Full-size pickup trucks are an important segment to General Motors. That’s why its 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra models that were revealed ahead of their world premiere at the Detroit Motor Show in January may look similar to the outgoing versions, but they are quite different, and much more technologically advanced, under the skin. GM’s new full-size trucks underwent more than 6 million miles of durability testing at the Milford Proving Ground, over the deserts and mountains of Nevada and across the frozen flats of Ontario. That’s equivalent to 240 trips around the earth. In addition, the trucks will accumulate more than 7 million real-world miles during final testing, bringing total test miles to more than 13 million.
That’s because, as executive chief engineer for full- and mid-size trucks Jeff Luke said, “Don’t let the work boots fool you. Truck customers are among the most discerning and demanding in the business”.
Almost two-thirds of the cabin structure, the main rails and key cross members of the frame are made of high-strength steel in order to improve rigidity and keeping weight down, while new shear-style body mounts help absorb body movements for a more relaxed drive.
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