HSV Chevrolet Silverado 3500 arrives

HSV has confirmed full specifications and pricing for its conversion of the US-built Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD LTZ model, which can tow a nine tonne caravan (if such a thing exists!) with the right fittings.

The 3500HD LTZ model completes HSV’s five-model Silverado line-up – its first foray into the burgeoning heavy-duty ute market.

The 3500HD LTZ will share the same engine and transmission as the 2500HD range including the Duramax 6.6-litre V8 turbo-diesel engine that offers 332kW of power and 1234Nm of torque.

Transmission is through an Allison 1000 six-speed automatic and a heavy duty auto-locking Eaton rear diff.

But the big difference between the 2500 and 3500 is in the areas of towing and load-carrying ability.

The 3500HD LTZ has a maximum payload capacity of 2.2 tonnes and a maximum towing capability that stretches to a hefty nine tonnes if you’re using a pintle hook. It’ll happily tow 4500kg using a 70mm ball or 3500kg with a 50mm ball.

The 3500 will come standard with Chevrolet’s 2.4-metre ‘long tub’ but with a kerb weight of 3710kg and a GVM of 5908kg, you’d better bring your heavy vehicle driver’s licence with you to the party.

Complementing the 3500’s impressive load and towing capabilities are a host of appointments that, like its 2500HD counterpart, justify its premium positioning.

Inside you get heated and ventilated leather-trimmed seats, power-adjustable pedals and dual-zone climate control.

The steering wheel is heated, has audio and cruise controls and is adjustable for rake and reach.

There’s an eight-inch screen with MyLink functions and seven speaker Bose stereo with the usual Bluetooth functionality as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability for smartphones.

A suite of safety tech also comes standard including the StabiliTrak stability control system that features proactive roll avoidance and traction control along with electronic trailer sway control and hill start assist.

Front, side and curtain airbags provide occupant protection with proactive safety features including forward collision alert, lane departure warning and front and rear park assist and a rear-view camera.

The 3500 features front fog lights, recovery hooks and 17-inch chrome alloys with dual rear wheels, with the chrome theme extending to the grille surround, bumpers, body side mouldings, door handles and exterior mirrors.

Recommended retail price for the Silverado will be $147,990 from HSV dealers.

Re-manufacture of the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD LTZ range to right-hand-drive will commence at HSV’s new production facility in Clayton South, Victoria, this month.