Chevrolet has unveiled a zero emission sibling to the popular Silverado pick-up trucks in the US overnight to take on the growing line-up of electric utes from Ford, Tesla and Rivian, amongst others.

Known simply as the Silverado EV, the new electric pick-up might share its name with the petrol-powered Chevrolet Silverado currently on sale in the US and Australia, but underneath, the EV actually rides on General Motors’ dedicated Ultium electric vehicle platform shared with the reborn GMC Hummer EV.

It comes hot in the heels of the Ford F-150 EV, which was unveiled a few months ago, and will be sold alongside the petrol Silverado when it hits the market in the US mid-2023. No words yet from General Motors Specialty Vehicles on whether it will import the pick-up to Australia.

In the US, the Silverado EV will launch with two variants – a fleet-focused WT (or ‘Work Truck’), and a more expensive and better equipped RST – both offering a claimed range of close to 650km.

The WT will kick off from $US39,900 ($AU55,000), while the top of the range RST will be more than double at $105,000 ($AU145,000). For comparison, the petrol-powered Silverado is priced from around $US30,000 to $US70,000 in the US.

Behind the closed off grille of the entry-level WT is a pair of electric motors producing a combined 380kW and 834Nm. It draws power from a 24-module battery pack capable of a claimed 644km (400 miles) driving range, or nearly twice the range of the entry-level F-150 Lightning, which offers 370km.

According to Chevrolet, the Silverado EV WT has a towing capacity of 3629kg (8000lb) and capable of carrying up to 544kg (1200lb) in its tray. A Max Tow Package to be offered after launch increases this to 9072kg.

Meanwhile, the full-spec RST ups the ante with upgraded dual electric motors developing 495kW and “more than” 1058Nm, enough for a 0-60mph (97km/h) dash of less than 4.5 seconds in ‘Wide Open Watts’ (WOW) launch control mode.

Its cruising range remains the same at 644km, while maximum payload comes in at 590kg, along with a 4536kg towing capacity.

Chevrolet says both variants are capable of DC fast charging at up to 350kW, enabling a quick 161km (100 miles) range top up in 10 minutes. Like most other EVs, the electric Silverado can act as a generator to power external electrical devices, providing a total of 10.2kW of continuous power through up to 10 outlets.

Underneath, the Silverado EV has more in common with a passenger car than a traditional full-size pick-up truck, featuring front and rear independent suspension and a large battery pack integrated as a key structural component of the chassis.

It also comes with rear-wheel steering, wheels measuring up to 24-inches – the largest ever fitted to a production car, and adaptive air suspension that can be raised or lowered by up to 50mm.

Other useful features include a Tow/Haul mode for easy towing, integrated trailer brake controller, a ‘midgate’ system which allows the divider between the passenger compartment and tray to be removed for longer items. With the 40:60 split rear seats lowered and the ‘Multi-Flex’ rear tailgate deployed, Chevrolet claims the load length expands to 3.3 meters, or nearly double the standard 1.8m tray.

There’s also a front storage area where the engine would normally live, which is capable of storing a large suitcase.

Inside, the Silverado EV RST comes with a gigantic 17-inch infotainment system running GM’s latest ‘Ultifi’ software, while the driver gets an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and 14-inch head-up display. The more utilitarian WT gets smaller but yet to be specified screens.

The RST also gets hands-free start which powers up the vehicle automatically when the driver enters with an “enabled device”.

Finally, the Silverado EV comes equipped with GM’s latest Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving technology.

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Newly formed General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) has announced the Australian pricing and specification for its highly anticipated C8 Chevrolet Corvette.

Built in right-hand drive from the factory for the first time and expected to arrive in Australia by Q4 of 2021, the mid-engine supercar slayer will be offered in five variants – three coupes and two convertibles.

Kicking off the line-up will be the 2LT coupe priced from $144,990 plus on-road costs. While this may still seem like a lot of dosh, the C8 Corvette seems like a bargain compared to its perceived rivals such as the Porsche 911 Carrera at $236,000, and Audi R8 at $295,000 – before options!

