NewComers: 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty

As a follow-up to the release of last year's half-ton Silverado (our 2007 Truck of the Year), GM now releases the rugged three-quarter and one-ton pickup versions, with many of the same exterior and interior design cues.

You'll notice a familiar look to the hood and body panels between half-ton and heavy-duty trucks. Engine choices are simplified to include one gas and one turbodiesel motor. The new Gen-IV OHV 6.0-liter V-8, now with variable valve timing, produces 353 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque. This engine gets the new 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission (a stronger version of the Escalade and Yukon Denali 6L80-E). A revised 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V-8 remains the tool of choice for more than 60 percent of heavy-duty buyers. Of course, to meet the new 2007 federal emissions regulations, there's a sophisticated series of new particulate filters that collect soot and other pollutants. These improvements allow the Duramax to offer a segment-leading 365 horsepower and 660 pound-feet of torque, but it's at a significant cost. The diesel engine has a price tag of $7195. Tack on another $1200 for the mandatory Allison 1000 six-speed tranny, retuned to keep the shifts between gears (up and down) smooth yet solid. As you'd expect, the system has a "Tow/Haul" button to hold gears and help with braking when loaded, plus both transmissions offer a "thumb shifter" for manual gear selections.

Almost as impressive as the powertrain, the interiors are upgraded to look identical to those in the smaller half-tons. HD interiors have three trim levels (WT, LT, and LTZ), and two dash layouts (Pure American Pickup and Luxury Inspired). Other features include the extended cabs that offer the 170-degree, dual-hinge rear doors, and the rear seats (Extended and Crew Cabs) that fold into the seatbacks. HDs will offer three bed sizes, five wheelbases, three cab models, two different suspension packages (including a new Z71 choice in 4x4 or 4x2), single and dual rear-wheel options, and pricing starting from $24,575. Made for work, the HDs can carry between 2294 and 5307 pounds, with a max trailering capacity of 16,000 pounds (for a fifth wheel). Heavy-Duty, indeed.