Chevrolet Silverado

More GM Truck News...

January 6, 1998 -- Regular readers have been following our stories about the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra for months. Here's more new goop on these redesigned pickups, straight from the 1998 North American International Auto Show in lovely Detroit, Michigan (where the roads have been wet since we landed at the airport 72 hours ago):

• The front ends of the hydroformed frame rails include crush caps that collapse into the inner portion of the frame to better absorb the impact of a crash.
  
  
• Coolant loss protection allows the driver to continue his journey even if all the radiator fluid is released from the engine compartment. Of course, you'd better stop at the first opportunity and have the problem fixed, but at least you won't be stranded between Yuma and San Diego in August.
  
  
• The step-in height is lowered for easy ingress and egress.
  
  
• Front seat belts are mounted to the front seats to aid rear seat entry and exit.
  
  
• The rear bench seat back is reclined for comfort, and the bottom cushion offers adequate thigh support. In other words, sitting in the back of the extended cab no longer feels like you're waiting for the bus.
  
  
• The odometer doubles as an engine hour meter. Cool, huh?
  
  
• The electrical system has been dramatically improved for better reliability.
  
  
• Nearly 90 percent of the new truck is recyclable, and there are 25 percent fewer parts used in its construction.
  
  
• Taillights are tri-colored.
  
  
• Rear seat passengers are warmed or cooled by HVAC vents in the back of the center console.
  
  
• There are three auxiliary power points located in the dashboard.