On top of that GMSV says all Australian delivered Corvettes will be well-optioned from the factory, which includes both the must have Z51 Performance Package and Front Lift as standard.

The Z51 package brings a raft of desirable performance enhancements such as a dual-mode performance exhaust, performance suspension with Magnetic Selective Ride Control, bigger Brembo brakes, an electronic limited slip differential, extra cooling and a specific rear axle ratio.

Aesthetically, it also adds a performance front splitter and rear spoiler.

The Front Lift means the C8 could navigate steep driveways and speed bumps without scraping its chin.

Next up the rank is the 3LT coupe which starts from $160,500 and comes with “enhanced interior appointments”. The hardtop range will be topped out by a special Carbon Edition to celebrate the Corvette arrival in Australia with pricing to be unveiled in Q2.

The two convertible variants will also come in either 2LT or 3LT trim and cost an extra $15,000 over its fixed roof siblings.

Regardless of which model you choose, the American performance car is outfitted with GM’s LT2 6.2-litre aspirated V8 packing 369kW and 637Nm. It is married to a Tremec-built eight-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the rear wheels.

GM claims the C8 Corvette is capable of sprinting from 0-60mph (98km/h) in a 911-beating 2.8 seconds.

Inside, highlights include a Bose Performance Series 14-speaker sound system and colour heads-up display.

The C8 Corvette will be sold via GMSV’s 50-plus dealers across Australia.

Chevrolet C8 Corvette pricing:

• 2LT Coupe – $144,990
• 3LT Coupe – $160,500
• 2LT Convertible – $159,990
• 3LT Convertible – $175,000
• Carbon Edition – $TBA

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2020 C8 Corvette too tame for you? Get ready to turn up the volume and treat your ears to the sound of Hennessey Performance Engineering’s (HPE) twin-turbo C8 Corvette!

Claimed to be a world first application, the pair of turbochargers are mounted low in the engine bay underneath the 6.2-litre LT2 V8 engine. Dubbed the HPE1200, HPE is aiming for a mighty 1200 horsepower (882kW) from the setup – hence its name.

Besides strapping on a pair new blowers, HPE has also given the LT2 V8’s internals an upgrade, including forged aluminium pistons (10.0:1 compression ratio), forged steel connecting rods and ECU tuning.

They have also upgraded and fortified the factory dual-clutch transmission to ensure that the gearbox can cope with the extra output.

Apparently, the engine mod does not encroach onto the C8’s boot space, so keen golfers can still fit two golf bags inside.

HPE also plans to offer is signature CarbonAero carbon fibre body upgrades including front splitter, air dam and carbon fibre rear wing.

While Hennessey is working on the HPE1200, GM is also rumoured to be readying a high-performance ZR1 C8 powered by a hybrid twin-turbo V8 with around 900hp (670kW).

The C8 Corvette is still on track for Australia, although it is not clear when following the announcement of Holden’s closure.

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The Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray has only been launched a couple of weeks and one has already been wrecked!

The first crash is always big news and this C8 met an early end in the hills around Yosemite in California.

Details are scarce but the American muscle car was reportedly part of a fleet of Corvettes and a few GM vehicles when it clipped the rear of the white Equinox around a blind corner.

As you can see from these pictures taken from a video posted by Corvette Nut on YouTube, the damage is significant, with both front airbags in the Corvette deployed and the left-hand side of the car completely mangled.

It is unclear who’s at fault at this stage but we’re guessing speed might be involved judging from the severity of the crash. Luckily, no one seemed to be seriously hurt.

On a brighter note, the much-anticipated mid-engined sports car has been confirmed for Australia and set to arrive in the next 12 months or so.

• Read about the Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray here!

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The radically overhauled 2020 Chevrolet C8 Corvette Stingray has been confirmed for Australia, with the iconic American sports car being built in right-hand drive for export markets around the world.

Dave Buttner, Chairman and Managing Director of Holden, said: “The news that Corvette will now be built in right-hand drive for the first time ever – and will be exported to Australia – is hugely exciting for our team at Holden and any Australian who loves high performance cars.”

Following seven generations of front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, Chevrolet has completely redesigned its most iconic sports car in an effort to improve performance and dynamics to a new level.

