CHEVROLET SILVERADO LTZ PREMIUM AND RAM 2500 TO GO HEAD TO HEAD
CHEVY SILVERADO HEAVY DUTY LTZ PREMIUM SET TO BEGIN AUSTRALIAN RIGHT-HAND DRIVE PRODUCTION THIS NOVEMBER
FOR fans of full-size American-style pickup trucks, we have some good news for you. Both the Chevrolet Silverado and Ram 2500 have returned to the Australian market, with the Ram 2500 already with us. The Chevy Silverado Heavy Duty LTZ Premium is set to begin Australian right-hand drive production as soon as November. This is the heavy-duty Silverado, powered by a 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V8 and 10-Speed Allison transmission producing 331kw and 1233Nm.ride and handling have been taken in to special consideration, with the big rig Chevrolet sporting a Z71 offroad package made up of Rancho twin tube shocks, Hill Descent Control and skid plates underneath.
Driver comfort is said to have been a large part of the design process in the Silverado, with heated leather steering wheel, 15-inch diagonal head-up display and 8-inch driver information display. Heated and ventilated leather seating and dual-zone climate as well as a power sunroof, are also featured.
It’s safe to say that if you are looking for such a vehicle, load space is one of your primary concerns. The Silverado’s tray measures 2104mm long, 1814mm wide, with a load volume of 1969 litres. Towing capacity looks to be 4500kg braked, which is an impressive number. There’s also a powered tailgate that can be electronically raised or lowered in one of four ways. By either using the key fob, pressing a button on the tailgate, using a switch on the instrument panel or by lifting it manually 10cm, and it will take over the rest of the way.
The RAM 2500 is powered by a 6.7L in-line six-cylinder Cummins turbodiesel motor, with a claimed power delivery of 276kw and 1152Nm or torque, which is less power on paper compared to the Silverado. Underneath the lighter aluminium bonnet, you’ll now find the largest intercooler RAM has ever offered.
This allows provisions for it to tow a braked capacity of up to 8000kg when fitted with an appropriate tow hitch and air brakes according to the fine print.
The engine has been widely upgraded with a compacted graphite iron cylinder block and cast-iron head, which is backed by a significantly
STAY TUNED FOR AN UPCOMING REVIEW OF THE RAM 2500, AND WE’LL LOCK DOWN A SILVERADO WHEN THEY ARE AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA
upgraded 68RFE six-speed automatic gearbox and Borgwarner electronic transfer case. Front and rear axles have also been beefed up to handle the extra demands a full-size ute will no doubt be subjected to in its life. With great power comes great responsibility, so it’s nice to see a braking system upgrade has also been incorporated, with improved callipers, booster and master cylinder.
Inside the RAM, there’s a 10-speaker sound system with subwoofer to dull the tone of the Cummins diesel motor (if you wanted to) as well as a 12-inch touchscreen. Safety and security levels are up too, with a suite of active and passive systems available for the driver and passenger.
High-tensile steel has been used in the chassis, body and core structure to enhance impact performance, while reducing weight overall. In fact, the manufacturer tells us they have managed to shave 64kg off.
Suspension wise, the RAM is said to have what they have dubbed Frequency Response Damping, which is automatically adjusts the valving of the shock absorbers on all four corners to provide a sportier ride on fast corners, yet compliance when the going gets rough. This is backed up with progressive-rate springs, upgraded bushes and a five-link coil sprung rear suspension set up for better articulation off road and better load-carrying capabilities.
Pricing for the RAM 2500 Laramie Crew Cab starts at $157,950 plus on-road costs, and the Chevrolet Silverado HD LTZ Premium coming in at $144,990 plus on-road costs. Stay tuned for an upcoming review of the RAM 2500, and we’ll lock down a Silverado when they are available in Australia.