HSV Silverado 1500 Arrives in March.

[csv8]

"Holden Special Vehicles has confirmed it will begin selling the 313kW V8-petrol Chevrolet Silverado 1500 dual-cab ute in Australia and New Zealand from next month.

Following the successful import and re-engineering (a fancy way to describe the extensive conversion process) of the Chevrolet Camaro and Silverado 2500 Heavy Duty, HSV will begin to sell the ‘smaller’ Silverado ute against fellow its American pick-up, the Ram 1500, which is converted at the same facility and sold independently in Australia.

HSV Silverado 1500

'Smaller' is a loose term when describing the Silverado 1500, because while it is a size down from the gargantuan 2500, some variants stand 20cm taller than the Holden Colorado.

Read next: American-sourced trucks are booming down under

Available here in a single LTZ spec, the Silverado 1500 has a brutish 313kW/624Nm 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine under its expansive bonnet coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission. That shouldn’t have any trouble towing loads up to its 4500kg maximum braked towing capacity.

HSV Silverado 1500

By comparison, the Ram 1500 sold here is offered with a 5.6-litre naturally-aspirated V8, producing 291kW and 556Nm, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.



The HSV Silverado 1500 LTZ isn’t short on features, with the standard kit comprising:

Keyless entry and start
Remote start
Head-Up Display
Heated, leather wrapped steering wheel
Integrated trailer brake controller
Rear view auto-dimming interior mirror
Power-sliding rear window
Rear Camera Mirror
Dual zone automatic climate control
Jet Black Perforated Leather appointed seats
Heated and ventilated front seats
Heated rear outboard seats
10 Way Powered Driver and Passenger Seat with Lumbar
Power Sunroof
Lane Departure Warning
Forward Collision Alert
Adaptive Cruise Control
Front and rear park assist
Low-speed autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Rear-cross traffic alert
Blind spot monitoring
8.0-inch touchscreen
Bluetooth
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Seven-speaker Bose Premium Sound System with Richbass woofer
Wireless phone charging
Heated door mirrors
Z71 Pack with interior trim plate and exterior badging.
The bold exterior meanwhile is brimming with bling to enhance its extroverted aesthetic, including: chrome sidesteps, door handles and bumpers, which are contrasted by a black Chevy bowtie and front recovery hooks.

Down the back the big tub has a powered tailgate, spray-on bed liner and 12 tie downs.



The Silverado 1500 rides on 20-inch polished alloys shod with 275/60R20SL all-terrain tyres.

Extras include HSV Tuned suspension, performance airbox/exhaust and a range of performance upgrades.


HSV is yet to confirm retail pricing, but the similarly specified Silverado LTZ in the US retails for about US$55,500 which equates to about $84,000 Australian, which doesn't include the costs associated with the right-hand-drive re-engineering and getting the vehicle to Australia.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500

HSV’s Executive Director for sales, marketing and after sales Chris Polites has previously indicated that the 1500 would be sold for less than the cheapest 2500, which starts at $114,990, but dismissed a comparison with the RAM 1500, which costs $99,950 for a dual-cab variant.

Wheels estimates a low six-figure sum will be required to buy the Silverado 1500, which is the first new generation full-size pick-up to go on sale from a manufacturer in Australia." https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/202...-for-australia

[chevypower]

I saw two of them driving around Yarra Valley last Friday. One was following the other, the front badges had something covering them, other than that, they were undisguised and both were right hand drive.

[russellw]

Just what our roads need. More oversized Yank trucks.

[jpd80]

Kinda surprised that Toyota hasn’t released a factory RHD Tundra,
It could be the successor to the Landcruiser Ute with the right engines.

[Franco Cozzo]

But Australians don't want American Utes?

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

But Australians don't want American Utes?

I do, I just cant afford one just at the minute. All these years of bagging them and now they are making in roads. If they can fit 6 and have a tray then there is nothing else I require.

