2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country 06.05.2013
Full weight reductions can't happen until 2019
The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra have an evolutionary design and that could come back to haunt them.
Reuters is reporting the trucks won't be able benefit from an extensive weight reduction program until they are redesigned in 2019. This means Ford will beat them to the punch with the 2015 Ford F-150 which is expected to weigh as much as 750 lbs (340 kg) less than its predecessor. As a result, the F-150 could have significantly better fuel economy than the Silverado and Sierra for next four to five years.
When asked about the situation, GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson told Reuters "We're going to look at all the levers we can pull - materials, aerodynamics, powertrain - to continue to improve fuel efficiency, both on an interim basis and as we go to the next-generation trucks." He declined to go into specifics but sources suggest the company could introduce an aluminum-intensive Silverado as early as next year. The variant could weigh 250 lbs (113 kg) less than the standard model and have fuel economy gains of up to 20 percent.
While the trucks won't benefit from a full makeover until 2019, the company will reportedly make annual updates to reduce weight. Nothing is official but sources suggest the company is working with suppliers to create lighter springs, axles and driveshafts.
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