Cheaper off-road version of Chevrolet Silverado announced

General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) has announced a new entry-level, off-road version of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pick-up.

On sale now ahead of first deliveries around mid-year, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss is priced at $106,990 plus on-road costs – $7000 less than the $113,990 LTZ Premium 4x4 dual-cab on which it’s based.

Key new standard features for the cheaper new Silverado – announced as RAM Trucks Australia prepares to release its arch-rival, the long-awaited new DT-Series RAM 1500 including the fire-breathing TRX mega pick-up – include an off-road suspension package with Rancho monotube shock absorbers and a factory-fitted lift kit that raises the ride height by about 25mm up front and 30mm at the rear.

Apart from 18-inch black-painted aluminium wheels instead of polished alloys, it’s not yet clear what equipment – if any – the LT Trail Boss misses out on compared to the existing LTZ Premium.

But the new Silverado 1500 variant is powered by the same 313kW/624Nm 6.2-litre petrol V8 with 10-speed automatic transmission (and column-mounted gearshift selector), maintaining a 4.5-tonne towing capacity.

And standard safety features still extend to lane change alert with side blind zone alert and rear cross traffic alert, plus front and rear park assist and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

As part of its off-road package it also comes standard with a mechanical rear locking differential, a heavy-duty air filter, all-terrain skid plates and hill descent control.

There’s also a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 10-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, cloth trim, keyless entry/start, remote start, black bumpers and nine exterior paint colours (but no side steps as on the LTZ).

GMSV says Australian availability of the Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss was made possible by its “direct line to Detroit” and the same right-hand drive conversion process by Walkinshaw Automotive Group for the local and New Zealand markets.

“LT Trail Boss personifies what Silverado is all about,” said GMSV director Joanne Stogiannis.

“It’s big, it’s tough and it comes ingrained with brand DNA which showcases qualities of strength, power, performance and no-nonsense work-hard attributes.

“LT Trail Boss features engineering which is right at home for when the roads get wild and winding, it shines in conditions which others shy away from.

“Based on interest in the Silverado LTZ Premium and the upcoming Silverado 2500, I anticipate there will be strong demand for the LT Trail Boss.

“I would strongly encourage people to contact their nearest GMSV dealer and place an order if they want to be amongst the first to have a LT Trail Boss parked in their garage ready for weekend adventures.”

GMSV will soon also release the bigger Chevrolet Silverado 2500, but so far there’s no sign of the supercharged 1500 developed locally by Walkinshaw Performance.

GMSV has sold 177 examples of the Silverado 1500 since it assumed control of Australian Chevrolet distribution from HSV last November.