevrolet Cruze: The North American version of the 2011 Cruze compact sedan makes its first visit to Chicago show-goers. Already on sale in Asia and Europe with strong market acceptance, the Cruze has been refined for America, bringing a midsize car presence to the compact sedan segment.

Cruze will deliver many segment-leading features, more interior room and more cargo capacity than the competition, as well as upscale amenities such as Bluetooth, USB and navigation. It offers midsize roominess, safety and amenities with the fuel economy and expected price of a compact car. Cruze features 10 standard air bags and has achieved five-star safety ratings in every market where it is sold.

Cruze is expected to deliver segment-leading fuel economy with a new Ecotec 1.4L I-4 turbo with variable valve timing – including up to 40 mpg on the highway with a high-efficiency model. The all-new Cruze will be built in Lordstown, Ohio beginning in the third quarter.

About Chevrolet

Chevrolet is one of America's best-known and best-selling automotive brands, and one of the fastest growing brands in the world. With fuel solutions that range from "gas-friendly to gas-free," Chevrolet has 11 models that offer an EPA-estimated 30 miles per gallon or more on the highway, and offers two hybrid models. More than 2.5 million Chevrolets that run on E85 biofuel have been sold. Chevrolet delivers expressive design, spirited performance and strives to provide the best value in every segment in which it competes. More information can be found at www.chevrolet.com. For more information on the Volt, visit http://media.gm.com/volt or join the conversation at chevroletvoltage.com.

SOURCE General Motors