2006 Chevy Silverado: Expanded Performance And Versatility

Chevrolet Silverado is GM’s best-selling vehicle and has earned its reputation for top-notch performance, dependability and capability. Silverado also is known for having one of the broadest model ranges in the industry, with a diverse array of body styles and powertrains that combine to create the vehicles to meet every full-size pickup customer’s needs, whether professional or personal.

The Silverado lineup’s diversity and performance capability expands in the 2006 model year, with new models and revised powertrain offerings, including nationwide availability of the Silverado 1500 Hybrid. Here’s a look at all that’s new:

New front-end appearance for 1500/1500HD/2500HD models:
All 2006 Silverado 1500, 1500HD and 2500HD models have a new front-end appearance, with a revised grille design and a new, power dome hood. A prominent gold bowtie is centered on a new, dual-port grille design, while the power dome hood – a design borrowed from Silverado 3500 models – conveys strength. The new front end has a refined look, with a body-color bumper top cap, while the power dome hood gives all Silverado models a strong, cohesive appearance.

VortecMAX Performance Package:
Designed to enhance the towing capability of 4WD models of the Silverado 1500 extended cab/regular-length box and Silverado 1500 Crew Cab, the new VortecMax Performance Pack includes a high-output Vortec 6000 engine rated at 345 horsepower (257 kw) and 380 lb.-ft. of torque (515 Nm), a heavy-duty trailering package and a new 9.5-inch rear axle.

The high-output 6.0L engine and heavy-duty 9.5-inch axle help give Silverado best-in-class towing capability. The VortecMAX Performance Package also includes a locking rear differential, special exterior badging and a unique engine cover.

The VortecMAX Performance Package is available on all 1500, 1500HD and 2500HD cabs, with either 2WD or 4WD. It is available on vehicles with mid- and uplevel trim.

Silverado 1500 Extended Cab/Short Box models:
Silverado 1500 is now available with a new extended cab/short box configuration. Available with 2WD or 4WD, the extended cab design is matched with a 5-foot 8-inch box – the same as Crew Cab models – giving customers three bed choices: short, standard (6-foot 6-inches) and long (8-foot).

Silverado extended cab/short box models come with LT trim and the Vortec 5300 V-8 (LM7), which is rated at 295 horsepower (220 kw) and 335 lb.-ft. of torque (463 Nm). Two-wheel drive models have a GVWR of 6200 pounds (2812 kg); the 4WD model has a 6400-pound (2903 kg) GVWR.

New diesel engine:
An all-new version of the Duramax 6600 turbo-diesel V-8 engine will debut in the interim 2006 model year as an option on Silverado Heavy Duty models. When mated to an all-new Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission, the new powerplant will deliver more horsepower – 360 hp (268 kw) at 3200 rpm – and increased torque, at 650 lb.-ft. (881 Nm). The power increase comes with lower emissions and significantly improved quietness and smoothness.

The Duramax 6600’s horsepower and torque increase and emissions reduction are enabled by a strengthened iron cylinder block and a lower compression ratio. The lower compression reduces stress on the engine by reducing the peak cylinder firing pressure. This, in turn, allows more fuel to be burned – more fuel means more power – while the lower compression helps reduce NOx emissions. Lower compression also helps reduce noise and vibration, making the 6600 a quieter and smoother engine.

A revised variable-geometry turbocharger also enhances the driving experience of the Duramax 6600. Aerodynamic changes to the turbo’s impellers help tailor controlled application of turbo power for seamless and immediate response at full throttle. The turbo, which spins at up to 120,000 rpm, is high-speed-balanced, reducing vibration and resonance – and contributing to the engine’s overall smoothness and refinement. The revised turbo also helps reduce emissions, while maximum boost remains at 20 psi.

Another new feature of the Duramax 6600’s turbo system is the capability of the variable-geometry turbocharger to provide exhaust braking. This function is available on some medium duty truck models and can replace add-on exhaust brake hardware. With the new system, braking is controlled by a signal from the engine controller and can be activated by the driver.