One of this year’s most anticipated models and worst kept secret; the 2020 C8 is the first Corvette to adopt a mid-engine design.

At the heart of the sports car is a new 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 dubbed the LT2. It churns out 369kW at 6,450rpm and 637Nm at 5,150rpm when fitted with the performance exhaust as part of the Z51 Performance Package.

The engine retains GM’s traditional pushrod, two-valve per cylinder layout but lifts the compression ratio to 11.5:1 and uses dry-sump lubrication to both lower the centre of gravity and prevent oil surge under hard cornering. Its Active Fuel Management feature shuts off cylinder 2, 3, 5 and 8 on light throttle, too.

Sadly, the 2020 Corvette will ditch the manual transmission entirely and offers solely with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic driving the rear wheels as standard.

Chevrolet claims the C8 Corvette equipped with the Z51 package will blast from 0-60mph (97km/h) in “under 3.0 seconds”. We can expect to add a second or two for the 0-100km/h dash. Drivers can also manually de-clutch the transmission by pulling both shift paddles back simultaneously.

Unlike more exotic supercars, the American muscle eschews a carbon fibre monocoque. Its chassis is built around a central tunnel, improving torsional rigidity and enabling it to be built in left- or right-hand drive.

To reduce weight, the car features aluminium components and a new “carbon fibre curved rear bumper beam”. Its dashboard and front/rear trunk tubs are molded from an ultra-lightweight material derived from fiberglass and a proprietary resin. As a result, the C8 tips the scales at just 1,530kg.

It is suspended on double-wishbone coilover suspension and comes equipped with 19- and 20-inch wheels shot with Michelin Pilot Sport ALS tyres. Stopping power comes courtesy of a Brembo disc brake system with 321mm rotors and four-piston calipers up front, and 339mm rotors with two-piston calipers out back. Its variable-ratio steering has been sharpened from 16.25:1 to 15.7:1.

The optional Z51 Performance Package brings sports exhaust, performance-tuned suspension with Magnetic Ride Control adaptive dampers, larger brakes (345mm front discs and 350mm rears with matching four-piston calipers) with better cooling, a shorter final drive ratio, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres and Performance Traction Management ESP. It also adds a front splitter and rear spoiler which provides up to 180kg of downforce.

A button on the steering wheel lets the driver choose from six drive modes: Weather, Tour, Sport, Track, MyMode, a configurable setting and Z Mode, each varying the engine and transmission settings.

The new C8’s mid-ship layout has contributed to a radically different design to its predecessors, with wide rear haunches, lower bonnet and deeply sculpted sides to feed air into the side intakes.

At the back, there’s a ventilated rear bumper, angular LED taillights, a subtle spoiler, a diffuser and four exhaust pipes.

Other design highlights include a removable double bubble roof, a ventilated engine cover with a glass window over the new V8 engine.

There are 12 colours to choose from – white, black, silver, orange, bronze, yellow and a pair of reds, blues and greys.

The C8 measures 4,630mm long, 1,934mm wide and 1,234mm tall, and because it now sits closer to the ground, it’s equipped with a front suspension lift system that raises the front by 40mm in 2.8 seconds at speeds up to 39km/h. The system can be automatically activated by the vehicle’s GPS coordinates.

Inside, the fresh cabin features a two spoke steering wheel with a squared off design that provides an unrestricted view of the 12-inch digital instrument cluster, along with a high resolution infotainment display of undisclosed size.

Six interior colours are available, including black, grey, ‘natural’, blue and a pair of reds, while three seats options are on offer – a comfort-oriented GT1, sporty GT2 and heavily bolstered Competition Sport, the latter two with carbon fibre trim.

In the US, C8 prices start from below US$60,000 (A$85,000) but Australians will have to wait until the car’s expected local launch in late 2020 or early 2021 to find out local pricing.

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Chevrolet has unveiled the facelifted 2020 Camaro featuring a new front fascia inspired by the Camaro SS Shock concept from last year’s SEMA show. Crucially, this means the return of the bowtie badge back on the grille, instead of on the front bumper.

