The WT ($17,860) is a basic work truck that comes with a driver information center, AM/FM stereo, 40/20/40 split-bench and vinyl-covered front seat, dual glove boxes, two auxiliary power outlets, tire pressure monitoring system, one year on OnStar service and a four-speed automatic transmission.
The LT ($23,510) adds a cloth-covered front seat with lockable storage under the seat, a CD player and MP3 compatibility, power windows/locks/mirrors, remote keyless entry, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and outside temperature displays, 17-inch chrome-styled steel wheels and power folding and heated exterior mirrors. The more upscale version of the LT comes with premium cloth front bucket seats with six-way power adjustment, dual-zone automatic temperature controls, audio controls mounted on the steering wheel, fog lamps, aluminum wheels, chromed bumper, and a spare tire lock.
The LTZ ($31,205) adds heavy-duty trailering equipment, an automatic locking rear differential, body-colored bumpers, reclining and heated leather front seats with 12-way power, an in-dash six-CD changer with Bose speakers, turn signal indicators in the exterior rearview mirrors and heated windshield washers.
Engines include a 195-hp 4.3-liter V6 engine; a 295-hp 4.8-liter V8; a 315-hp 3.5-liter V8 in gasoline or flexfuel (gasoline and E85 ethanol) versions; and a 367-hp 6.0-liter V8. Naturally, not all engines
Extended cab and crew cab models have back seats and windows in the side doors that power down. The crew cab has four front-hinged doors, much like a sport utility vehicle. The extended cab has rear access doors that are hinged at the rear but that open to 170 degrees to provide full access to the rear seating area.
The standard cab can be outfitted with a standard (6-foot, 6-inch) or long (8-foot) beds. The extended cab also offers a short (5-foot, 8-inch) bed, which is the only bed available on the crew cab.
Cab configuration has a significant influence on base pricing. For example, the most popular version of the Silverado, the LT, starts at $23,510 as a regular cab, at $24,345 as an extended cab and at $27,305 as a crew cab.
Two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are available in all three body styles, with 4WD costing some $2,000 more than 2WD.
Five suspension setups are available: Z83 is the standard suspension and is designed for a smooth ride; Z85 is a little stiffer for enhanced handling and towing; Z71 is for off-road driving and includes 18-inch wheels; Z60 is for maximum street performance and includes 20-inch wheels; NHT is for maximum towing capacity and includes high-capacity rear springs as well as off-road tires.
Safety features on all new Silverado models dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes, tire pressure monitoring system. Options include driver and front-seat side-impact air bags, side-curtain airbags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation technology, Autotrack active transfer case, Ultrasonic rear parking assist, OnStar.
Option prices vary by trim level and body style. Among them: a cargo management rail system for the truck bed ($175), a power sliding sunroof ($795), 20-inch wheels ($1,295), a power sliding rear window ($200), rear-seat entertainment system ($1,955), navigation system ($2,250), rear-locking differential ($395), StabiliTrak electronic stability control ($425). Accessories such as step rails and chrome exterior trim are available from Chevy Truck dealers.
Note that until production of the all-new 2007 model ramps up, dealers will continue to sell the former version as the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic. This is the previous-generation version and should not be confused with the vehicle covered in this report.
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