Chevrolet Silverado SS

[SilveradoSS.com]

Chevrolet Silverado SS

A Combination of Contemporary Performance and Sleek Styling

 

There has always been a mystique surrounding Chevy's "SS" (Super Sport) heritage. The SS emblem on the side of a Chevy gave notice to the world that the vehicle had the right stuff.

 

"SS" models have been providing on-road enthusiasts with top-end power, sporty ride and handling, and sleek designs since 1961. They include such classics as the legendary Impala SS and the classy Chevelle SS. The 2003 Silverado SS, the first of many SS models to return to the Chevy lineup, is an expression of contemporary Chevrolet performance that is within reach of many enthusiasts now driving pickups.

 

The 2003 Silverado SS will be available in all 50 states and Canada, beginning the first quarter of next year.

 

"As buyers have migrated to full-size pickup trucks, their need for refined performance has gone with them," said Silverado Marketing Director Rick Scheidt. "The Silverado SS satisfies that need by adding a new dimension of fun and excitement to Chevy's flagship truck."

 

Created from a 1500 Extended Cab

The Silverado SS, created from a 1500 extended cab short bed, provides its new dimension of fun and excitement without forfeiting any of the proven strengths and capabilities of Silverado's superior design.

 

Contemporary Performance

A standard high output LQ9 version of the Vortec 6000 V8, with 345 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, provides Silverado SS with exhilarating off-line acceleration, relaxed cruising and dependable operation. It mates to a 4L65-E four-speed automatic overdrive transmission, with a 3.06 first gear and a 0.70 final gear ratio that contribute to the truck's impressive performance.

 

The exhaust system, featuring a single, large 3.5-inch outlet pipe, has been specially tuned for a throaty NASCAR-inspired roar.

 

 

Full-time AWD and Locking Rear Differential

A standard full-time, all-wheel-drive (AWD), viscous-coupled transfer case uses the traction of four driving wheels to provide exceptional on-road, wet or dry pavement handling. It requires no driver intervention, and automatically and continuously transfers torque from slipping wheels to those with a firmer grip in a smooth, almost imperceptible manner. Its continuous 38-percent / 62-percent front-to-rear torque split provides optimum handling and control, further enhanced by a standard full locking rear differential.

 

Sporty Ride and Handling

A unique Z60 High Performance Chassis package, including Silverado's largest-ever, 20-inch tires, provides exceptional road holding and cornering capability and a smooth, comfortable ride. The independent front torsion bar / two-stage multi-spring rear suspension system's shocks have been specially tuned for ride smoothness. The SS is lowered 20mm in front and 50mm in the rear. The track is 18mm wider and P275/55R-20 Goodyear Eagle radials, mounted on wide 8.5-inch rims, provide exceptional stability. The tires' handling characteristics also permit harnessing the full capabilities of the AWD system.

 

7,500-pound trailering capability

The SS shares the upgraded brake system and many other enhancements of 2003 Silverado light-duty models. Segment exclusive standard features include a 4.10:1 final drive axle ratio and a Z82 heavy-duty trailering package that provides a fully trailer-ready design and outstanding 7,500-pound trailering capability.

 

Sleek, Aggressive Look

The Silverado SS appearance is sleek, refined and dramatic - an instant classic.

 

With its trim, aggressive stance, monochromatic color-scheme that includes the grille, fascias, lower ground effects, and specially styled aluminum wheels, the SS appearance conveys performance from any angle.

 

 

20-inch Five Spoke Aluminum Wheels

It features full front and rear bumper fascias that wrap completely around the body, and extend from the belt line down almost to the frame rails. The front includes a wide center-band air scoop, flanked by two rectangular corner scoops. Their diamond-pattern mesh is harmoniously integrated with that of the grille, which features Chevy's new gold bowtie emblem. "Silverado SS" badges accent the front doors and left rear quarter panel. Bodysides are clean, with understated moldings. Sporty five-spoke polished aluminum 20 x 8.5-inch wheels feature Chevy's emblem in their center cap and the tailgate includes a body color cap.

 

Available in Onyx Black, Arrival Blue and Victory Red

The Silverado SS is available in a choice of three exterior performance colors: Onyx Black, Arrival Blue and Victory Red.

 

Custom Interior

The custom interior is Dark Pewter and fully equipped with uplevel LT trim. Its full feature leather bucket seats have special "SS" embroidered headrests and an "SS' emblem on the redesigned instrument panel. The instrument panel cluster has distinctive white backlighting, with orange pointers. SS customers have a choice of an in-dash six-disc CD changer or a combination single-disc CD / cassette player with their next-generation AM/FM stereos. A premium six-speaker Bose® audio system and GM's next-generation OnStar® system are standard, along with a center console, eight-button steering wheel controls, a dual-zone automatic climate control system and many other new features.

 

"Customers can have all the fun of owning a sporty extended cab pickup with refined performance and still get optimum trailering/hauling capability whenever they require it," said Scheidt. "If Silverado is 'Like a Rock,' then Silverado SS is 'Like Rock 'n' Roll.'"