The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is not only the strongest ever offered by Chevrolet, but it delivers segment-topping fuel economy — a combination that is winning over more and more customers and critics.

For 2009, Silverado's fuel economy advantage is enhanced with a new six-speed automatic that is paired with V-8 engines (except the 4.8L). Also, a new 6.2L V-8 with variable valve timing and E85 capability is offered on crew cab models; it is rated at 403 horsepower. Additional new safety and convenience features give Silverado customers a broader array of choices when selecting the truck to fit their lifestyle.

“Silverado is the industry benchmark for full-size trucks,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “The new six-speed automatic is the latest example of how Chevrolet is working on fuel solutions for all of its vehicles, strengthening its leadership position in the market.”

A Silverado Hybrid model also is available and it delivers a 25-percent improvement in overall fuel economy while offering the Silverado's traditional capabilities — including a 6,100-pound towing capacity.

Silverado's new Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission rolls out on models equipped with 5.3L, 6.0L and 6.2L engines. It debuts in crew cabs and migrates to regular cab and extended cab models with the 5.3L and 6.0L engines (except extended cab/short box 5-foot 8-inch configurations).

The six-speed helps achieve better fuel efficiency on the highway through lower “cruising” rpm — less fuel is used with the lower engine speed. The reduced engine speed also enhances the interior's quietness.

In addition to the new six-speed automatic transmission and 6.2L V-8, a host of new features and revisions gives customers more choices. They include:

Changes and revisions to previous models and equipment packages include:

The Silverado lineup is built on GM's robust full-size truck architecture. It supports a smooth ride and confident handling while delivering segment-leading capability and power. A lineup of powerful small-block V-8 engines complements the stronger chassis to deliver a confident towing capacity of — 10,700 pounds (extended cab with 6.0L and enhanced trailering package) — with a maximum payload capacity of 1,909 pounds (2WD crew cab).

There are three cab styles — regular, extended and crew cab — and three cargo box lengths: 5 foot 8 inches (short), 6 foot 6 inches (standard) and 8 foot (long). The pickup is available in four trim levels: WT, LS (crew cab only), LT and LTZ; and is available in 2WD and 4WD.

The Silverado's exterior design delivers on its reputation as the industry's strongest, most dependable and longest-lasting pickup truck. It has a broad, chiseled face, which accents a broad-shouldered stance and gives the Silverado a powerful, muscular presence. The front-end appearance is unique to Silverado, including the front fenders, grille, headlamps, bumpers, power dome hood, taillamps, box design and flared rear fenders.

Silverado's large grille and a prominent gold bow tie are flanked by premium-look, reflector-optics headlamps. A power dome hood rises from the front end, alluding to the workhorse power plant beneath it. The large, vertically stacked headlamps are pushed to the outer edges of the body and have a detailed appearance that reinforces the trucks' refinement.

A chrome bumper is standard on LT trim level models, while LTZ trim level models receive body-color front bumpers. The door handles are robust, grab-style designs, which are designed for easy use with gloves. The popular Z71 Off Road package offers unique body side identification.

Silverado models are offered with a range of 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheels. Eighteen-inch wheels are optional with the Z71 package and standard on LTZ. Twenty-inch wheels are available on LT and LTZ models.

The Silverado features two completely distinct interiors to meet the diverse needs of today's pickup consumer. The WT, LS and LT trim levels feature the pure pickup interior and the LTZ trim level features the same luxury-inspired interior that is currently available on Chevrolet's full-size utilities.

Silverado models are more spacious inside, with increased storage capacity. Spaciousness is enhanced with new, “low and forward” instrument panels. The instrument panel offered as part of the LTZ trim level is five inches lower and farther forward than previous-generation models. The WT, LS and LT trim levels feature an instrument panel that is 3.5 inches lower and farther forward.

Built on GM's new full-size truck platform, the Silverado incorporates features such as a fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. It also has wide front and rear tracks that enhance stability and driving confidence through a more secure road feel.

Responsive ride and handling traits deliver a heightened feeling of control while supporting class-leading capability, including a maximum towing capacity of 10,700 pounds (extended cab) and a maximum payload of 1,909 pounds (crew cab 2WD).

The front suspension consists of a coil-over-shock design that delivers linear, solid and unwavering ride-and-handling characteristics on all road surfaces. Steering is handled with a responsive rack-and-pinion system that provides precise control and strong on-center feel. A Hotchkiss-type rear suspension provides superior isolation and ride with a splayed arrangement for the shock absorbers.

Silverado is offered with five suspension systems, each tailored to suit specific driving requirements:

A high-capacity brake system with a four-channel ABS system provides superior stopping capability. ABS is standard on all models and is linked to the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system to help mitigate the occurrence of rollover events.

GM's sophisticated StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is standard on all models with a V-8 engine — and is a segment exclusive. Partnered with new brake system and four-channel, four-sensor electronic brake controls, the system provides more precise, controlled ABS stops, as well as enhanced traction/yaw stability.

Silverado models are powered by an efficient lineup of engines, led by the segment's highest-rated V-8 engine family. Advanced technologies, such as Active Fuel Management (AFM) and variable valve timing (VVT), help Silverado deliver the segment's best fuel economy. Three FlexFuel engines are available — and partnered with fuel-saving AFM — giving customers the choice of powering their truck with E85 ethanol, gasoline or a combination of both fuels.

The maximum trailering package combines a heavy-duty 9.5-inch rear axle, locking differential, heavy-duty cooling system and other enhanced features to enable a maximum towing capacity of 10,700 pounds on extended cab models.

An integrated trailer brake controller is available on all models. It is integrated with the ABS system and provides immediate and measured brake force signaling to electric-controlled trailer brake systems. There is no requirement for external and/or aftermarket brake control systems. The brake controller switch is conveniently mounted on the lower-left section of the instrument panel.