2007 Chevrolet Silverado

Powertrain and Chassis
Engine choices extend from a 195-hp 4.3-liter V-6 through a half-dozen Gen IV small-block V-8s. The V-8 range is bounded by a 295-hp 4.8-liter iron-block workhorse on one end and a 367-horse aluminum-block 6.0-liter on the other. Equipped with AFM, which disables four of its eight cylinders to save fuel at light loads, this muscular motor is available on LT and LTZ extended- and crew-cabs with a maximum trailering package that provides class-leading (2,160 lb.) payload and (10,500 lb.) tow capacity. In between is a quartet of 315-hp 5.3-liter AFM V-8s—two iron and two aluminum, depending on application—of which one each is E85 FlexFuel-capable. All are mated to electronically-controlled (but ratio-challenged until new six-speed automatics are available) Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmissions.


Five specifically tuned suspensions offer a selection of ride, surface and load-carrying capabilities: Z83 (monotube front and twin-tube rear shocks tuned for smooth, solid ride), Z85 (monotube shocks front and rear for enhanced handling and trailer towing), Z71 (front and rear monotube shocks for enhanced off-road capability), Z60 (maximum street performance with available 20-inch wheels) and NHT (maximum towing capacity with monotube rear shocks, heavy duty rear springs and off-road tires on 17-inch wheels). High-capacity brakes with four-channel ABS are standard, and GM's Stabilitrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology is standard on crew cabs and available on extended cab models.

Features

Rear passengers in extended- and crew-cab models will appreciate more supportive seats with improved seatback angles and (in the former) added legroom. A new stadium-style 60/40 split rear seat—both sections of which can be folded up easily with one hand to provide a flat cargo floor—is standard in crew cabs, optional in extended cabs. Perhaps the best rear-cabin features are rear doors that open 170 degrees, nearly flat against the bed, for easy access and rear power windows that lower completely into them.


Unique features include an "EZ-lift" locking tailgate with torque rod assistance, a power sliding rear window on extended and crew cabs and heated windshield washer fluid. Highly appealing options are segment-exclusive remote vehicle-starting, Autotrac active 4WD transfer case, an large-screen rear DVD entertainment system and Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist.

In addition to dual-stage front air bags, passive safety systems include segment exclusive seatbelt pretensioners that activate during a rear crash and (available in LT and LTZ models) roof-mounted side curtain air bags. Another potentially lifesaving feature is GM's latest generation OnStar communications system with Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN), available turn-by-turn navigation capability and a one-year free subscription.