Chevrolet Silverado Excels in "HD to HD" Testing

Videos show real-world evaluations with Ford and Dodge heavy-duty diesel pickups

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Apr 04, 2011, 08:00 ET

DETROIT, April 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Chevrolet takes the heavy-duty pickup battle to the test track – and the mountain roads – in "HD to HD," a video series that pits 2011 Silverado HD pickups against the competition in real-world tests of capabilities that matter to real-world truck buyers.

"We wanted to get away from spec-sheet comparisons and show how these trucks perform in the real world," said Rick Spina, global vehicle line executive for full size trucks. "To do so, we engaged an independent company to test the Silverado HD with the Duramax diesel and Allison transmission head-to-head with the competition, and record those tests for everyone to see."

The tests include acceleration, passing, and braking tests, all conducted with a loaded bed, or in some cases, a loaded trailer. Other tests measure the effectiveness of the exhaust brakes on long downgrades and the stiffness of the frames during twist-ditch simulations. Competitors were diesel-powered 2011 Ford Super Duties, and in some tests, 2011 Dodge Ram HDs.

For example, in a zero-to-60 test of three-quarter ton models with a 1,500-pound load, designed to simulate merging onto a busy freeway, the Silverado 2500HD outpaced the F-250 Super Duty, 7.66 seconds to 8.36 seconds, despite the slight advantage in published horsepower and torque ratings for the Ford.

"We worked hard on the Duramax-Allison combination to deliver torque smoothly throughout the entire power band," said Spina. "That is what gives us class-leading acceleration."

Silverado HD pickups showed a similar advantage in acceleration tests on a 7-percent grade, and in passing tests at both sea level and at 6,000 feet while towing loaded trailers.

For additional details on the tests, please refer to the "HD to HD" Video Summaries.

Spina hosts the videos with Pro Football Hall of Famer Howie Long. AMCI Testing, an independent company used by many carmakers, was engaged by Chevrolet to conduct and certify the tests.

Silverado HD's real-world performance helped make it the Motor Trend's 2011 Truck of the Year.

The full set of "HD to HD" videos can be viewed at chevrolet.com/hd-to-hd-truck-comparison.

About Chevrolet

Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

SOURCE General Motors