During the 2019 update (below), GM controversially moved the badge to the black front bar, in the form of a cutout in the bodywork in the bowtie shape. Dubbed the ‘flow tie’, customer feedback has been less than positive.

“Customers spoke, and we listened,” Director of Chevrolet passengers and crossover marketing, Steve Majoros said.

“The overwhelmingly positive reaction to the Shock’s stylised design helped prompt its transition from concept to production.”

The 2020 facelift is purely aesthetic, with no performance or any other fundamental upgrades. Chevrolet has also added a new Rally Green exterior colour to the range, plus a wide range of features that customers can option to personalise their new Camaro, though Australians won’t likely be offered the luxury.

These include 20-inch alloy wheels, red or orange brake calipers, red seat belts and knee pads, suede microfiber-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob and alloy pedals.

The U.S will also gain a new Camaro LT1 entry-level model featuring the running gear from the 339kW V8 SS, but trimmed using the less-opulent inline four-powered 1LT.

HSV, the local importer of the Camaro, hasn’t officially confirmed whether the updated model will make it to Australia, but we would be surprise if it didn’t.

The Melbourne-based outfit is currently rolling out the flow tie badged 2019 range for local consumption along with the hairy-chested ZL1 featuring a supercharged 6.2-litre LT4 with around 480kW and 860Nm.

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HSV has confirmed that Chevrolet’s most powerful production Camaro – the ZL1 – would be added to its 2019 model line-up and on sale in showrooms across Australia from April priced at $159,990 plus on-road costs.

Joining the Camaro 2SS, the right-hand drive ZL1 ups the ante with a 6.2-litre LT4 superchaged V8 which in US-spec develops an eye-watering 485kW of power and 868Nm of torque.

While power and torque figures of the HSV-converted Camaro are still subject to local certification, the company is expecting the right-hook ZL1 to produce similar outputs to its US counterpart, around the 480kW/860Nm mark.

Gear changes on the ZL1 are executed either through a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shifters. The 6-speed manual transmission features automatic rev matching which anticipates down-shifts with throttle blips for smoother shifting. The Line-Lock feature in the automatic model lets you lock the front wheels to enable the rear wheels to spin (and heat), warming the tyres for maximum grip. HSV says this feature is intended for use during closed-course track events only.

The ZL1 boasts a more aggressive body kit with massive upper and lower grille openings for maximum cooling while aerodynamic enhancements like the unique bonnet with carbon-fibre composite air extractor and rear spoiler help reduce lift and increase downforce to keep the ZL1 glued to the tarmac.

The aggressive front splitter and rocker mouldings complete the aero package. The muscle car rolls on 20-inch, 10 split-spoke forged alloy wheels in Dark Graphite.

The ZL1’s track-focused interior sports heated, ventilated and power adjustable leather bucket seats, complimented by a flat-bottom steering wheel.

Entertainment in the ZL1 is delivered by Chevrolet’s next generation Infotainment 3 system which includes an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Dual zone automatic climate control, a 9-speaker Bose premium audio and 24 colour Interior Spectrum Lighting enhance interior ambience.

2019 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 specification

• 6.2L LT4 supercharged V8 with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing
• 6-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching and Launch Control functionality or a 10-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission with Custom Launch Control, Line-Lock and Lift-Foot Gear Hold technology
• Magnetic Ride Control dampers
• Electronically controlled Limited Slip Differential
• Brembo performance brakes with 6-piston monobloc front calipers and 390mm two-piece front rotors
• Bi-modal performance exhaust system
• 20” 10 split-spoke forged alloy wheels
• Recaro performance seats
• Sueded flat-bottom sports profile steering wheel and gear shifter
• Sport alloy pedals

Recommended Retail Pricing

• MY19 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (6-speed manual transmission): $159,990

Optional

• 10-speed automatic transmission: $2,200
• Metallic Paint (Crush/Garnet Red Tintcoat): $850

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Want a Corvette but not its fuel guzzling V8? Meet the Genovation GXE – an all-electric Corvette on steroids.

Produced by Maryland-based EV manufacturer, the fully electric GXE is based on a C7 Corvette, which has been re-engineered to receive an electric drivetrain.

