Report Hints Silverado EV Max Towing Package To Feature Four Wheel Steering

The report comes from the folks at GM Authority (GMA) with the website getting confirmation from Silverado EV chief engineer Nichole Kraatz during a recent interview. While the Silverado RST is the one that's catching the bulk of the spotlight, the first models leaving the factory will be WT models, which will make their way to dealerships in 2023.

Silverado EV Not The First Time GM Mixed Towing With Towing

While this announcement is welcome for buyers that need to haul large trailers, this application is not the first time that GM offered a four-wheel steering system to improve trailer pulling maneuverability. The last time we saw four-wheel steering on a Silverado was when GM offered Quadrasteer from 2002-2005. The system was available on the Sierra, Silverado, and the Suburban and Yukon SUVs. The system was a $7,000 option at first before GM lowered the price three times in a futile attempt to improve sales.

The system aimed to achieve what this new four-wheel steer system is trying to do now, with the tighter turning circle created by all four wheels turning enhancing maneuverability for those towing fifth wheels and other large trailers. This time around, the four-wheel steering system has benefitted from several decades of engineering improvements. It will undoubtedly be heavily upgraded to cope with the 20,000 towing capacity that GM is promising for this particular version of the Silverado EV.

Silverado EV On Track For 2023 Debut

As mentioned, GM is taking a different approach with the Silverado EV and will launch the WT versions first, with these models rolling out in the spring of 2023. GM is looking to gather real-world data from these early models, and some of the lessons that the company will learn from this early batch of WT models will help the brand hone and refine the mass market-focused RST for duty when it rolls out in the fall of 2023. The WT model will have plenty of performance for buyers to enjoy, with GM promising 510 hp and 615 lb-ft of torque.

When it isn't equipped with the Max Towing Package, the WT can tow up to 8,000 lbs and haul up to 1,200 lbs of cargo. The Max Towing package will also not be part of the initial run of models, with GM reserving the package for further down into production.

Photo Credit: General Motors

Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. In addition to his specialization with Ford, he grew up in a General Motors household and is extensively familiar with their products too. Contact Carl on Twitter at @CarlMalek3, on Instagram and Facebook for automotive news to send news tips.