SEMA 2006: Chevrolet Silverado 427

[Guest YellowJacket894]

SEMA 2006: Chevrolet Silverado 427

During the heyday of the muscle car, three digits struck fear into the hearts of challengers who found themselves unlucky enough to sidle up next to a Chevy wearing the badge “427.” The badge is back on the Silverado 427 – a concept vehicle that demonstrates a tangible extension of the new Silverado’s performance parameters.

The Silverado 427 is powered by GM Powertrain’s 7.0-liter LS7, the same Gen IV small-block V-8 that is the center of power in the Corvette Z06 and available as a “crate engine” package from GM Performance Parts. Its cubic-inch displacement is 427. A six-speed manual transmission backs the engine, providing the driver with full control of the vehicle’s substantial capability.

“There’s hardly a more legendary – or menacing, depending on your point of view – moniker in the world of performance than ‘427’,” said John Cafaro, chief designer for full-size trucks. “The Silverado 427 concept delivers on the expectation of that revered badge with performance that equals or surpasses the original.”

More than just a pickup with a more powerful engine, the Silverado 427 is a total performance package, with a lowered suspension that delivers racecar-like reflexes and an exterior styling package that is simultaneously aggressive and understated.

“The regular cab, short box body style of the Silverado 427 was a deliberate choice, because it represents the essence of elemental performance: filling the smallest, nimblest body and chassis with the most powerful engine,” said Cafaro. “Indeed, all elements of this concept are simple and minimalist; it is equipped only with the components necessary to convey its performance.”

This means a traditional rear-drive layout for the Silverado 427. There is no all-wheel drive or electronic traction enhancers. Luxury features also were kept to a minimum, as the vehicle’s focus was kept squarely on performance.

Drivetrain details

Fitting the LS7 engine into the Silverado’s engine bay was relatively simple, because it is based on the same Gen IV small-block V-8 family as the Silverado’s regular production V-8 engines – and is available as a “crate engine” package from GM Performance Parts. A custom-fabricated air intake system was designed for the Silverado 427, adding not only a necessary air path for the engine but also some underhood distinction.

The LS7 is rated at 505 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, and is built with lightweight reciprocating assembly components and other design features that have their roots in the Corvette racing program. In fact, the LS7 uses a racing-style dry sump oiling system that ensures optimal engine oiling during all driving and cornering maneuvers. Engineers had to make room under the Silverado’s hood for the LS7’s external oil supply tank.

The Silverado 427’s LS7 engine is backed by a Tremec heavy-duty six-speed manual transmission, which transfers torque to GM’s automatic locking rear axle. It’s fitted with 3.73 gears, which multiplies the torque of the LS7 to provide muscle car-challenging acceleration. The six-speed transmission has a steep, 3.01:1 first gear, which contributes to a tremendous performance at launch, while two overdrive gears balance the Silverado 427’s performance with fuel economy that first-generation 427 drivers could only dream of.

Complementing the drivetrain is a set of 22 x 10-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels mounted to wide Pirelli Scorpion 305/40ZR22 performance tires, which do their best to maintain adherence to the Tarmac as the LS7’s revs climb. The tires are the contact points for a performance-tuned suspension that used Ground Force custom front and rear lowering springs, front struts and rear shocks. The lowered suspension helps the Silverado 427 corner flatter and with more precision, while also giving the vehicle a “just right” performance stance. A set of Baer disc brakes, with six-piston calipers and 16-inch-diameter rotors, provides the stopping force for the vehicle.

Powerful design – inside and out

Complementing the Silverado 427’s performance is a thoughtfully designed exterior that deftly incorporates high-performance styling cues in a restrained manner, giving the truck a look that is unmistakably aggressive yet respectful of its minimalist performance ethic. The design incorporates numerous changes compared with production Silverado models, including new front and rear fascias, hood, cowl, tailgate, tonneau and body-side cladding.

Many of the design elements are subtle, such as the tight body cladding – which incorporate polished billet side-exit exhaust outlets – and shaved door handles. Other elements immediately draw the eye; the most prominent of these being the dramatic hood scoop. It was designed as a contemporary interpretation of the famous Corvette “Stinger” hood scoop, which identified 427-powered Corvettes of the mid-1960s. And like the original Stinger scoop, the Silverado 427’s hood scoop is emblazoned with the “427” numbers and a complementing accent color over the Laser Blue exterior color.

The grille, fascias and tailgate all are designed with a performance-oriented, streamlined appearance. The doors are opened via an ITW Active Touch.

