Chevrolet has been producing iconic American trucks since 1918, and launched the Silverado as a trim level for Chevrolet C/K pick-ups and Suburbans from 1975 through 1999, when it became its own line. Silverado continues its tough and capable truck legacy as it kicks off its all-new 4th Generation with the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado.

Last redesigned for the 2014 model year, the 2019 Silverado is longer, wider, higher and lighter than Gen-3. Redesigned from the ground up, with an expanded range of eight models and six engine/transmission choices, Silverado’s wheelbase is up to 3.9 inches longer and it has an overall length that is 1.6 inches longer, enabling more cargo volume and more interior room for all cab lengths. And the 2019 Silverado is up to 450 pounds lighter than the previous model, thanks to advanced manufacturing and the use of mixed materials, including a fully boxed steel frame that is 88 pounds lighter than its predecessor, while offering 10 percent greater torsional rigidity.

Also re-engineered is the all-new Durabed with best-in-class cargo volume, with the short-box offering 63 cubic feet of volume with its bed floor width widened by nearly seven inches, while employing a higher-strength steel floor with yield strength increased for optimal strength and mass. You also get an all-new, segment-exclusive power tailgate and bed-mounted 120-volt power outlet; higher payloads and trailering ratings; more and stronger tie-downs – 12, with a doubled strength of 500 pounds of force before bending; and enhanced front and rear suspensions. Chevrolet has also improved the brake system, expanded its roster of safety systems and has added the next-generation Chevrolet Infotainment systems and connectivity to the setup.

My test Silverado 1500 LTZ with a Crew Cab fits full-size parameters. With a short 5-foot-8-inch box, the all-new Silverado measures 231.7 inches in length (the 6-foot-6-inch box adds 9.5 inches and the 8-foot box is not available with the Crew Cab). Silverado now measures a widebody 81.2 inches wide (up 1.2 inches) and a towering 75.4 inches high (for the 4x4), a gain of 1.6 inches, and some trims are as much as 78.4 inches high. All of this, on a 147.4-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 8.9 inches and step-in height measures 22.2 inches, while the Silverado LTZ’s base curb weight comes in at 5008 lbs. (a loss of nearly 300 lbs. for this trim) with the 5.3-liter engine and 4x4 configuration. 

Inside, Silverado’s well-appointed, comfortable, safety-focused and tech-filled interior is roomy, quiet and functional, with a sturdy cab structure. Its Crew Cab provides 43.0 inches of front headroom (up 0.2 inches), with 40.1 in the rear (0.4 inches lower). Legroom is considerable, but shrunk 0.8 inches up front, to at 44.5 inches and 40.1 in the cab (0.8 inches tighter), while shoulder room measures 66.0 and 65.2 inches (you lose 0.5 in the cab). 

Silverado powers up with five engine choices: a 2.7-liter turbo is rated at 310hp and 348 lbs-ft of torque; a 4.3-liter V-6 rated at 285 hp and 305 lbs-ft of torque, a 5.3-liter V-8 delivers 355 hp and 383 lbs-ft of torque, the muscular 6.2-liter V-8 with a 10-speed transmission thunders out 420 hp and 460 lbs-ft of torque, and there’s also a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel offered.

My Silverado LTZ with the 5.3 was muscular and attentive, easily passing speed, capably hauling heavy loads and effortlessly accelerating from a stop Proof at the track was a 6.6-second zero-to-60mph during a 15.0-second quarter-mile.

Fuel consumption was EPA rated at 16mpg/city and 22mpg/hwy with an AWD set-up and I averaged 19.8 in mixed-use driving on snow-encrusted roads.

My test Silverado LTZ was steady on uneven roads and softroad obstacles with its independent coil-over-shock front suspension with twin-tube shocks coupled with a solid axle rear with multileaf springs and splayed twin-tube shocks. The electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering was predictable and compliant, 

The 2019 Silverado 1500 is offered in Regular Cab with standard box and long box; Double Cab Standard Box and Crew Cab in short box and standard box, and is configured in 2WD and 4WD. Base prices run from $29,895 with regular Cab and Long Bed to $33,795 for Double Cab standard bed, and $36,495 for Crew Cab and Standard Bed. My test 2019 Silverado 1500 2WD with a 4.3-liter EcoTec V6 came with a Crew Cab and short box, and included the 5.3-liter V-8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, for $36,195. AWD made the ante $39,495 and an upgrade to the 5.3-liter engine moves it up to $40,890. 