Not much is known about the technology that lies underneath the pumped up sheet metal, but the GXE already holds the Guinness Book of World Record title for the fastest standing mile for a street legal electric car, with a speed of 306.5km/h (190.48 mph).

Genovation claims the GXE produces around 800 horsepower (587kW) and over 949Nm of torque from its two electric motors. The company says they expect the GXE to have a 354km/h top speed along with a 282km range.

Interestingly, the GXE is likely to be the only EV in the world that is available with a 7-speed manual transmission. An 8-speed automatic is also offered.

The American company has also confirmed the GXE will be equipped with active programmable suspension, carbon fibre wheels behind which hide carbon ceramic Brembo brakes and active aerodynamics.

Inside, the interior comes with an ultra-high fidelity 10-speaker JBL sound system, a 10.4-inch custom high brightness touch screen and Tesla-like over the air software update.

Genovation intends to build just 75 GXE with deliveries starting in the middle of 2019. It isn’t clear whether these are only for the U.S market.

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Chevrolet has unveiled the updated version of its 2020 Silverado 2500HD, which sports incredibly bold new front-end styling and improved towing capabilities. 

Designed to further separate the heavy duty 2500 from its smaller Silverado 1500 sibling – as if its size didn’t do that already – the big brute now sports an entirely new fascia with a massive, chunky grille and vertical headlight housings that are split by a large chrome slat with the Chevrolet name proudly emblazoned across it.

The rest of the Silverado has been chiseled at to give it a deliberately squared-off look, with barely a curve to be seen anywhere on its slab-sided bodywork.

The facelift’s lead designer, Brian Izard, claims that the workhorse Silverado has been deliberately designed to “look like a piece of heavy machinery with modern, chiseled finishes and customer-focused details,” while also adding that the new look is intended to “visually capture the power and capability of the truck.”

Izard did, however, preface those comments by stating that the design team “set out to make a statement with the 2020 Silverado HD.” And make a statement, it certainly does, considering the love it or hate it response to the Silverado’s new clothes online.

While we can clearly see its new looks, other details of the updated Silverado are scant, although it has been confirmed that the revised model will sport new trailer-towing technologies, and increases to towing and payload capacity.

Rather vaguely, Chevrolet has also announced the introduction of an all-new direct injection petrol engine mated to a six-speed automatic – which, with an educated guess, will likely be a V8 – while the current 6.6-litre Duramax turbo diesel V8 which produces 332kW and a whopping 1,234Nm will receive a new Allison 10-speed automatic transmission.

Currently, 2018-spec versions of the Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD models are sold in Australia by HSV, with Holden’s performance arm converting them to right-hand drive in Melbourne.

The revised model is set to debut stateside in February 2019, with it too early to speculate on whether HSV may adopt the new model locally as a replacement for the current Silverado HD models. In the meantime, let us know if you dig the in-your-face new looks or not.

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The annual SEMA show is just around the corner and Chevrolet has unveiled its Camaro SS Shock concept which is destined for the show.

Named after its “Shock” bright yellow paint job which is set to be offered on the production model early next year, the concept was also created to preview a range of options and accessories for the updated muscle car.

On the styling front, the special paint finish is complimented by black bonnet stripes, black mirror caps, a set of black wheels, as well as a front splitter and extended side skirts which are, you guessed it, finished in black.

Customers can also option the car up with Recaro sport seats, a black spoiler and a fuel cap with exposed carbon fibre insert.

Besides a range of tasty accessories and performance parts, Chevrolet says the Camaro SS Shock also features concept components. While the company didn’t go into details, some of the car’s performance parts include cold-air induction kits, a Brembo front brake kit and suspension components pinched from the Camaro 1LE.

No performance details have been released either but in standard form, the muscle car packs a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 developing 485kW of power. A turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 205kW is also on offer.

Meanwhile, Australians will soon be able to get their hands on a right-hook Camaro, thanks to HSV. However, the model offered locally is the pre-facelift, 2018 model featuring an aspirated 6.2-litre V8 churning out 339kW and 617Nm.

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