The comprehensive list of changes and upgrades to the 2006 Duramax 6600 includes:

Cylinder block casting and machining changes strengthen the bottom of the cylinder bores to support increased horsepower and torque
Upgraded main bearing material increases durability
Revised piston design helps lower compression ratio to 16.8:1 from 17.5:1
Piston pin bore diameter increased to for increased strength
Connecting rod “I” section is thicker for increased strength
Cylinder heads revised to accommodate lower compression and reduced cylinder firing pressure
Maximum injection pressure increased from 23,000 psi to almost 26,000 psi
Fuel delivered via higher-pressure pump, fuel rails, distribution lines and all-new, seven-hole fuel injectors
Fuel injectors spray directly onto glow plugs, providing faster, better-quality starts and more complete cold-start combustion for reduced emissions
Improved glow plugs heat up faster through an independent controller
Revised variable-geometry turbocharger is aerodynamically more efficient to help deliver smooth and immediate response and lower emissions
Air induction system re-tuned to enhance quietness
EGR has larger cooler to bring more air into the system
First application of new, 32-bit E35 controller, which adjusts and compensates for the fuel flow to bolster efficiency and reduce emissions
The Duramax 6600 also has a new intake air heater to reduce smoke and emissions during cold or light-load driving. The system features a 600-watt grid heater located in the air intake duct, which is triggered automatically by the engine controller. It heats up the incoming air to speed warm-up of the engine.

Silverado SS 2WD:
Introduced interim 2005, the Silverado SS is now available in a two-wheel drive configuration. The new model has an 8,100-pound (3,674 kg) towing capacity and broadens SS performance choices by offering customers traditional rear-wheel drive performance at a great value.

The Silverado SS is based on the 1500 Series Extended Cab with a short bed. It is powered by a high-output version of GM’s Vortec 6000 V-8, which pumps out 345 horsepower (257 kw) and 380 lb.-ft. (515 Nm) of torque. The engine is connected to a Hydra-Matic 4L85-E four-speed automatic overdrive transmission equipped with a 3.06 first gear and 0.70 final gear, which transfers power to a 4.10-geared locking rear axle for rapid acceleration and relaxed highway cruising.

Allison six-speed automatic transmission:
The Allison 1000 transmission grows from a five-speed automatic to a first-in-class six-speed automatic. It’s available for 2006 Silverado HD models equipped with the Duramax 6600 6.6L V-8 diesel or Vortec 8100 8.1L V-8. The transmission features a class-first range selection function, as well offering enhanced fuel economy, quietness and control. The range selection function allows the driver to easily select the desired gears to match driving conditions, such as towing a trailer on a steep grade.

The sixth gear – essentially a second overdrive gear – enables a wide, 5.08:1 overall forward gear ratio and allows the vehicle’s engine to operate at lower rpm, particularly during higher-speed driving on highways and freeways. Its 0.61 ratio provides a 1550-rpm engine speed at 60 mph, compared with the five-speed transmission’s 1800-rpm engine speed at 60 mph. The engine uses less fuel at lower rpm, enabling increased fuel mileage and range. The ratios of gears 1 through 5 remain the same as the Allison 1000 five-speed, including the 0.75:1 fifth gear.

A tow/haul mode is retained on the Allison 1000 six-speed, but it is complemented by a new range selection feature that allows the driver to select the desired gears via a thumb-activated switch on the shifter. This provides a feeling of enhanced control in unique driving situations, such as towing on a steep grade. The range selection feature holds the gear pre-selected by the driver and electronic safeguards prevent the transmission from being shifted in a manner that could cause engine damage or loss of vehicle control.

Diesel-engine vehicles equipped with the Allison 1000 six-speed feature cruise control grade braking. Working in harmony with the tow/haul mode, the cruise grade braking system will automatically downshift to help maintain the pre-selected cruise speed when driving on downhill grades. A new low-traction mode also is standard on vehicles equipped with the diesel engine. When the driver selects second gear while stopped and wheel slip occurs, the transmission torque-manages the engine to limit tire slip on slippery road surfaces.

