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Mid-Engine Milestone: Ferrari 512 BBNew Heavy-Duty Trucks from Ford and Chevrolet
Chevrolet unveiled updates to the Silverado HD, but Ford followed up with the all-new F-Series Super Duty models. Read more about these heavy-duty trucks.
Big-Name Heavy-Duty Truck Updates
Chevrolet dropped new details on the upcoming 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD line of trucks just a few days ago. While this is essentially a mid-generation refresh, the updates are more than just a change to the exterior design. Chevy added more power, better technology, and some new options to the Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD models. One of those new options is the ZR2 trim level coming to the Chevy Silverado HD trucks for the first time ever.
Not to be out done, Ford followed up Chevy’s truck news with some of their own. Ford has unveiled the next generation of the Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks. The all-new Super Duty boasts a new look, new engine options, enhanced onboard power to act as a generator, additional tech, and it’s one of the first pickup trucks to benefit from 5G capability. Here’s a full breakdown of what we know about these upcoming heavy hitters from Chevy and Ford.
2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD
From the outside, the refreshed 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD trucks will look pretty similar to the current models. There are of course new wheels to choose from and six new paint colors, but the largest difference to the exterior is the revised front fascia. The new face of the Silverado HD features a new grille, standard front tow hooks, and updated headlights with better daytime running lights. LTZ, ZR2, and High Country trimmed models also gain dual-projector headlights that incorporate a lighting animation when the key fob is detected coming or going.
Speaking of the ZR2, this is a completely new addition to the Silverado HD models that’s only been available to the smaller Silverado 1500 previously. The ZR2 trimmed models aren’t going to be available straight away once Chevy starts producing these trucks, but it should shake things up in relation to Ram and Ford’s heavy-duty truck offerings. ZR2 is known as an off-road-ready trim level, so adding it to heavy-duty models could make things interesting in terms of performance and capabilities. We’ll hopefully know more details in coming months on what this package all entails for the Silverado 2500HD and Silverado 3500HD models.
Moving inside these Silverado HD trucks shows the more obvious changes for the 2024 refresh. The dashboard has been completely redesigned to allow for larger digital displays on LT and higher trim levels. On the LT and up, the gauge cluster is a configurable 12.3-inch screen and adjacent to that is the horizontally oriented 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment screen that utilizes similar software to that of the recently refreshed 1500. Shoppers will also have the option of adding an available head-up display.
The interior refresh also brings in an updated center console with added storage, more cupholders, and wireless charging on the LT and up. In addition to dual glove compartments, Chevy added a nice little sunglasses holder behind the infotainment screen. On the top tier trims, Chevy adds luxurious additions around the cabin like wood accenting, leather-wrapped surfaces, and a special package on the High Country exclusively. The High Country is already as prestigious as one can get, but the new Nightshift Blue interior option adds in unique Jet Black and Umber elements around the cabin.
This is a heavy-duty truck option though, so we want to know about what kind of power this updated model is packing. The Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD feature updated powertrain options for 2024. The standard gas powered 6.6L V8 is a carryover from the current model that’ll make the same 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, but Chevy has paired it with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission instead of the 6-speed auto the engine currently is mated to.
The 6.6L Duramax turbodiesel V8 is still available for this new truck, but Chevy has bumped up its performance a bit. It has grown from 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque to putting out 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque. Chevy achieved this boost by making changes and upgrades to the Duramax that allow it to produce a more efficient combustion therefore improving the overall performance. Chevy’s engineers also improved low-end torque by up to 25% the company said, meaning better performance at lower speeds, traveling up inclines, and when trailering. This increase also lends itself to the max tow capacities of the 2024 Silverado HD trucks, with the 2500HD maxing out at 22,550 lbs. and the 3500HD maxing out at 36,000 lbs.
There weren’t any numbers provided in terms of fuel efficiency for either engine option, but Chevrolet did key us in on the new and improved trailering technologies. The 2024 Silverado HD trucks will feature Adaptive Cruise Control with Trailer functionality that will act as your standard adaptive cruise control while also calculating and accounting for the addition drag and increased braking distances when towing. They’ve also included Enhanced Transparent Trailer that allows users to utilize Chevy’s Transparent Trailer rear view camera system with fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailers, Trailer Side Blend Zone Alert that extends the blind zone area of interest, and Gross Combined Weight Alert that will warn the driver if they are exceeding the Silverado HD’s GCWR.
There’s currently no pricing made available for the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD trucks, but Chevy plans for production to begin during the first half of 2023.
2023 Ford F-Series Super Duty
While Chevy refreshed their heavy-duty truck, Ford unveiled an all-new generation of the Ford F-series Super Duty with the promise of next-level capability, connectivity, and technology. This all-new Super Duty benefits from a tough looking redesign inside and out. The exterior is all business and carries more of a classic aesthetic with some modernizations that’s sure to be a hit with Ford fans. Ford updated the grille to maximize cooling performance under heavy loads and it integrates nicely with the LED headlights and “C-clamp” daytime running lights. The front-end design includes functional side vents that help in reducing under-hood air pressure for better aerodynamics.