[xxx000]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

But Australians don't want American Utes?

Remember the Yanks call them 'trucks'

[bigwil]

What will HSV be known as next year since Holdens finished end of this year

[csv8]

bigwil...maybe called Walkinshaw Special Vehicles. ?
The Ram 1500 and Silverado 1500 are $25k cheaper than a Landcruiser Sahara.
and better equipped than the LC VX for the same price. I am in a caravan club, and people who have the Ram Express/Laramie are pleased with them. There are a lot on the road.
Ford have missed the boat on not having the F Series. They could have done a deal with a local conversion firm...eg : www.americancarcompany.com.au

[Polyal]

I believe the name change is touted to be GMSV.

[kcee]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

But Australians don't want American Utes?

If it wasnt for the $80K+ price tag (second hand...) id have purchased one years ago.
Have always wanted a 2012 on-wards and 2500HD in LTZ guise.

[jpd80]

A US LHD LTZ Silverado 6.2 4x4 unmodified is around AUS $80,000, it's just so expensive to first acquire
and then modify a full sized pick up. The people who really want them have access, that's all that matters.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

But Australians don't want American Utes?

Comparatively, sales of full size pick ups are still a tiny percentage compared to mid-sized ute sales.
The price is still a big issue stopping more of those high end ute buyers from committing to buying one.

Perhaps manufacturers would be wise to consider increasing the size of their utes slightly to protect
those valuable high end sales, increase vehicle width and rear legroom by 70 mm and add US engines.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Comparatively, sales of full size pick ups are still a tiny percentage compared to mid-sized ute sales.
The price is still a big issue stopping more of those high end ute buyers from committing to buying one.

Perhaps manufacturers would be wise to consider increasing the size of their utes slightly to protect
those valuable high end sales, increase vehicle width and rear legroom by 70 mm and add US engines.

The only reason I like the American Utes is that they actually fit humans in the back seats while still having a decent sized tub as well as good engine options, you've got V8s and turbo sixes in the case of the F150.

I could make do with a 4x2 dual cab Ranger but the wheezy diesel engines put them off the list, they're just too under powered for highway driving, especially if you want to pass people on single lane country roads.

If we had the 2.3L Ecoboost option that the US Ranger has then that would sign me up.

I don't need a Ute but it would be handy.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

The only reason I like the American Utes is that they actually fit humans in the back seats while still having a decent sized tub as well as good engine options, you've got V8s and turbo sixes in the case of the F150..

And they have a proper wheelbase, where the load area isn't hanging out beyond the rear axle.

[cheap]

Sold and serviced through the countrywide Holden/HSV dealer network ?

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

The only reason I like the American Utes is that they actually fit humans in the back seats while still having a decent sized tub as well as good engine options, you've got V8s and turbo sixes in the case of the F150.

I could make do with a 4x2 dual cab Ranger but the wheezy diesel engines put them off the list, they're just too under powered for highway driving, especially if you want to pass people on single lane country roads.

If we had the 2.3L Ecoboost option that the US Ranger has then that would sign me up.

I don't need a Ute but it would be handy.

The Franco special.

V8...check.
Plenty of room in the rear seat...check
Ute...check.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by GasoLane

The Franco special.

V8...check.
Plenty of room in the rear seat...check
Ute...check.

image

And a stakeside bed.
Good for the someone looking for a Merc cruiser as well.

[CoupeKing]

Originally Posted by GasoLane

The Franco special.

V8...check.
Plenty of room in the rear seat...check
Ute...check.

image

He can grow his tomatoes and eggplant in the back.

Don't forget the extra large console and glove compartment for the butt-plugs.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by GasoLane

The Franco special.

V8...check.
Plenty of room in the rear seat...check
Ute...check.

image

I should just take the boot lid off my Caprice.

