autoevolution
 

CHEVROLET Silverado 2500HD Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 4
First production year: 2007
Engines: Gasoline, Diesel
Body style: Truck
CHEVROLET Silverado HD ZR2 photo gallery

Chevrolet unveiled its flagship Silverado model, the HD ZR2, based on the 2500 HD series, but with additional goodies that made the rugged truck ready to tackle serious offroad situations.

The American automaker made its customers wait more than a year after introducing the ZR2 version for the 1500 model before unleashing the mighty HD ZR2. But in 2023, it finally happened. The bow-tie brand released the 2500-based top-of-the-range model built for those who wanted a capable truck ready to carry a full-size camper in a remote area.

For any Chevy fan, it was an instantly recognizable ZR2 version of this truck. The broad black front grille and the ample arrow-shaped LED daytime running lights pointing inwards are specific for this model. In addition, the steel bumper and the recovery tow hooks were significant enhancements for the vehicle. For the ZR2 Bison, these were painted in black, while the regular HD ZR2 had them red. Since the vehicle was offroad-oriented, it was fitted with black, 18" alloy wheels wrapped in MT tires.

Inside, on the other hand, it had all the comfort features needed for a daily and the technological updates required by a 2023 truck. A 13.4" touchscreen was placed atop the center stack for the infotainment system. At the same time, the automaker installed a 12.3" display in front of the driver, inside the instrument cluster. Last but not least, a 15" head-up display added the required information for offroading.

Since Chevy built this version to pull heavy loads on rough terrains, it installed powerful engines underneath the HD ZR2's hood. Customers could have it with either a gasoline or a turbodiesel engine mated with a ten-speed auto. In addition, both versions were fitted with aluminum and steel undercarriage protections and a rear locking differential.

full description and technical specifications
CHEVROLET Silverado 2500HD Extended Cab photo gallery

Along with the second generation of its pickup-trucks, Chevrolet introduced an Extended Cab version for its Heavy-Duty Silverado range.

It's true that Ford was still leading the pickup market and kept increasing its leading position, but that didn't mean that Chevrolet had to throw the towel. The second generation of the Silverado came on the market in 2007, trying to prove that it can do better than its predecessor. Unfortunately, the timing was bad due to the world economic crisis and the first few years were not good for the bow-tie brand and its parent company.

Like its predecessor, the Silverado was available in a few body versions, starting with a chassis-cab and going up to the big crew-cab version. The HD lineup from their light-duty siblings by muscular designs for the grilles, headlights, hoods, and front fenders. The Extended Cab version featured a pair of doors at the front and sway doors in the back. The bed in the back was available in three sizes of 5.75' (1752 mm), 6.5' (1981 mm), and 8' (2438 mm) on three different wheelbases.

Inside, Chevrolet Silverado offered up to five seating positions, with enough room for the front occupants and decent sized for the rear ones. Like most of the pickup-trucks on the market, it offered a big dashboard, with a steering-column mounted gear-selector for the automatic transmission.

The manufacturer offered the Silverado HD with a choice of two engines paired as standard to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. It was available either as a 2WD or 4WD. For the Z71 version, the carmaker offered additional skid plates to protect the body while offroading.

full description and technical specifications
CHEVROLET Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab photo gallery

Chevrolet introduced the second generation of the Silverado 2500HD series in 2008 with a choice of three cabins, and the most prominent version was the Crew Cab.

GM had a long history in the utility vehicle market, and the Chevrolet Silverado was just one example from a long line of pickup-trucks. The 2008 model offered a Heavy-Duty style and engineering but addressed to a segment that didn't need a full-grown one-ton vehicle.

Like its predecessor, the Silverado was available in a few body versions, starting with a chassis-cab and going up to the big crew-cab version. The HD lineup from their light-duty siblings by muscular designs for the grilles, headlights, hoods, and front fenders. The Crew Cab version featured four doors and was stripped by the most extended bed option.

Inside, Chevrolet Silverado offered up to five comfortable seating positions, with enough room for all passengers. Like most of the pickup-trucks on the market, it offered a big dashboard with a steering-column mounted gear-selector for the automatic transmission.

The manufacturer offered the Silverado HD with a choice of two engines paired as standard to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. It was available either as a 2WD or 4WD. For the Z71 version, the carmaker offered additional skid plates to protect the body while offroading.

full description and technical specifications
CHEVROLET Silverado 2500HD Regular Cab photo gallery

GM introduced the third generation of the Chevrolet Silverado HD2500 in 2006 as a 2007 model-year, and it was an instant success for the American brand.

It was the second generation of the GMC Sierra and the third generation for the Chevrolet Silverado that won the 2007 North American Truck of the Year. The credits went for the GMT900 platform used to build both vehicles. The Silverado was available as a regular cab, extended cab, and crew cabs. The Regular Cab version was the hard-worker of the family.

The design team was asked to make the car more aerodynamic to improve fuel efficiency, which was reflected in the pickup's shape. With its steeply raked windshield and tighter panel gaps, the results were far better than its predecessor. Usually, nobody cares for the aerodynamic of a workhorse, but every contractor cares for the fuel-efficiency.

Even in the base trim level, the WT (Work Truck), the Silverado 2500 was fitted with an AC unit, AM/FM/XM stereo. There was room for up to three passengers in the front. While the base model featured a simple dashboard layout, the top trim levels featured more amenities.

Its most important advantages came due to the chassis, with front-wheel independent suspension for the entire range. That helped the car behave closer to cars than trucks on the road. It was available with 4x2 or 4x4 versions and a choice of two engines paired to a 6-speed automatic.

full description and technical specifications