2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD Gets More Power, More Tech and Easier Towing

The people behind the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD said in a video conference today that all of the upgrades are being made with the customers in mind. Engineers are putting the torque where the customers need it and want it. Designers are giving the truck a new face, new trim packages and they are adding technology to make driving the big truck easier.

“We’ve designed the Silverado HD to be our customers’ favored choice for true truck capability,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Chevrolet. “The enhancements to the 2024 model build on its core strengths to provide an even stronger balance of the design, strength and confidence that makes tackling the hard jobs, including trailering, easier and more convenient than ever.”

2024 Silverado HD Concentrating on Two Main Engines

Chevrolet knows that people shopping for a heavy-duty truck want a powerful vehicle equipped for towing and they made changes with that in mind.

The 2024 Silverado HD will be available with two powertrains: the standard 6.6L V-8 gas engine and the available Duramax turbo-diesel. Both will have the proven Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. The 10-speed replaces the gas engine’s previous six-speed automatic, which allows the 6.6L gas engine to hold closer to its peak power for longer periods. In turn, the 2024 Silverado HD’s Gross Combined Weight Rating with the 6.6L gas engine increases to 26,000 pounds, up from 24,000 pounds on previous models with the same engine.

The changes are especially apparent on the diesel. The Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel V-8 engine will now have 470 horsepower and 975 lb.-ft. of torque, per SAE J1349. Engineers also enhanced low-end torque production by up to 25% to improve performance at low speeds which will really help towing. Studies in recent years have shown that nearly everyone who buys a heavy-duty truck tows something, whether it is a camper, boat, horse trailer or work trailer.

New Trim Levels and Technology Upgrades

The 2024 Silverado HD will be available in Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ, and High Country trims. ZR2 will join the HD trim lineup later in the model year for the first time.

New interior for LT trim and above features all-new 13.4-inch-diagonal infotainment1 screen and 12.3-inch-diagonal configurable driver information center. The lineup also retains the popular Z71 Sport Edition, Z71 Chrome Sport Edition and Midnight Special Edition appearance packages, as well as the Alaskan Snow Plow Special Edition.
LT, LTZ and High Country models feature the all-new instrument panel with a 13.4-inch-diagonal infotainment display. A 12.3-inch-diagonal driver information center can be configured to show what the driver wants. The infotainment screen and other controls are angled toward the driver, giving the driver more of a “command center” perspective.

The HD also has a redesigned wireless phone charger area to reduce distractions. The driver also has an available and configurable head-up display.

“It’s a more open-feeling and contemporary interior that passengers will find inviting,” said Phil Zak, executive director of Global Chevrolet Design. “It’s an environment that intentionally puts more at the driver’s fingertips, for a greater feeling of confidence and connection with the vehicle.”

New and Improved Trailering Technology

Chevrolet is adding at least four new trailering technologies to improve the experience with better visibility, easier hitching and greater driving comfort when towing.

Towing improvements include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Trailer is an all-new technology for Silverado HD. It allows the Silverado HD’s available Adaptive Cruise Control to account for additional drag and increased braking distances when towing a trailer.
• Enhanced Transparent Trailer expands the current Transparent Trailer technology by allowing it to work with fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers
• Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert extends the blind zone area to help enhance safety.
• GCW Alert warns the driver if the vehicle and trailer weight exceed the vehicle’s Gross Combined Weight Rating.

The Silverado HD also has up to 14 unique camera views like HD Surround Vision and Bed View and an in-vehicle Trailering App. The camera views ensure the 2024 Silverado HD provides the right view in any moment.
Additionally, the max tow package is now available across all Silverado 2500 trims, bolstering the maximum towing capability for the 2500HD series equipped with the 6.6L turbo-diesel V-8 engine to 22,500 pounds.

The 2024 Silverado HD High Country trim will also be available with a new Midnight Edition. Available for the first time on the High Country trim, the Midnight Edition darkens the exterior with black chrome accents in the grille and grille bar and swaps in black badging. Black power assist steps complete the look. The Silverado HD High Country Midnight Edition also includes 20-inch, high-gloss black painted wheels as standard, with 22-inch wheels available in the same finish.

ZR2 Package Details Aren't Being Released Yet

During the video conference, representatives would not release details of the ZR2 trim package, only that one would be available later in production. They also would not say if the ZR2 would be available on the 3500 level or just the 2500 HD. They promised that more details will be coming.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD will make its public debut at the State Fair of Texas starting with the press day on Sept. 29, and the truck will be on display throughout the public days. Production begins in the first half of 2023 at General Motors’ Flint Assembly in Michigan, and at Oshawa Assembly in Canada. Pricing and fuel economy will be released closer to the start of production.

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Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

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