Eight trim packages are offered that can add from $1,000 to $18,000. My LTZ trim package – seventh on the list – came with 4WD, chrome grille, 18-inch Bright Silver painted aluminum wheels, Advance trailering features, perforated leather seating, and tons of standard trim items and moved the sticker to $50,295. We added the LTZ Premium package, discounted to $5350, for power sliding rear window with rear defogger, front buckets, power sunroof front center console, polished 20-inch wheels and 275/60R20 all-season, blackwall tires and more. The Technology Package added $1875 for a rear camera mirror, 8-inch diagonal digital driver information center, HD Surround Vision and head-Up display. And we added 6-inch black rectangular assist steps for $725. Destination and Freight charges of $1575 put the sticker at $59,245, but there was a $1000 Package discount and other incentives that put the buy price at $57,245, so check with your local dealer about incentives.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

The 2019 Carlisle Events season has seen two of its events come and go, but with the core of its Carlisle, Pennsylvania based schedule upcoming, car lovers from around the world will be more regularly visiting the Carlisle Events web page for details on their favorite show(s) in America’s Automotive Hometown.  Effective March 6, 2019, Carlisle Events pleased to announce that the all-new www.CarlisleEvents.com is LIVE!

Visitors will immediately notice a visual difference with the page, but the new page has more than just a facelift.  The page has been completely re-tooled to make the process more user-friendly for followers of Carlisle Events.  Getting tickets, becoming a vendor, shopping for event specific merchandise or showing a car/truck at Carlisle will be easier than ever, plus the page serves as a source of information, entertainment and e-commerce with enhanced video options, larger images and more.

“After my father, Chip Miller, passed away in 2004 I sold my web design and consulting business to come and work for Carlisle Events,” noted Carlisle Events co-owner Lance Miller.  “Having a background in the tech field taught me a lot about following trends and when we saw many of our customers registering for our events on their mobile devices, we knew it was time to update our website to make it friendly for all visitors,” continued Miller.  “The new www.CarlisleEvents.com caters to all platforms our visitors use and makes it easier for them to find what they are after.”

To see first-hand what the all-new www.CarlisleEvents.com is all about, take a tour for yourself.  The web page as well as the Carlisle Store are open 24/7/365 and just like those who visit a car show at Carlisle, it too can offer an automotive adventure along the way.

Dave Rea is a true car guy, the kind of guy that you’d love to have wrenching right next to you in the shop.  He’s also been fortunate to have his talents noticed by national TV and end up on a popular program watching by millions.  From there, his personality and talents were clear to audiences and at this year’s Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, guests will meet the man and his personality, plus enjoy in person his passion for the hobby!

Chrysler weekend runs July 12-14 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and Rea is no stranger to the show.  He just kind of showed up last year, pretty much last minute and with very little front-end fanfare.  This time around, Rea is coming, and everyone will know about it far enough in advance.  Learn from Rea in person as he will be part of the Restorers’ Roundtable seminar.  Who wouldn’t want to talk one-on-one with a man whose mind is an encyclopedia of car facts!  In addition to the roundtable, Rea will host meet and greets with fans, sign autographs and pose for photos too.  One you meet Dave Rea, you’ll quickly understand that he’s trtuly “just like you,” a Mopar lover and car guy!

In addition to being a TV mechanic, Rea is a true-blue and really good real-life mechanic and restorer too.  Rea is the owner of DB Restorations, LLC, a Mopar only restoration shop in Creswell Oregon that specializes in 1968 to 1972 Mopar muscle cars and trucks.  He is a self taught automotive restoration technician that has 30 plus years of experience in this field.  Those talents took him to TV where he was a co-star on a popular program that ran for 5 years and also helped him fine tune his skills in the field.  Rea is strong in his faith and a true family man.  Finally, he is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys a good hunting and fishing story as well as talking about his favorite topic, Mopars!

The world’s largest all-Mopar event kicks off with a FREE cruise-in and kick-off party on July 11 at the Carlisle Expo Center.  That party is the appetizer to the main course at the adjacent fairgrounds where 40,000+ guests and nearly 3,000 cars come to park and party!  The size of the automotive flea market is unmatched in the hobby and the showfield is beyond diverse, featuring all eras or production.  From the annual Survivor’s Tent to the featured vehicle displays to the anniversary and more, this event has it all.  Speaking of features, 2019 features the M-Code A-Body, plus 50 years of the Dodge Charger Daytona & 500, 50 (and ½) Years of the A12 Road Runner & Super Bee, plus a nod to the automotive Summer of ’69.

Come out to see the cars, meet Dave Rea and check out the event.  Getting involved is easy too.  It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to show, sell or buy tickets, all the details are available at the all-new www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

As the Carlisle Truck Nationals grow with even more trucks and guests, its list of sponsorship support does too.  In 2018, Carlisle welcomed presenting sponsorship from A&A Auto Stores, while also bringing Extang into the mix.  As the calendar flips to 2019, truck weekend will see all-new support, this time from American Force Wheels, a Miami, Florida based company.

American Force Wheels has been named the Official Wheel of the Carlisle Truck Nationals!  No stranger to the truck market, American Force has been in the wheel business since 1995.  Initially, American Force Wheels launched as a wheel builder for small import and domestic vehicles in South Florida but has since focused on truck wheels!  That direction has helped this Miami based company grow leaps and bounds – or as the truck market goes, by 3/4 and 1-ton trucks!  