Silverado Hybrid models available nationwide:
Previously available in select markets, Silverado 1500 Hybrid is available nationally in the 2006 model year. Silverado 1500 Hybrid promises up to 10 percent fuel economy improvement through its ability to automatically stop and restart the engine under different operating circumstances. Instead of a conventional starter motor and alternator, Hybrid pickups use a compact 14-kw electric induction motor or starter generator integrated in a patented, space-efficient manner between the engine and transmission. The starter generator provides fast, quiet starting power and allows automatic engine stops/starts to conserve fuel. It also smoothes out any driveline surges; generates electrical current to charge the batteries and run auxiliary power outlets; and provides coast-down regenerative braking, as an aid to fuel economy.

The standard Vortec 5300 V-8 engine delivers 295 horsepower (220 kw) and 335 lb.-ft. (463 Nm) of torque – the same as its non-hybrid counterpart – along with the capability of acting as a mobile power-generating station, including four 120-volt/20-amp electrical auxiliary power outlets (APO). The power outlets are located under the rear seat of the cab and in the pickup bed. Customers can conveniently operate power equipment without taking up the bed space typical portable generators would use.

Additional changes for ’06:
All ’06 Silverado models equipped with OnStar and XM Satellite Radio have a new, single-unit antenna that eliminates the need for two separate antennas. Also, the available OnStar Plus Package now includes OnStar, XM Satellite Radio and steering wheel-mounted radio controls.

A redesigned camper mirror is available. This new, vertical mirror has a larger glass area and manually extends outward to provide a greater view when towing a trailer or camper. It includes heated, power-adjustable flat glass and integrated turn signals. A convex “spotter mirror” glass also has been added to the mirror. The vertical design and new spotter mirror section answer customer requests for such a configuration.

Blue Granite Metallic and Graystone Metallic have been added to choices of exterior colors, replacing Dark Gray Metallic.

Silverado selection
Within the light duty lineup, Silverado can be ordered in an almost unlimited number of configurations: Regular, Extended or Crew Cab body styles; standard 6.5-foot (2 m) or extended 8-foot (2.4 m) cargo boxes, along with the new 5-foot 8-inch short box; 1500 half-ton or 2500 three-quarter-ton models; and either 2WD or 4WD systems.

An impressive array of Vortec engines is offered: a 4300 4.3 L V-6; 4800 4.8L V-8; two models of the Vortec 5300 5.3L V-8; and the powerful Vortec 6000 6.0L V-8. Engine output ranges from 195 hp (145 kw) all the way up to 345 hp (257 kw).

In addition to the new hybrid version, Silverado can be ordered in several reduced-emissions or alternative-fuel variations. All Silverados with the Vortec 4300 4.3L V-6, and those sold in California with the Vortec 4800 4.8L or Vortec 5300 5.3L V-8, have a robust catalytic converter system that meets Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards. Models equipped with the Vortec 6000 6.0L V-8 come with a dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG) or bi-fuel system that can run on CNG or gasoline.

Light duty Silverado models with the Vortec 5300 5.3L V-8 offer an option that enables owners to operate them on varying blends of ethanol and gasoline, up to a maximum of 85 percent ethanol.

Silverado can be equipped to meet any personal requirement or professional demand when it comes to hauling or towing. Payload capacities range from 1,295 pounds (587 kg) all the way to 4,047 pounds (1,836 kg) for 2500 heavy duty models. Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings range from 6,100 pounds (2,767 kg) to 10,100 pounds (4,173 kg) on the 1500 Extended Cab with standard-length box and 4WD.

Silverado safety
All Silverado models are equipped with GM’s Passenger Sensing System, which uses the latest sensing technology to turn the front passenger air bag on or off. If the sensor system detects an unoccupied front passenger seat or the presence of a smaller occupant, the front passenger air bag is designed to automatically turn off so it would not deploy in the event of a frontal collision. A status indicator on the instrument panel alerts occupants that the passenger air bag is on or off. Even with this system, GM strongly recommends restraining child passengers in an appropriate child seat placed in the second or third row of the vehicle. Never install a rear-facing infant seat in front of an active air bag. GM also recommends that all children 12 and under ride in the rear seat when possible.

