By Chris Bruce, Autoblog.com - Aluminum is the big buzzword in the pickup world these days, especially with the upcoming 2015 Ford F-150 shedding over 700-pounds (317 kilograms) by switching to the lightweight metal. The question on pundits' and buyers' minds is when (or if) General Motors and Ram Trucks could make a similar shift. However, Chevrolet is showing that there is still room for good-ole' fashioned steel in the truck world with its Toughnology Concept.
The Toughnology concept is based on the 2015 Silverado 1500 with a 5.3-litre V8 in LTZ trim and clearly takes aim at naysayers proclaiming the end of metal's use in trucks. It uses about 67 per cent ultra- and high-strength steel in its cab. According to Chevy, not only is the material around 30 per cent lighter than conventional carbon steel but also offers improved strength too.
The automaker even takes an obvious shot at Ford in the concept's announcement saying that the use of high-strength steel "offers significant mass savings at a lower cost than aluminum, which helps keep down the overall vehicle cost." Clearly, it knows where the competition is.
Chevy wants to bring the Silverado's underpinnings to the fore, and it paints the Toughnology in a shade of silver that emulates the colour of raw steel. If that doesn't get the message across, it even has the molecular model for the metal on the side of the body. Further styling enhancements include a black hood, mesh grille, 22-inch wheels and tinted headlight covers. For some boosted capability, the concept also has a new air intake, performance exhaust and upgraded brakes.
The Toughnology concept is based on the 2015 Silverado 1500 with a 5.3-litre V8 in LTZ trim and clearly takes aim at naysayers proclaiming the end of metal's use in trucks. It uses about 67 per cent ultra- and high-strength steel in its cab. According to Chevy, not only is the material around 30 per cent lighter than conventional carbon steel but also offers improved strength too.
The automaker even takes an obvious shot at Ford in the concept's announcement saying that the use of high-strength steel "offers significant mass savings at a lower cost than aluminum, which helps keep down the overall vehicle cost." Clearly, it knows where the competition is.
Chevy wants to bring the Silverado's underpinnings to the fore, and it paints the Toughnology in a shade of silver that emulates the colour of raw steel. If that doesn't get the message across, it even has the molecular model for the metal on the side of the body. Further styling enhancements include a black hood, mesh grille, 22-inch wheels and tinted headlight covers. For some boosted capability, the concept also has a new air intake, performance exhaust and upgraded brakes.
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