According to the American Force Wheels web page, their team of experts spend countless hours ensuring wheels which are safe and durable. Only new materials and the latest precision CNC machines are used in manufacturing every wheel, adaptor and accessory. Custom-built forged-aluminum American Force Wheels creations can be described as sleek, stylish and highly specialized. American Force Wheels continues to innovate and is always creating new market-leading products that deliver on its long standing promise of delivering quality, style and function.

This innovation as well as a great line of products will be available for sale at the 2019 Carlisle Truck Nationals.  Guests coming to Carlisle can find American Force Wheels on the midway with a display that will quickly get their attention.  

“The Carlisle Truck Nationals are a huge event with lots of cool trucks,” noted Jason Sandusky, Marketing and Events with American Force.  “Due to the popularity of the show and its mass appeal, it’s only fitting American Force is there representing with the best in the country!  Thanks for having us Carlisle and we can’t wait to see you starting August 2.”

“I’ve worked with this company and their staff going back to their roots and have seen them transition and develop truck product lines with previous appearances here at the Carlisle Truck Nationals,” noted event manager Ed Scholly.  “American Force has positioned itself as an industry leader.  We are always excited to see industry leaders sharing their wares with truck enthusiasts, owners and fans at Carlisle.”

All of the truck themed excitement commences August 2 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and not only features great vendors like American Force Wheels, Extang and A&A Auto Stores, it’ll feature cool custom vans, big rigs, competitions, special displays and more.  Complete event information is available online at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.  

Hey Bandit, this is the Snowman – you got your ears on?  CB talk, fast cars, Coors beer, southern charm, handsome stars – Smokey and the Bandit had it all in the Summer of 1977.  Bring the family to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds in June, because 42 years after the now iconic Bandit Trans-Am took flight, the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals and Northeast Ohio Dukes will replicate something NEVER seen before by anyone at Carlisle.

The “Bandit Jump” is coming to Carlisle as part of Chevrolet Nationals weekend, June 21-22.  The Jump itself takes flight on June 22.  This isn’t just a family friendly jump, this is something you’ll want to involve your friends with too.  In fact, go knock on a neighbor’s door right now and tell them that Carlisle is hosting the “Bandit Jump.” 

As a tribute to Mr. Reynolds who passed away in September of 2018 as well as a nod to one of the most iconic cars and car movies of all time, a Bandit Trans Am will FLY THROUGH THE AIR at the Chevrolet Nationals.  Saturday afternoon, June 22 the professionals from Northeast Ohio Dukes will put the pedal to the metal, the thing to the floor, they’ll wind it up and let it roar!  As the Bandit would say, “it ain’t never been done before” and it sure ain’t never been done before at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds!  At 1 p.m. the wheels will leave the ground; the car will set sail and your heart will pound as you witness this spectacular stunt in person. 

A can’t-miss Saturday at the fairgrounds for the family, Carlisle Events is offering a VIP Family 4-Pack of tickets for just $69.  This price point includes general parking, entry for 4 and entry into the coveted VIP jump zone for the best lines of sight, photos, video and more.  This package is the only way to enjoy VIP access to the jump.  Watch from up close as the Bandit takes flight!  VIP Packages are limited and will be sold on a first come first serve basis. 

The jump is one of many great features coming to Carlisle and the Chevrolet Nationals.  Planned is a 60^th Anniversary celebration of the El Camino, the 50^th Birthday of the Blazer, the 50^th birthday of the GTO Judge and more!

In addition, Carlisle hosts Hurst branded cars as part of a special Hurst Showcase.  The showcase welcomes Hurst specific showfield classes, a featured vehicle display under a tent, Hurst products and memorabilia on display, seminars, special guests and more.  Speaking of guests, we can confirm that five men with ties to Hurst are slated to appear.  Those guests include Hurst Engineer Don Glover, Jim Kerr, an original Hurst Customer Service team member, Steve Weiner, a Sales Engineer, Marky Danko from Hurst Production/Engineering, Don Lane, a Hurst Engineer/Designer and others to be announced once confirmed.

Joining the Hurst Showcase will be an all-new Chevy Trucks feature.  The all-new show within a show called Chevy/GMC Truck Madness comes to Carlisle and will celebrate all Chevy and GMC Trucks from 1947 to 1987.  This special judged event takes place June 21-22 and includes 21 new classes as part of a professionally judged showfield.  This includes special categories for classic Chevrolet Cameos, GMC, Suburbans, NAPCO Four-Wheel-Drive trucks and more! 

Further details about the jump are forthcoming, so be sure to follow the Chevrolet Nationals on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ChevroletNationals/ on online at the all-new www.CarlisleEvents.com.  Tickets for this amazing “Bandit Jump” at Chevrolet Nationals weekend can be purchased direct at store.carlisleevents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.  That same store page also offers access to register for the NPD Showfield, so don’t miss out! 

We Gone!