The Silverado also has dual-stage frontal air bags (not available on 1500HD Crew Cab and 2500HD and 3500 Series models) for supplemental protection for front seat passengers. Dual-stage frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of air bag-induced injury. When the air bag system’s control unit detects an impact, it determines whether the crash is severe enough to trigger a deployment, and whether the primary amount of inflation is sufficient. The primary stage alone will deploy in most frontal impacts requiring the supplemental protection of an air bag, while a secondary stage is designed to deploy in more severe frontal collisions.

GM’s OnStar safety and security system is standard on LT and available on LS light duty models. In the heavy-duty range, OnStar is standard on Silverado LT Extended Cab and Crew Cab models, and available on 2500 HD and 3500 models. OnStar-equipped Silverados feature OnStar dual-mode (analog-digital) equipment. OnStar’s digital equipment also includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada . Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Hands-Free Calling that allows drivers to make and receive voice-activated phone calls using an externally mounted antenna for greater reception.

Additional safety and security systems include electronic traction control on 2WD Silverados to enhance handling and response on models equipped with a V-8 engine, automatic transmission and locking rear differential. All models come standard with PASSLock II theft deterrent system, and a driver information center that monitors and reports on up to 34 vehicle system functions.

Air conditioning, chrome front bumpers, tinted glass, power steering with tilt-adjustable column, a full-size spare tire and heavy-duty battery also are standard on all Silverado models.

Silverado entertainment
Impressive entertainment systems – from available Bose sound systems to a Panasonic DVD passenger entertainment system – add to Silverado's comforts. These systems (except the base fleet radio) feature the next-generation Radio Data System, and can interface with services such as the optional XM Satellite Radio. On Crew Cab models, available rear-seat audio controls allow second-row passengers to enjoy a separate audio source from front-seat occupants.

Z71 Off-Road Package
The Silverado Z71 Off-Road Package is available on half-ton 4WD models with LT trim. The Z71 package includes 46-mm gas-charged shock absorbers, off-road jounce bumpers, specific stabilizer bars, a skid-plate package, a high-capacity air cleaner and distinctive Z71 decals for the pickup box.

Silverado Z71 can be equipped with features such as cruise control, rear defogger, power door locks, remote keyless entry, rearview mirror, AM/FM stereo with CD and cassette player, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows, fog lamps, color-keyed grille and deep-tinted glass.

Silverado Heavy Duty power
Chevy Silverado Heavy Duty pickups comprise the segment's most diverse lineup of workhorse pickups, with a wide selection of weight ratings, body styles and powertrain combinations including diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG) models. At the top of the gasoline engine range is the available Vortec 8100 8.1L V-8, rated at 330 hp (246 kw) and 450 lb.-ft. (610 Nm) of torque. The available Duramax Diesel engine is enhanced for ’06 for improved performance, smoothness and quiet.

Up to 14 Silverado HD models can run on dedicated (CNG) or bi-fuel systems, the latter which operates on either CNG or gasoline when equipped with a Vortec 6000 6.0L V-8 with hardened valves and seats to withstand CNG's lack of lubricity and cooling. Special versions with reduced gross vehicle weight ratings (8,500 pounds or 3,825 kg) enable customers to meet fleet requirements in "non-attainment" areas, while GVWR ratings of up to 9,200 pounds (4,173 kg) are available.

With impressive power, tough frames, advanced suspensions and high-capacity brakes, the 2500HD/3500 Series provides outstanding payload capacities as well as outstanding hauling and towing capabilities. The three-quarter-ton models have a GVWR as much as 9,200 pounds (4,173 kg), and payloads up to 3,964 pounds (1,798 kg). The one-ton pickup models have a GVWR up to 11,400 pounds (5,171 kg) and payloads up to 5,753 pounds (2,610 kg).

For chassis cab models, Silverado HD has an 11,400-pound (5,171-kg) GVWR for 2WD versions and a 12,000-pound (5,443 kg) GVWR when equipped with 4WD. Chassis cabs provide payloads up to 6,089 pounds (2,762 kg).

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