Thursday's unveiling by GM of the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado was a big deal. This full-sized pickup truck received a significant technology upgrade including a hands-free Super Cruise advanced driver assist system, an infotainment system that embeds Google services and an interior overhaul. The new flagship trim, the ZR2 lifted truck that is factory-installed off-road, has been added to the Silverado lineup.
Silverado's refresh is ahead of GM's electric vehicle offensive that will include Chevrolet pickup trucks and GMC trucks. GM plans to introduce 30 new electric vehicles on the global market by 2025, and transition to zero-emission by 2035. GM announced that the new Silverado trims would be available at dealers in spring 2022.
Exterior of the Chevy Silverado received a facelift, with a new front fascia as well as daytime running lights that activate when the driver approaches or departs from the vehicle. The real changes are in the truck's cabin, which includes the hardware and software.
The Silverado is available in the LT and RST trims. GM made improvements to improve shifting and provide more power for drivers.
Automaker also upgraded its 3.0L Duramax turbocharged Diesel engine to allow a maximum tow rating in two-wheel drive configuration of 13,300 pounds. There are two other powertrains available, the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8.
The interior cabin has been redesigned to feel larger and features a 13.4-inch touchscreen as well as a 12.3-inch configurable digital cluster standard. The owners will be able add a rear camera mirror or a head-up display.
The interior of the Silverado will now be available in new colors, seat designs, and premium materials. The new center console includes an electronic shift control for model trims that have bucket seats.
Alexandre Scartezini is the Chevrolet Trucks' lead interior designer. He describes it as contemporary and refined, with a hint Corvette influence in its design DNA.
All things Google
Users will find Google or Android Automotive at the heart and soul of the operating system as they move deeper into the car, also known as the infotainment screen. Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play all integrate into the infotainment screen.
Android Automotive OS should not be confused with Android Auto. This is an interface that sits on top of the operating system. Android Auto is an Android app that runs on the user's phone and communicates wirelessly with the vehicle's infotainment system. Silverado will offer both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. GM stated that the system can also be used with Amazon Alexa.
Android Automotive OS, which is an open-source mobile operating system that runs Linux, was modeled. Google changed it to allow automakers to use it in their cars, instead of using it on smartphones and tablets. Google has provided an open-source version of this OS for automakers for a while. Automakers have been working with Google to create an Android OS that can be embedded with all Google apps and services in recent years.
Driving hands-free
Six active safety features are standard on all Silverado trims: lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking and forward collision alerts.
The major change is the introduction of the Automakers Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance technology to the High Country trim. The system can also be used while you are trailering. If the truck is being town, certain features such as automatic lane changing or lane change on request will not work.
Super Cruise employs a combination lidar data, high-precision GPS and cameras, radar sensors, as an attention system. This monitors the driver behind the wheel to make sure they are paying attention. Super Cruise users do not have to be at the wheel, unlike Tesla's Autopilot driver assistance system. But, they must keep their eyes on the road.
Super Cruise has seen steady improvements by GM since its inception in 2017. However, it was limited to the luxury Cadillac brand and only a few divided highways. GM announced plans in 2019 to expand Super Cruise to include more models and uses cases. It can be activated on more that 200,000 miles of roads across the United States and Canada.
Silverado will also offer trailer assistance features such as an alert that warns drivers of vehicles in their blind spots.
