The Corner Step formed in the bumper along with the grip pocket in the bed rail is a simple but ingenious solution.
truck-oriented offi cers who drove the test truck.
Wind Tunnel Tuned T e new Silverado underwent hundreds of hours of testing at GM’s Warren, Mich. wind tunnel. T e goal was to both increase fuel economy and decrease wind noise. T e new truck has about 5 percent better aero- dynamics than the previous truck. T e biggest wind noise improvement was
in the new inlaid doors, which fi t into the body sides rather than wrapping over the roof. T ese doors also have triple rubber door seals, which reduce wind noise and turbulence. T e front air dam is now higher in the
center and lower at the corners, which im- proves airfl ow under and around the bottom of the truck. T e new air dam also improves the approach angle for challenging median crossings and off -road enforcement. New tow hook seals prevent airflow
through the tow hook openings. Trim lev- els without tow hooks now have a closeout panel covering the former exposed holes. A new splash shield under the truck improves airfl ow under the chassis. A new cab-to-box seal reduces the gap between the cab and the pickup box to reduce drag. New rear tire defl ectors on the box in
front of the rear wheels direct air away from the wheels, reducing drag. A spoiler-like ex- tension integrated into the top of the tail- gate improves airfl ow over the truck. Even something as minor as tapered, hourglass-
shaped taillights help the airfl ow around the rear of the truck.
Electric Steering, New Brakes T e new Silverado has a new electric vari- able-assist power steering system. Electric- assisted steering reduces the load on the engine from the hydraulic pump and the maintenance issues with hydraulic hoses. T e variable-boost steering reduces steering eff ort at lower speeds, and produces a fi rmer feel at higher speeds. T e system is designed
to improve overall handling and make a bet- ter on-center feel. T e new wheels are ½-inch wider than
the previous model, which reduces tire fl ex for improved steering response and cor- nering. T e front suspension has alumi- num control arms and aluminum steering knuckles, saving weight. T e new truck has a ½-inch wider rear track and new twin- tube shocks, both to dampen the rear leaf springs and improve stability. T e truck also got larger stabilizer bars, enhanced jounce bumpers.
For the new Silverado, the B-pillar on the Crew Cab was moved forward 4 inches. The result is much wider rear doors to welcome prisoners.
www.pfmmag.com 41
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