Chevrolet
Silverado SS
A Combination of Contemporary Performance and Sleek Styling
There has
always been a mystique surrounding Chevy's "SS" (Super
Sport) heritage. The SS emblem on the side of a Chevy gave notice
to the world that the vehicle had the right stuff.
"SS"
models have been providing on-road enthusiasts with top-end power,
sporty ride and handling, and sleek designs since 1961. They include
such classics as the legendary Impala SS and the classy Chevelle
SS. The 2003 Silverado SS, the first of many SS models to return
to the Chevy lineup, is an expression of contemporary Chevrolet
performance that is within reach of many enthusiasts now driving
pickups.
The 2003 Silverado
SS will be available in all 50 states and Canada, beginning the
first quarter of next year.
"As buyers
have migrated to full-size pickup trucks, their need for refined
performance has gone with them," said Silverado Marketing
Director Rick Scheidt. "The Silverado SS satisfies that need
by adding a new dimension of fun and excitement to Chevy's flagship
truck."
Created
from a 1500 Extended Cab
The Silverado SS, created from a 1500 extended cab short bed,
provides its new dimension of fun and excitement without forfeiting
any of the proven strengths and capabilities of Silverado's superior
design.
Contemporary
Performance
A standard high output LQ9 version of the Vortec 6000 V8, with
345 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, provides Silverado SS
with exhilarating off-line acceleration, relaxed cruising and
dependable operation. It mates to a 4L65-E four-speed automatic
overdrive transmission, with a 3.06 first gear and a 0.70 final
gear ratio that contribute to the truck's impressive performance.
The exhaust
system, featuring a single, large 3.5-inch outlet pipe, has been
specially tuned for a throaty NASCAR-inspired roar.
Full-time
AWD and Locking Rear Differential
A standard full-time, all-wheel-drive (AWD), viscous-coupled transfer
case uses the traction of four driving wheels to provide exceptional
on-road, wet or dry pavement handling. It requires no driver intervention,
and automatically and continuously transfers torque from slipping
wheels to those with a firmer grip in a smooth, almost imperceptible
manner. Its continuous 38-percent / 62-percent front-to-rear torque
split provides optimum handling and control, further enhanced
by a standard full locking rear differential.
Sporty
Ride and Handling
A unique Z60 High Performance Chassis package, including Silverado's
largest-ever, 20-inch tires, provides exceptional road holding
and cornering capability and a smooth, comfortable ride. The independent
front torsion bar / two-stage multi-spring rear suspension system's
shocks have been specially tuned for ride smoothness. The SS is
lowered 20mm in front and 50mm in the rear. The track is 18mm
wider and P275/55R-20 Goodyear Eagle radials, mounted on wide
8.5-inch rims, provide exceptional stability. The tires' handling
characteristics also permit harnessing the full capabilities of
the AWD system.
7,500-pound
trailering capability
The SS shares the upgraded brake system and many other enhancements
of 2003 Silverado light-duty models. Segment exclusive standard
features include a 4.10:1 final drive axle ratio and a Z82 heavy-duty
trailering package that provides a fully trailer-ready design
and outstanding 7,500-pound trailering capability.
Sleek,
Aggressive Look
The Silverado SS appearance is sleek, refined and dramatic - an
instant classic.
With its trim,
aggressive stance, monochromatic color-scheme that includes the
grille, fascias, lower ground effects, and specially styled aluminum
wheels, the SS appearance conveys performance from any angle.
20-inch
Five Spoke Aluminum Wheels
It features full front and rear bumper fascias that wrap completely
around the body, and extend from the belt line down almost to
the frame rails. The front includes a wide center-band air scoop,
flanked by two rectangular corner scoops. Their diamond-pattern
mesh is harmoniously integrated with that of the grille, which
features Chevy's new gold bowtie emblem. "Silverado SS"
badges accent the front doors and left rear quarter panel. Bodysides
are clean, with understated moldings. Sporty five-spoke polished
aluminum 20 x 8.5-inch wheels feature Chevy's emblem in their
center cap and the tailgate includes a body color cap.
Available
in Onyx Black, Arrival Blue and Victory Red
The Silverado SS is available in a choice of three exterior performance
colors: Onyx Black, Arrival Blue and Victory Red.
Custom
Interior
The custom interior is Dark Pewter and fully equipped with uplevel
LT trim. Its full feature leather bucket seats have special "SS"
embroidered headrests and an "SS' emblem on the redesigned
instrument panel. The instrument panel cluster has distinctive
white backlighting, with orange pointers. SS customers have a
choice of an in-dash six-disc CD changer or a combination single-disc
CD / cassette player with their next-generation AM/FM stereos.
A premium six-speaker Bose® audio system and GM's next-generation
OnStar® system are standard, along with a center console,
eight-button steering wheel controls, a dual-zone automatic climate
control system and many other new features.
"Customers
can have all the fun of owning a sporty extended cab pickup with
refined performance and still get optimum trailering/hauling capability
whenever they require it," said Scheidt. "If
Silverado is 'Like a Rock,' then Silverado SS is 'Like Rock 'n'
Roll.'"