Ford has furthered the exterior options on their new Super Duty by including new STX, Sport, and Black Appearance Packages that add unique trim, wheel, and paint combinations. There’s also a new XL Off-Road Package available on the F-Series Super Duty trucks featuring 4×4 drivetrain, 33-inch off-roading tires, a raised air dam, water-fording axle vent rubes, skid plates, and an electronic locking rear diff.
That package sounds like quite the competition already for the incoming ZR2, but Ford takes another step forward with the Tremor Off-Road Package. This package includes a front-end lift, tuned off-roading suspension, Dana front axle with a limited-slip diff and axle vent tubes, 35-inch Goodyear off-roading tires, and more goodies. The Tremore Off-Road Package also benefits from off-road assistance technologies like Trail Turn Assist, Trail Control, and selectable drive modes that include a rock-crawl mode.
Moving inside, Ford has updated the Super Duty trucks to feature more tech and a comfortable environment. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard fare starting on the XL trim, but a larger 12-inch unit can be found on higher trims. Either infotainment system benefits from three complimentary years of Alexa Built-in hands-free capability and work in conjunction with a 5G wireless connection. That 5G addition allows the infotainment system to perform faster functions, receive over-the-air updates, and can act as a capable Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices. A customizable 12-inch digital gauge cluster and head-up display are also available.
These Super Duty trucks are primarily used for work, so having a nice relaxing spot can be a must when there’s finally time for a break. Ford includes the choice of either a Bang & Olufsen 640-watt, eight-speaker sound system or a bumping 1080-watt, 18-speaker B&O sound system optionally. Either option will provide a premium audio environment, with the latter truly bringing the in-cabin experience to another level. In terms of comfort, there are optional Max Recline Seats that can fold almost completely flat and include a lower cushion to create an optimal resting position.
In terms of actual performance, Ford has flexed its engineering muscles when it comes to the 2023 Ford F-250 and F-350. The new standard engine takes some influence from the larger 7.3L V8 as it is a gas powered 6.8L V8 cast-iron pushrod engine with a cam-in-block design. Ford hasn’t released any specs on the new standard engine, but it should be an improvement over the current model’s 6.2L V8 that makes 385 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Mated to the 6.8L V8 is a 10-speed TorqShift automatic transmission, as are all other engines in the lineup.
The gas powered 7.3L V8 engine is a revised carryover that has been tuned and features an improved air intake. Ford says it aims to make this 7.3L V8 the best gas option of its class in terms of horsepower and torque, but no specs have been released as of now. The current 7.3L V8 generates 430 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of twist, so we should expect performance exceeding those stats.
Finally, the 6.7L Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 returns alongside a brand new high-output version. There’s no mention of updates to the standard 6.7L Power Stroke V8, so performance specs should remain virtually the same. However, the new high-output 6.7L Power Stroke V8 mentions unique tuning, upgraded exhaust manifolds, and a unique turbocharger. There were many technical details on what’s all happening with this high-output version, but Ford estimating that this engine can be the best in class in terms of horsepower and torque.
No new towing capacities were released for any of the engines in the all-new F-Series Super Duty trucks, but Ford stated that they’re aiming for the best-in-class payload and towing for every trailer type. Ford also announced that four-wheel drive is now standard on XLT models and up along with some helpful electrical power solutions. Pro Power Onboard is now available for the Super Duty which will allow the heavy-duty pickup to provide 2.0-kW of output for the jobsite or perhaps a tailgate party. There are a number of power outlets found around the inside cabin and along the cargo box.
Chassis cabs can be outfitted with a special outlet installation kit to achieve the Pro Power Onboard addition and Ford also made upfitting their trucks easier with the new Ford Pro Upfit Integration System. Chassis cab versions of the Super Duty can now utilize the Ford Pro Upfit Integration System to seamlessly integrate and operate their aftermarket upfit hardware like cranes or plows through the truck’s digital displays. Equipment manufacturers can add digital buttons through the UIS that allow drivers to control their equipment from inside the truck. This software also can add unique customizable elements as well as safety features to the upfit like preventing the truck from shifting into drive if the boom lift is raised for example.
Ford rounded out the 2023 Ford F-Series Super Duty models with a list of new driver assistance technologies. Onboard Scales with Smart Hitch, 360-Degree Trailer Camera, Blind Spot Information System for Fifth Wheel & Gooseneck, Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, and Trailer Navigation are all new available driver assistance tech that aim to make blind spots more manageable and creates an easier environment to maneuver a trailer with.
Tailgate Down Camera and Tailgate Down Reverse Sensing are new available developments that include a new camera and reverse sensors to the top of the tailgate to further provide alerts when the tailgate is down. It’s simple yet effective addition that fixes backing up a truck with the tailgate down that’s plagued truck owners for a while now. Ford went further than just adding new blind spot detection and camera technology though, they’ve also included a list of additional security, driver assists, and safety features too.
There isn’t any pricing announced on the all-new 2023 Ford F-250 and F-350 models, but Ford did state that the new trucks would go on sale in early 2023 with certain features and trim levels available starting in spring of 2023.
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