Problem solved

[prydey]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

I could make do with a 4x2 dual cab Ranger but the wheezy diesel engines put them off the list, they're just too under powered for highway driving, especially if you want to pass people on single lane country roads.

The grown ups don't seem to find it a problem...

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by prydey

The grown ups don't seem to find it a problem...

That's because the only excitement those losers have in their life is living like a homeless person, also known as 'camping'

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

The only reason I like the American Utes is that they actually fit humans in the back seats while still having a decent sized tub as well as good engine options, you've got V8s and turbo sixes in the case of the F150.

I could make do with a 4x2 dual cab Ranger but the wheezy diesel engines put them off the list, they're just too under powered for highway driving, especially if you want to pass people on single lane country roads.

If we had the 2.3L Ecoboost option that the US Ranger has then that would sign me up.

I don't need a Ute but it would be handy.

OK, the issue I see with our so called mid-sized pick ups / utes is that their crew cab internal dimensions,
those all important hip, shoulder and rear leg room are actually closer to those of a compact car like a Focus.
Over Ranger's product cycle, a significant shift in buyer preference to crew cab sales has occurred
so it would be wise for Ford to align the proportion of Ranger with F150 and pick up internal space.
- F150 is 200mm wider than Ranger yet the track is only 125mm wider
- F150 has 75mm more rear leg room in Super Crew and Crew Cab than Ranger.
- F150 have longer trays fitted to Super Cab and Crew Cabs compared to Ranger
- F150 has its rear wheels positioned closer to the rear of the tray than Ranger.

My takeaway from the above is that widening and lengthening Ranger by 75mm could be done
without complete tear up and re do of the chassis and mechanical package, longer trays could
then be offered as an option. A lot is possible but I know that Ford won't do it because their project
input data was still way out of date at the beginning of T6 gen 2 and ceded to US desires to keep
Current dimensions as they are, any growth in Ranger's is a threat to F150 - protected species.

Originally Posted by roKWiz

And they have a proper wheelbase, where the load area isn't hanging out beyond the rear axle.

You and I both know that much could be directed with a few changes including longer tub options
and commensurate longer wheelbase but won't for reasons stated above.

Such a shame because a bigger better Ranger fitted with 3.0 diesel and 5.0 V8 could be so much more.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by jpd80

- F150 has its rear wheels positioned closer to the rear of the tray than Ranger.

Such a shame because a bigger better Ranger fitted with 3.0 diesel and 5.0 V8 could be so much more.

And hence why these make a much safer and more durable articulated towing (read 5th wheel and gooseneck) setup. Even with a lower rear axle rating.

What I don't understand is, how any 1500 series (Dodge, Chev, Ford) US imports, registered in Oz has a lower axle rating than a Thai special Ranger yet it is a longer, wider, heavier vehicle built for towing.
Is it just the Oz authorities under rating their axle specs ? as they don't seem to have a problem in the US towing big stuff around.

[burnz]

what could have been
https://www.whichcar.com.au/car-news...-mule-revealed

[b0son]

Correct me if I'm wrong, that's just a bumper? There's no commodore under the skin whatsoever?

[roKWiz]

Funny looking Silverado

[hayseed]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

And they have a proper wheelbase, where the load area isn't hanging out beyond the rear axle.

The Chinese (LDV to be precise) have that Figure out...

https://www.caradvice.com.au/810966/...s-the-line-up/

[Fordman1]

Originally Posted by russellw

Just what our roads need. More oversized Yank trucks.

Try parking one of these Monstrosities when you take your kids to the pool, or if you need to go to Coles or Woolworths.

It’s hard enough parking a medium size car because of the size of those car park spaces.

These are definitely not daily drivers 🤣

[prydey]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

And they have a proper wheelbase, where the load area isn't hanging out beyond the rear axle.

The engineers that build the utes you turn your nose up at do know a thing or two about building cars. Yet to see one, unmodified and loaded within limits, have any dramas. Any issues are from cars being modified or overloaded.