Inside, the Silverado 427 is outfitted with Corvette seats that have been covered with custom Soliel Keisel leather upholstery and equipped with three-point racing-style harnesses. The perforated, black leather seat coverings have blue inserts. Between the seats is a custom center console that incorporates the shifter and houses a set of billet-face instruments. Other details include a revised instrument panel, with billet inserts and trim.

Edited October 29, 2006 by YellowJacket894

[mjdecker]

[HarleyEarl]

Absolutely hot! I felt something move.

[Guest YellowJacket894]

It's a sharp vehicle and bodes well for the SS 'Rado that should debut sometime within the next 12 to 18 months.

I love it so much, I'm using it as a benchmark for my S-10 project truck. That is one gorgeous shade of blue.

[FAPTurbo]

This thing is absolutely positively f*ckin crazy!

I LOVE IT! :sign0200:

[ocnblu]

There are not enough smileys in the world to describe this thing. Suhhhmokin'! Edited October 30, 2006 by ocnblu

[NOS2006]

Oh snap, can you say SS?

[01yellowC5]

[01yellowC5]

Please GM make this truck

[DetroitNut90]

B-e-a-utiful!

[Variance]

So I guess I'm going to give the first critcism: The hood scoop needs to be toned-down or go completely, IMO and...

....hmm....

....

....

Hell, that's it. The rest is great.

[mjdecker]

So I guess I'm going to give the first critcism: The hood scoop needs to be toned-down or go completely, IMO and...

....hmm....

....

....

Hell, that's it. The rest is great.

I like the scoop.. but I won't complain if it's gone or toned down in the production..

Something I would like to see in the production is a regular exhaust with duel pipe out the back... I've never been a fan of side exit exhausts... Oh and door handles would be nice too.

[ocnblu]

1960's Corvettes, and other Chevys with the 427 always had an identifying hood scoop, different from other engines. Edited October 30, 2006 by ocnblu

[Derek77]

I would like to see a narrower hood scoop, a flush mounted bed cover- not the 3 inch raised, aftermarket looking cover that seems so popular for some reason, and no chrome brake duct inlet or exhuast outlet.

[Intrepidation]

I like it, but just like the SRT-10 Ram, I think it'd look better with an extended cab.

Edited October 30, 2006 by Dodgefan

[Camino LS6]

I like the scoop.. but I won't complain if it's gone or toned down in the production..

Something I would like to see in the production is a regular exhaust with duel pipe out the back... I've never been a fan of side exit exhausts... Oh and door handles would be nice too.

210166[/snapback]

Beat me to it,Decka.

I too, don't care for the side exhaust. I would also be happier with a scoop more like the original "stinger" Corvette 427 version. Not so sure about the air intakes in the bumper cover either. But, these are small details and I love the idea generally. Oh, and I am SO glad that they dumped the stupid extd. cab for this concept.

They have the right recipe for the Silverado SS now, though I don't think the LS7 would be possible for production owing to cost.

[Flybrian]

Honestly, I also prefer the looks of the extended cab. To me, the best-looking of the performance trucks is clear and away the Silverado SS. However, in terms of actual performance, the extra weight of the extended cab combined with AWD can hold it back. Sweet looker, though. And practical.

Perhaps there is room for a range of SSs from a bare-bones single cab to a luxuriously-trimmed SS a la the current one. Or perhaps leave that for GMC?

[Camino LS6]

I can see the High-Tech, extd.cab,AWD formula working for GMC, but for an SS it's all wrong.

[mjdecker]

I can see the High-Tech, extd.cab,AWD formula working for GMC, but for an SS it's all wrong.

I agree... here's how I see it.

Chevy - RWD naturally aspirated V8

GMC - AWD - Turbocharged V6/V8

Edited October 30, 2006 by Decka

[rosserman]

I think i need to change my underwear now

[sciguy_0504]

The hood scoop needs to be toned down but this truck is hot.

[ocnblu]

No way on the extended cab, dudes. The name of the game is light weight, lotsa motor if you want to rule the streets.

[BatmanGTO]

... Oh and door handles would be nice too.

we dont need no stinkin door handles, cut the weight and besides the doors are going to be welded shut and you'll have to climb through the window which will be replaced with cargo nets......

but on a serious note.... with the exausts coming out the side won't that help reduce weight instead of having pipes reach all the way to the back. I've been messing around with a SVT lightning at work and the side pipes sure don't sound bad IMO

[Casket Demon]

Why is this getting pinned now?