Photo: Chevrolet
Although the 2015 Ford F-150 with its aluminum construction is all the rave now, the 2015 model year Chevrolet Silverado is still a contemporary pickup truck all things considered. To highlight its strong points, Chevrolet made the Toughnology concept.
Except from the previously mentioned Blue Oval product, most other full-size pickup trucks are made from traditional carbon steel. In comparison, the Chevrolet Silverado makes use of high-strength steel for added lightness, toughness and efficientness.
Executive chief engineer of the Chevrolet Silverado Jeff Luke explains that "advanced high-strength steel makes the Chevrolet Silverado stronger, lighter, more capable and more efficient – and that’s exactly what the Toughnology concept represents. During the Silverado’s development, we evaluated all materials and chose those that would provide the best strength to support capability while still delivering a strong value to customers."
General Motors presses the high-strength steel in molten form to make the body panels of the truck. Depending on the mix, high-strength steel can be up to 30 percent lighter than carbon steel with the same strength. To boot, this material is less costly than the aluminum that slightly hiked the F-150's sticker price compared to the 2014 model year.
Even the box's floor is made of roll-formed steel, while aluminum is used for the hood to save 17 pounds over a conventional stamped steel hood. What about the awkward paint job of the concept? Well, every silver bit is high-strength steel, while every black panel is made from other materials. Pretty neat way of highlighting the durability of the General Motors-developed pickup truck, innit?
Executive chief engineer of the Chevrolet Silverado Jeff Luke explains that "advanced high-strength steel makes the Chevrolet Silverado stronger, lighter, more capable and more efficient – and that’s exactly what the Toughnology concept represents. During the Silverado’s development, we evaluated all materials and chose those that would provide the best strength to support capability while still delivering a strong value to customers."
General Motors presses the high-strength steel in molten form to make the body panels of the truck. Depending on the mix, high-strength steel can be up to 30 percent lighter than carbon steel with the same strength. To boot, this material is less costly than the aluminum that slightly hiked the F-150's sticker price compared to the 2014 model year.
Any other good points to high-strength steel construction?
Some 67 percent of the Silverado's cab is made from the material in addition to some bits and bobs under the metallic skin of the truck. High-strength steel is used in the A and B-pillars, rockers and roof rails and various sections on the interior structure for added safety in the event of a vehicle accident. In government crash testing, the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado earned a five star overall safety rating.Even the box's floor is made of roll-formed steel, while aluminum is used for the hood to save 17 pounds over a conventional stamped steel hood. What about the awkward paint job of the concept? Well, every silver bit is high-strength steel, while every black panel is made from other materials. Pretty neat way of highlighting the durability of the General Motors-developed pickup truck, innit?
Google News