Chevrolet Silverado: Encyclopedia II - Chevrolet Silverado - 1999

Chevrolet Silverado - 1999

Released in 1999, this was the first redesign of Chevrolet's full-size pickup line since 1988. The truck was now called the Silverado, which was a trim line of the Chevrolet C/K previously. It is available in many different versions, including 4x4, crew cab, and dualie. Engine options include the Vortec 4300 V6, Vortec 4800 V8, and Vortec 5300 V8. Two versions of the 6.0 L Vortec 6000 were added, a 300 hp (224 kW) version in 2001, and a 345 hp (257 kW) "VortecMAX" version for 2003.

The Silverado will get a new grille design for 2006 and will be replaced by an all-new model for 2007.

Chevrolet Silverado - Silverado HD

The Silverado HD variant is a heavy-duty pickup from Chevrolet. It is a strengthened version of the Chevrolet Silverado, and is available in 1500, 2500 and 3500 versions. The Silverado HD replaced the Chevrolet C/K heavy duty line in 2001. It was available with a pair of 300hp V8s, the Vortec 6000 and Vortec 6600. 3500 versions also got a Duramax 6600 turbo diesel and a 340hp Vortec 8100.

Chevrolet Silverado - Silverado SS

Launched in 2003, the Silverado SS is a high-performance all wheel drive truck. It uses the 6.0 L Vortec High-Output V8 with 345 hp (257 kW) at 5200 rpm and 380 ft·lbf (515 N·m) at 4000 rpm. This engine was previously a Cadillac Escalade exclusive, though is available on many truck lines for 2006 under the name, "VortecMAX". The Silverado SS also comes with the Z60 performance suspension and 20 in wheels.

Chevrolet Silverado - Hybrid

GM launched a mild hybrid version of the Silverado/Sierra in 2005. It is a true mild hybrid design, with the electric motor serving only to power accessories and restart the engine after it automatically shuts down when the truck brakes below 13 mph and comes to a stop. It uses three extra 14 volt batteries mounted under the rear seats to store power. The truck uses an unmodified 5.3 L Vortec 5300 V8 for power.

The truck features four 120 volt 20 amp AC outlets mounted in the bed. These are particularly interesting to the building/construction contractor market, since they often require AC power when on the job. Additionally, the extra reserves of power for the accessories make this truck well-suited to that market, where trucks often sit at idle for hours at a time.

Availability was extremely limited at first, with commercial buyers getting the first allotment. Later in 2005, the truck was offered at retail in Alaska, California, Florida, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Finally, for 2006, the truck was generally available to retail buyers in all US states.

The Hybrid option adds US$2,500 to the retail cost of the truck, and provides an EPA mileage benefit of 2 mpg city and 1 mpg highway.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "1999", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki