The 2013 New York Auto Show marked the U.S. debut of the new 2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith. Unveiled in Geneva, this luxurious coupe is set to take on the Bentley Continental GT.

With a fastback design and rear-hinged doors, the design of the Wraith oozes luxury and style. The interior is a cocoon of luxurious materials from real wood and leather to lights mounted in the headliner that remind you of the stars in the night sky.

Under the hood you’ll find a 616-horsepower V-12 engine which propels the Wraith from a standstill to 60 in 4.4 seconds. The most unique feature of the new Wraith is a satellite link that determines the cars location, and uses data from those maps to pre-select the correct gear for the road ahead. This ensures a smooth driving experience no matter how or where you are driving.

All of the performance technology and capabilities introduced on the Corvette Stingray coupe carry over to the convertible. The only structural changes are limited to accommodations for the folding top and repositioned safety belt mounts. Central to the Corvette Stingray’s driving experience is an all-new, more rigid aluminum frame structure, which is 57-percent stiffer and 99 pounds (45 kg) lighter than the current steel frame.

All models are powered by the new LT1 6.2L V-8, with an estimated 450-hp (335 kW) and 450 lb-ft of torque (610 Nm). As no structural reinforcements are required for the convertible, both models share almost identical power-to-weight ratios.

With the top up, the Corvette Stingray convertible is designed for a refined driving experience. A thick, three-ply fabric top, along with sound-absorbing padding and a glass rear window, contributes to a quiet cabin and premium appearance.

With the top down, the Corvette Stingray’s signature profile is further accentuated. Behind the seat backs, dual black accent panels enhance the character lines of the tonneau cover. Corvette Stingray’s signature “waterfall” design originates in the valley between the nacelles, bringing the exterior color into the interior.

The Corvette Stingray coupe and convertible arrive in global markets in late 2013, with left-hand-drive models to be offered in Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, Japan and Russia. Changes to Corvettes for export vary only in equipment required to accommodate a respective market’s regulations, such as lighting, headlamp washers and outside mirrors.

911 buyers will once again be able to hit the track in Porsche’s new high-performance GT3 that’s positioned at the top of the 911 lineup and set to go on sale later this year.

Power comes from a 475-horsepower, 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine, which teams only with a recalibrated seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The rear-wheel-drive GT3 gets numerous aerodynamic enhancements like a large rear spoiler, front and rear lip spoilers, numerous air vents and special 20-inch wheels.

Porsche claims the new GT3 needs just 3.3 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph, and it can reach a top speed of 195 mph. It even has rear-wheel steering for spirited handling and stability, a Porsche first. Check out photos of Porsche’s new 911 GT3 to get your adrenaline pumping, below. Cars.com photos by Evan Sears.

If you’ve ever driven a 911 GT3 or GT3 RS at speed, on the track, you know that money-shifting the engine by grabbing the wrong gear isn’t hard to do, which is why a sequential gearbox is one of the most popular upgrades for these track-driven models.

The PDK gearbox is also much quicker than even the most skilled human operator rowing a seven-speed manual, and the GT3 is all about lap times. No one likes change, but change is inevitable.

On the other hand, buyers will surely like the 0-60 mph time of just 3.3 seconds, the curb weight of 3,152 pounds and the top speed of 195 mph, which, combined with the 911 GT3’s new active rear-wheel steering, should produce a Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time of under 7:30.

Look for the 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 to hit U.S. dealers by the end of the year, priced from $131,350 (including a $950 destination charge).

This is the Ferrari LaFerrari, a 950bhp supercar that succeeds the Ferrari Enzo and is poised to take on the McLaren P1. It’s Ferrari’s fastest ever road car, and just 499 LaFerraris will be built. Read on for the full performance specs on the new Ferrari LaFerrari.

What monstrous engine powers the Ferrari LaFerrari?

A big V12 of course. The 6.3-litre engine has the same capacity as the V12 found in the front-engined Ferrari F12, but it’s been reworked for the LaFerrari’s mid-engined layout. Power has gone up from the F12’s 730bhp at 8250rpm, to 789bhp produced at a crazy 9000rpm. And the V12 will keep revving to 9250rpm. Peak torque is 516lb ft at 6750rpm.

But like the McLaren P1, the Ferrari LaFerrari is a hybrid. It’s the company’s first ever hybrid, but forget any nonsense about zero emission running because the electric motor in LaFerrari is designed purely to increase its performance. The 120kW motor adds 161bhp and 199lb ft, which equates to combined peaks of 950bhp and 664lb ft.

The hybrid system actually has two motors, one to drive the ancillaries, and the more powerful units to drive the wheels. The battery pack (weighing just 60kg) is attached to the floor of the carbon chassis, and Ferrari says the batteries are charged under braking, on the overrun, or even during cornering when the V12’s excess torque isn’t sent to the wheels but converted to energy to be stored.

The electric motor is coupled to a double-clutch gearbox, which in turn drives the rear wheels. We don’t yet know the weight of the LaFerrari, but it’ll accelerate to 0-62mph in under three seconds, to 124mph in less than seven seconds, and to 186mph in just 15 seconds. That, and it’s over three seconds quicker than the F12 around Ferrari’s Fiorano test track, and over five seconds faster than the Enzo. If you hadn’t guessed already, that makes it Ferrari’s fastest ever road car. The top speed is over 217mph.

Ferrari hasn’t released any further details of the hybrid drivetrain, but despite the extra power over the F12, the LaFerrari is cleaner: 330g/km versus 350g/km CO2

What other tech details do I need to know?

The chassis is made from four different types of carbonfibre, and built in the same department as Ferrari’s F1 cars. The seating position is fixed (the steering wheel and pedal box are adjustable) and Ferrari integrating that and the battery compartment into the chassis has helped improve rigidity and stiffness over the Enzo. The centre of gravity is also 35mm lower. Braking is by Brembo carbon-ceramic discs, and the tyres are Pirelli P-Zeros.

What about the styling, both inside and out?

From the front the Ferrari LaFerrari resembles the track-only Ferrari Enzo FXX, but the rest of the design is much smoother and sleeker than its predecessor, with curvaceous lines akin to the 458 Italia. All the vents and intakes have specific functions, but Ferrari says inspiration has come from both its own sports prototypes of the late 1960s (the more exuberant forms) and its latest F1 cars (the central pylon on which the front spoiler hangs, and the central rear light). There are active guide vanes under the front of the car, and moveable diffusers and a rear spoiler at the back of LaFerrari.

Inside all the Ferrari LaFerrari’s major controls (throttle and brakes aside) are grouped onto the steering wheel: there are longer gearshift paddles, and all the secondary functions. A raised spar separating the driver and passenger carries the controls for the F1 dual-clutch gearbox.

The ordering brochure for the new Alfa Romeo 4C has leaked online, revealing more details on the recently announced sports car and the recently announced Launch Edition. This leaked brochure reveals for the first time the horsepower and torque curve, tire specifications and images of the TFT cluster in all models.

Standard models will come with cloth seats, radio and halogen headlights, while LED lights are offered as an alternative. The Launch Edition will only be offered in Carrara White and Rosso Alfa, and will be limited to only 500 units. This special edition will feature carbon-fiber insertions on the headlamp finishing and mirror covers. It will also be offered with alloy wheels sized 18 inches up front and 19 inches at the rear, and red brake calipers. Carbon fiber will also be used on the interior for the instrument cluster cover and racing steering wheel, dashboard insert and gear buttons.

Both standard and Launch Edition will be powered by a four-cylinder 1,750 cc turbocharged engine that delivers an output of 240 horsepower. The 4C goes up to a top speed of 160 mph and hits 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.5 seconds. This means that its performance will far exceed what we initially thought it would.

The Porsche Panamera is a very competent sports sedan; it’s literally a four-door Porsche. It’s also catastrophically ugly. Porsche is trying to remedy that with the updated 2014 model, and it’s upping the Panamera’s green cred with a new plug-in hybrid.

At the front, Porsche has moved the driving lights out of the two side air intakes. It may be a minor change, but it makes a world of difference; the whole front end looks cleaner as a result.

At the back, things haven’t really changed. No slight styling tweaks can improve that rear end, which looks like a misshapen lump of clay with Boxster taillights.

So you still may not want a 2014 Porsche Panamera if you enjoy looking at your car, but there’s more big news.

Rumor has it that Porsche will launch a plug-in hybrid Panamera, called the S E-Hybrid. It will be the first Porsche plug-in people can actually buy, since every copy of the 918 Spyder supercar was already sold out. The S E-Hybrid features a 3.0-liter V6 and eight-speed Tiptronic-S transmission coupled to an electric motor and 9.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Total system output is 416 horsepower and 435 pound-feet of torque. Porsche says this will get the Panamera S E-Hybrid to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, and on to a top speed of 167 mph.

The Panamera S E-Hybrid also has an electric-only range of 22 miles, and can be fully recharged in 2.5 hours from a quick-charging port. Fuel economy figures will be revealed closer to the car’s U.S. debut.

The plug-in will grab all of the headlines, but other Panamera models are gong green too. The regular Panamera S and 4S will ditch their V8s for twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6s. Porsche says they will produce 420 hp and 384 lb-ft, while netting an 18-percent gain in fuel economy.

Porsche will also upgrade the (not sold in the U.S.) Panamera diesel next year, with a new engine that will produce 300 hp.

If you prefer to be chauffeured in your Porsche, a long-wheelbase Executive model is also available for 2014, though not in plug-in hybrid spec.

Volkswagen features conceptualised several special edition designs for any open-top Beetle during it is industry introduction: the fashionable “50s Edition”, your cool “60s Edition” as well as exquisite “70s Format.” All of the a couple of features echos the appearance of 10 years ( blank ) with tribute for the popular Beetle Cabriolet.

This “50s Edition”, as an example, features these kinds of features since 17-inch “Circle Black” metal rims, stainless home mirrors, any dark-colored soft top plus “Monochrome Black” color. The “60s Edition” model was empowered because of the style of a 60s along with high-end sport activity seat designs with black-blue “Vienna” buckskin and either “Denim Blue” and also “Candy White” shape colour in conjunction with any african american delicate best. The “70s Edition” goals to get classiness – having “Toffee Brownish Metallic” or even “Platinum Off white Metallic” external shades in which harmonise effectively with the beige-coloured delicate top rated plus natural leather sport bike seats. The revolutionary Beetle Sports convertible commences on the Us current market after Late This year; with European union, your Volkswagen launches throughout The month of february 2013.

In the event that motor vehicles include the center of the Engine Area, music can be it’s soul. The latest 2013 Chrysler More than two hundred Motown gives respect towards the Motor unit Municipality’s growing as well as perseverance via Detroit-born model in addition to world-class effectiveness. Harking back to home buying when bright operate determined Woodward along with Jefferson Strategies, that limited-edition Chrysler main car involves brilliant firefox front and back fascia decorations, looking glass truck caps, entry addresses and also daylight-opening encircle, in addition to a distinctive Mopar shiny chrome grille by using 6 attractive outside knives. Significant 20-inch polished “heritage” style and design aluminum added wheels include an stylish appear, when it has the touring-tuned suspensions provides world-class quantities of trip, working with and comfort. Finishing the following Chrysler leading sedan’s curb appeal usually are black congratulated Chrysler mentorship badges as well as “Motown” fender badges of which surpasse your municipality’s groove and soul. Offered external surfaces colors contain Vibrant, Gloss Black, Deep Cherry Red-colored in addition to brand-new Jazz music Pink.

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The all-new 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 full-size pickup is the most powerful, most advanced and most refined truck in the brand’s 110-year history. GMC Sierra’s bold new exterior houses one of three all-new EcoTec3 engines, a fully updated cabin with available next-generation IntelliLink connectivity and other features designed for the most discerning truck owners.

“Our engineers and designers left nothing on the table when developing this latest Sierra pickup,” said Tony DiSalle, vice president of GMC Marketing. “These trucks have all the power and capability that’s expected in today’s market, excellent fuel efficiency, plus a lot of unexpected, purposeful features developed with truck owners in mind.”

In addition to all-new design and technology, the 2014 Sierra boasts the longest list of standard features ever for a full-size GMC pickup. From connectivity solutions, to a standard tie-down system in the rear, to the segment’s only standard projector beam headlamps, many premium features are found on each and every all-new Sierra.

New EcoTec3 engines

GMC Sierra’s engine portfolio is updated for 2014 with the goal of increased in power, torque and fuel efficiency across the board. There will be a 4.3L V-6, a 5.3L V-8 and a 6.2L V-8 offered, all from a shared EcoTec3 engine family. Each engine features standard direct injection, continuously variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management, which means they seamlessly switch to run on four cylinders during light-load driving to save fuel.

The increased power and efficiency of the new engines are the result of more than 10 million hours of sophisticated computer modeling, more than half of which were used to make the best of the combustion process.

The new 4.3L V-6 EcoTec3 engine will offer improved torque and towing capacity for the six in 10 truck owners who tow.

“Rather than adapting a V-6 intended for use in passenger cars, we built a new engine from the ground up based on the unique demands of a truck,” said Jordan Lee, powertrain chief engineer. “Sierra’s 4.3L shares its basic design architecture with the latest iterations of the V-8 engines that GMC owners have trusted for generations.”

Today’s GMC Sierra offers the best V-8 fuel economy in the industry and the new 5.3L EcoTec3 engine features significant updates intended to make it even more efficient. The available 6.2L V-8 EcoTec3 is engineered to provide outstanding capability.

SAE-certified horsepower and torque ratings and EPA fuel economy estimates for the new Sierra are not yet available, but are expected to be finalized early next year.

With the new engine designs and additional developments, customers should expect GMC Sierra’s second-generation Active Fuel Management to be more seamless and capable of operating longer in four-cylinder mode.

All three engines use lightweight aluminum blocks and heads and are mated with durable six-speed automatic transmissions. A “cruise grade braking” feature down-shifts the transmission on downgrades, which is intended to reduce brake wear. V-8 models use new, larger 9.5- and 9.76-inch rear axles with the strength to accommodate the engines’ higher output. Final power and torque ratings will be announced later.

Duralife brake rotors and electric power steering

Strong brakes are important for stopping trucks, whether they’re full of people, payload or both. The 2014 Sierra features four-wheel disc brakes with Duralife brake rotors, which feature a hardened and strengthened surface to reduce corrosion. Duralife rotors – a GM-exclusive technology – are expected to last twice as long as conventional rotors and provide quieter braking with less vibration.

The 2014 Sierra also uses electric power steering. An electric motor in place of an engine-driven hydraulic pump saves fuel and allows for tuning that’s expected to result in a more consistent, crisp steering feel and plenty of assist for parking maneuvers.

The new standard in truck interiors

Premium materials, attention to detail and purposeful technology define GMC Sierra’s all-new cabin. New soft-touch materials and available aluminum trim line an interior that’s focused on usable and productive space.

“Truck owners want a well-crafted cabin, but also one that still feels like a truck,” said Helen Emsley, Sierra interior design director. “They want a purposeful interior, not one that’s flowing like you’d find in a car or crossover.”

Sierra has an upright instrument panel designed for visibility and accessibility. Knobs and buttons are large, legible and within reach. All knobs are coated using a rubber-over-mold technology, so they’re easy to grip even through gloves.

A new instrument cluster on all models features six gauges with an available centrally located, 4.2-inch color Driver Information Center with vehicle status information, a trip computer, and other information, like radio and navigation.

A second, high-mounted glove box with a flat floor joins the traditional box below. Each of GMC Sierra’s doors has storage crafted to hold most beverage containers and other personal items. Along the center stack and center console are additional cupholders, discreet compartments large enough for most laptop computers, and connectivity options. Sierra is available with a 110-volt outlet, up to five USB ports, four 12-volt outlets and an SD card slot.

“Sierra sets a new standard for what’s expected of a pickup truck interior,” said DiSalle. “Our customers told us how they use their trucks and we listened. The combination of comfort, safety, space and technology is unprecedented in the segment.”

Available IntelliLink connectivity uses an available high-definition, fully reconfigurable eight-inch color touchscreen with an intuitive layout and easy-to-read icons that control audio features, a Pandora app, Bluetooth phone features, and available navigation with all-new map displays. Many of the system’s features can be controlled by voice command, allowing the driver to keep eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

GMC Sierra’s seats use dual-density foam designed to stay comfortable over long hours and continue to look great after years of use. Leather and cloth will be offered, and Sierra’s new high-wear cloth is designed to last longer and resist staining. A spilled drink will bead on the fabric, not soak in. Heated seats are available with cloth seats and standard with leather.

New door and bed configurations

For the first time on Extended Cab models, the 2014 Sierra has new front-hinged rear doors with outside pull handles at the rear, providing improved access in tight parking spaces. Unlike trucks with rear-hinged doors, Sierra’s layout allows rear passengers to enter and exit the vehicle with the front doors remaining closed.

Crew Cab customers, who represent more than 60 percent of retail GMC Sierra customers, can choose between two bed lengths; in addition to the current 5-foot, 8-inch box, a new 6-foot, 6-inch box is available. Regular cabs continue to be available with the 6-foot, 6-inch or 8-foot box lengths, while the extended cab will come exclusively with a 6-foot, 6-inch box.

Cargo box innovations

Sierra’s rear bumper features standard corner steps that make climbing into the bed easy, regardless of whether the tailgate is up or down. The steps are paired with grips formed into the top of each bed side. Four movable upper tie downs are also standard. They can be placed in nine different locations and can bear a 500-pound (227 kg) load. Available LED cargo lights integrated beneath the bed rails will illuminate the bed when a tonneau cover is in place. The available EZ Lift and Lower tailgate uses an integrated torsion bar and damper to ease lifting and lowering.

Driver Alert Technology

A suite of active safety features will be optional for the 2014 Sierra, including Forward Collision Alert, which uses a forward-facing camera to notify the driver of an imminent collision, and Lane Departure Warning, which uses the same camera to track the truck’s position in relation to a road’s lane markers.

The camera technology was recently named a “Top Ten Tech Breakthrough of 2012″ by Popular Mechanics.

Paired with Forward Collision Alert and Land Departure Warning is GMC’s first-ever Driver Alert Seat, which generates vibrating pulse patterns on the left and/or right side of the lower seat cushion bolster to alert the driver of potential dangers, such as an un-signaled lane change or approaching another vehicle too quickly. According to GM research, the seat’s vibrations may direct driver attention to the location of a potential collision more quickly and accurately than audible alerts. Drivers have the option of selecting either audible or vibrating alerts.

Quieter, stronger, more aerodynamic

Quietness doesn’t only come from factors within the cabin. The 2014 Sierra features new aerodynamic measures that benefit fuel efficiency and reduce wind noise. Updated mirrors that reduce wind turbulence, triple-sealed inlaid doors, as well as roof and tailgate design features all help air flow smoothly quietly over the GMC Sierra. Additional sealing around the grille, headlights and space between the cab and box are also designed to lower drag for the new trucks, along with new aerodynamic spats located in front of the rear wheels.

Updates to Sierra’s body and chassis are designed to improve ride and handling, comfort and capability. The fully boxed frame uses high-strength steel and hydroforming to provide more strength and rigidity with less weight. New cab structures incorporate high-strength steel in the A-pillars, B-pillars, roof rails and rocker panels, while ultra-high-strength steel segments of the rocker panels provide added protection for shallow offset crashes.

GMC Sierra’s hood is aluminum, saving approximately 17 pounds versus a comparable steel hood. At the rear, a roll-formed box is stronger, lighter and more durable than a traditional stamped steel box.

GMC Sierra uses aluminum for some suspension components for additional rigidity and weight saving, and new lightweight wheels are paired with low-rolling-resistance tires in most applications. The tires, along with new shear-style and redesigned hydraulic cab mounts, are designed to help reduce noise and vibration in the cabin.

“Pickups aren’t just a tool for GMC owners – they’re part of their everyday lives, and Sierra needs to be as useful on the way to the movies as it is on the way to a job site,” said DiSalle. “The most important thing about the engineering behind this new truck is that it benefits owners in so many different ways.”

Attention to detail

GMC designers approached the exterior of the 2014 Sierra with respect for its predecessors, evolving its familiar shape while adding distinctive details like standard projector headlamps, available LED signature accent lighting and detailed new grilles. All GMC Sierra models have chrome grille surrounds and premium black wheel arch moldings. Different trim levels feature chrome belt moldings, mirror caps and door handles, as well as unique wheel designs and grille details.

Other new features include available front Park Assist, in addition to the rear Park Assist already available, and a sliding rear window with a defroster.

Distinctive All-Terrain model

Sierra All-Terrain has all-new styling for 2014. It includes a unique exterior appearance with a painted grille and less chrome, and is available as an extended cab or crew cab in a limited number of colors.

Standard equipment for GMC Sierra All-Terrain includes the Z71 off-road suspension with monotube Rancho shocks, hill descent control, front recovery hooks, a transfer case shield and unique wheels and tires, along with an automatic locking rear differential that reacts in milliseconds in low-traction situations to improve safety and confidence on wet, snowy or muddy surfaces.

GMC Sierra All Terrain is available exclusively with an ebony interior and with front bucket seats on SLE models. A carbon fiber-look seat accent is standard on SLT models.

Chevrolet unveiled the all-new 2014 Silverado 1500 full-size pickup. New from hood to hitch, Chevy Silverado is engineered to be the strongest, smartest, and most capable Silverado ever.

The new Silverado builds on Chevrolet’s 95 years of truck heritage, while raising the bar for full-size pickups. Among the many updates for 2014 are a new trio of powerful, efficient EcoTec3 engines; a stronger, quieter, more comfortable cab; revised steering, suspension and brakes; ingenious solutions for managing cargo in the bed and true truck capability for towing and hauling.

“Our customers rely on their trucks to meet the day-to-day challenges of earning a living, running a business and taking care of their families,” said Mark Reuss, president, GM North America. “Chevrolet is committed to giving truck customers the most-refined, best-engineered pickups in the market.”

The 2014 Silverado will become part of Chevrolet’s three-truck portfolio, designed to let customers select the right truck for their needs. It joins the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 HD pickups, the ultimate tools for towing and hauling, which were new for the 2011 model year. Chevrolet is also developing an all-new Colorado midsize pickup, which will offer proven truck capability in a space- and fuel-efficient package.

Every detail of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was designed and engineered to meet the exacting requirements of full-size truck customers and to strengthen Chevrolet’s reputation for building the most dependable, longest-lasting full-size trucks – trucks with the lowest overall cost of ownership.

“Don’t let the work boots fool you. Truck customers are among the most discerning and demanding in the business,” said Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer for full-size and midsize trucks.

“The designers and engineers who created the new Silverado share this passion for trucks. They have built this truck – and tested it to the extremes – to give customers the right tools for the tough jobs, and they have created dozens of solutions to the challenges truck customers encounter every day.”

For 2014, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is designed and engineered to deliver the capability – without compromise – that customers have come to expect from Chevrolet pickups.

Chevrolet Silverado’s exterior design blends strong Chevy truck heritage with a refined, modern aesthetic. The new design is more muscular, more functional and more aerodynamic. A twin-port grille, full-width bumper and dual power dome hood create a strong presence, which is carried through in sculpted body sides and fender flares.

The new Silverado design is about much more than just looks, however. The new front end is engineered to improve sealing for more efficient cooling, while the roof and tailgate spoiler were shaped in the wind tunnel to smooth airflow over the truck for reduced drag. New inlaid doors, which fit into recesses in the bodyside, reduce wind noise for a quieter cab.

Under the hood, the 2014 Silverado 1500 features a family of three all-new EcoTec3 engines, a V-6 and two V-8s, engineered specifically for use in full-size trucks. All three engines incorporate direct fuel injection, cylinder deactivation and continuously variable valve timing, a combination of advanced technologies not found in other competitors’ trucks. All three switch seamlessly to four-cylinder operation to improve efficiency during light load driving and all three are engineered provide more power, more torque and better efficiency than the previous versions.

The engine family includes a new 4.3L V-6 that will have ample torque to power a crew cab pickup and tow a substantial trailer, as well as a new 5.3L V-8 designed for more power, more torque and better efficiency than the current version, which is currently the V-8 fuel economy leader. A new 6.2L V-8 is engineered to be the most capable engine in any light-duty pickup.

SAE certified horsepower and torque ratings and EPA fuel economy estimates for the new Chevrolet Silverado will be final and available beginning early next year.

The all-new interiors of the 2014 Silverado 1500 reflect the same focus on form and function. The upright instrument panel, six-gauge instrument cluster and multiple storage options are tailored specifically to the needs of truck customers. Controls are functional, logically placed and easy to operate with work gloves on. Rear doors on crew cabs are larger, for easier entry and exit, and rear doors on extended cab models are now hinged at the front for easier access, especially in tight spots.

The new Chevrolet MyLink provides easy-to-use connectivity for the job site or the family vacation, with natural voice recognition and enough ports and power outlets to support multiple devices.

The new truck cab is stronger, with nearly two-thirds of the structure made from high-strength steel for a confident feel and improved safety. Similarly, the main rails and key cross members of the updated frame are high-strength steel with major elements hydroformed for reduced mass and improved strength.

New shear-style body mounts tune out both up-and-down and side-to-side movement for a quieter, more comfortable ride. Extended- and crew-cab models have a third set of hydraulic body mounts to further isolate the cabs. Combined with numerous other acoustic and NVH (noise vibration and harshness) enhancements, the intended result is a solid, refined feel with no loss in traditional truck capability.

The pickup box also benefits from this focus on providing Chevrolet Silverado customers with the right tools for the job. The box is made from roll-formed steel for increased strength and reduced mass, compared with the stamped beds used by major competitors, and it features a range of smart solutions for everyday life.

Silverado’s CornerStep bumper, combined with handholds built into the new box rail protectors, makes it easier to access the box. The bed is also available with new upper tie-down hooks, under-rail light-emitting diode lighting, and an EZ Lift and Lower tailgate.

For the first time, Silverado 1500 crew cabs will be available with a longer 6’6″ foot box, in addition to the previous 5’8″ box, enabling customers to carry more cargo while still being able to park in many garages.

The chassis of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado includes a number of customer-focused updates. A revised front and rear suspension and wider wheels provide a more comfortable ride and more confident handling. Electric power steering improves steering feel and reduces fuel consumption. New four-wheel-disc brakes with Duralife ™ rotors improve brake feel and extend rotor life.

Silverado will be available with segment-exclusive safety features such as Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning with an Active Safety Seat, and Front and Rear Park Assist. StabiliTrak with Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist are standard on all Silverados.

“We have made significant upgrades in the key areas of the new Chevrolet Silverado, and improved almost every detail of the truck,” said Luke. “We think both Chevrolet loyalists and competitive shoppers are going to find a lot to love about the new Silverado, beginning with the very first time they sit behind the wheel.”

Engineered and validated for demanding customers

Truck customers are among the most discerning and demanding in the business. They know trucks inside out – many have owned trucks for decades. They work their trucks hard, under conditions that would shock many car owners. They have tough tasks to do, and they expect their trucks to do them, without complaint. And they expect their trucks to endure – the average age of a full-size pickup is now more than 10.4 years.

The team that designed the new Silverado went to extremes to design a new truck that would exceed the demands of these customers.

For example, GM’s new full-size trucks will undergo more than 6 million miles of durability testing in the torture chambers at the Milford Proving Ground, over the deserts and mountains of Nevada and across the frozen flats of Kapuskasing, 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.

The increased power, torque and efficiency of the new EcoTec3 engine family resulted from an unprecedented level of computer analysis, including extensive computational flow dynamics, to optimize the burning of air and fuel in the cylinders. More than 10 million of hours of computational analysis went into the engine program. More than 6 million hours – about 685 years’ worth – of analysis went into the advanced combustion system alone.

Even the basics, like the new inlaid doors, were tested to the extreme, with the doors undergoing nearly 150 truck lives’ worth of testing.

The 2014 Silverado 1500 crew cab will start production in the second quarter of 2013, with other cab styles following later in the year.

A modern interpretation of iconic Chevrolet design

For the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado, designers sought to strike the ideal balance between Chevrolet’s deep heritage in full-size pickups and a more modern, refined aesthetic. They also sought to give the new Silverado a more dramatic presence, with a heightened stance and more structural, muscular sheet metal, while also improving aerodynamics to make the new Silverado quieter and more efficient.

“Creating the new Silverado while maintaining its heritage was a challenge, but I am confident that we struck the right balance,” said Kevin O’Donnell, manager for the Chevrolet Silverado exterior design. “The 2104 Silverado will definitely stand out, in terms of both appearance and improved aerodynamic performance.”

The classic two-port Chevrolet truck grille, restyled headlamps and one-piece bumper wrap from fender to fender, giving the truck a wider, stronger stance. The grille of the new Silverado is designed to admit the just right amount of air, and the front is carefully sealed to provide efficient cooling with minimal aerodynamic drag.

A modern interpretation of Chevrolet vertically stacked headlamps includes projector beam lamps on LTZ models. A new hood with twin power domes not only enhances visual presence, but it guides air over the windshield wipers for reduced wind noise.

The more aggressive design continues down the body, with sculpted body sides and prominent fender flares. Available wheel well liners provide a more finished look. Wheels range from 17 to 20 inches in diameter and all are a half-inch wider than before, for reduced tire flex and enhanced cornering and steering. Twenty-two-inch wheels will be available as Chevrolet accessories.

Special attention was paid to airflow over the truck, to improve efficiency and reduce wind noise. Most notable are the inlaid doors, which fit into body sides rather than wrapping over the roof. When combined with new triple door seals, the inlaid doors reduce wind noise and turbulence, helping quiet the cab.

Other aerodynamic details include new cab-to-box seals, shields on the chassis to smooth under-vehicle air flow, and deflectors to guide air around the rear tires. Both the roof and the top of the tailgate were precisely shaped to help manage airflow over the back of the pickup.

Also for 2014, rear doors on crew cab models are larger. The B-pillars were moved forward, the rear seat redesigned and the front seatbacks made thinner, adding about two inches to rear legroom and increasing the ease of entry and exit without adding length to the vehicle. On extended cab Silverados, the rear doors now hinge at the front, from the B-pillar, for easier access in parking lot and other tight spots.

Three all-new EcoTec3 engines

The heart of any truck is under its hood and the 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 offers three new EcoTec3 engines developed specifically for the demands of truck duty cycles. All feature a trio of state-of-the-art technologies – direct injection, cylinder deactivation and continuously variable valve timing – that optimize power, torque and efficiency across a broad range of operating conditions.

The new trio of engines is designed to match the needs of truck customers, and to provide more horsepower, more torque and better fuel economy than previous Silverado engines.

All three engines feature an advanced combustion system for more efficiently turning fuel into work and all three are designed to seamlessly switch to four-cylinder mode to improve efficiency during light-load driving.

“We believe these engines are the most technologically advanced engines ever offered in light-duty pickups, and they are specifically designed for the way customers use trucks in the real world,” said Jordan Lee, Small Block chief engineer and program manager.

“EcoTec3 engines offer technology no other truck maker can match, and we offer it in every one of our engines, for every one of our customers,” said Lee. “It is not an extra cost feature. You get our best and most advanced technology regardless of trim level.”

To provide the dependability and low cost of ownership that truck customers count on, all three engines feature a work-tested, race-proven overhead valve design that is light and compact, and has inherently low friction for improved fuel efficiency. All three feature aluminum blocks and heads for lower weight. (For more details, see the accompanying EcoTec3 Engines release.)

The new engine family includes:

• A new standard 4.3L V-6. Its large displacement delivers the torque to power a crew cab and pull a substantial trailer, yet it can seamlessly shift into four-cylinder mode under light loads for improved efficiency.
• A new 5.3L V-8. It is engineered to provide more horsepower, more torque and better fuel economy that the current 5.3L V-8, making it an excellent choice for mainstream customers.
• A new 6.2L V-8. It is engineered to be the most capable engine in any light-duty pickup. Like the other two engines in the family, it can seamlessly switch to four-cylinder mode under light load conditions for improved efficiency in daily driving.

The 2014 Silverado 1500 is engineered to further improve efficiency by enabling the engines to operate in four-cylinder mode more of the time. For example, transmission and exhaust mounts tune out vibration that can occur when the engines are in four-cylinder mode, and an active exhaust system fine tunes backpressure and the exhaust note for smoother, quieter operation. Models with the 6.2L V-8 feature active noise cancellation to further quiet the cabin during four-cylinder mode.

All three engines feature a six-speed automatic transmission with gear ratios and shift schedules optimized for performance and efficiency. The transmissions feature Auto Grade Braking, which downshifts on downgrades to help reduce brake wear. Due to the added torque of the new V-8 engines, new 9.5- or 9.76-inch rear axles are used.

“Not only did we work to improve the horsepower, torque and EPA fuel economy estimates of all three EcoTec3 engines, but we worked hard to improve real-world efficiency as well, especially when towing and hauling,” said Lee. “We look forward to journalists and other third parties having the opportunity to test our trucks head-to-head with the competition in real world conditions.”

More comfortable, more functional interior

With crew cabs now accounting for more than two-thirds of light-duty sales industry-wide, pickups are increasingly becoming multi-purpose tools, used to run a business or earn a living during the day and transporting friends and family during the time off. To accommodate those needs Chevrolet Silverado designers sought to craft an interior that was quieter, roomier, more comfortable and more functional, without making it look like the interior of a car or crossover.

The result: an all new interior that sets a benchmarks for full-size trucks.

“Changes to the exterior of the 2014 Silverado can be described as evolutionary, but the updates to the interior are dramatic,” said Helen Emsley, Silverado design director. “The meticulous attention to detail and the steps we took to ensure optimal driver and passenger comfort and convenience, are reflected in the fact that the new interiors rated off the charts in customer clinics.”

The upright instrument panel with its six-gauge instrument cluster is tailored specifically to the needs of truck customers, and most models also include a 4.2-inch color Driver Information Center displaying vehicle and infotainment data.

Controls were located with the use of reach curves, and important controls were place closest to the driver and grouped functionally. Knobs, buttons and interfaces are large, easy-to-read and easy to operate, even with gloves on.

For example, Chevrolet Silverado retained the traditional column shifter, with tap-up/tap-down and tow-haul functions integrated into the lever, because it clears space in the console and is easy to operate, even with heavy work gloves. Similarly, the available integrated trailer brake control is mounted high and to the left of the steering wheel, where the driver can more naturally reach for it.

The result is a simple, well designed instrument panel – one in keeping with the ways customers use their full-size trucks.

Silverado’s available MyLink infotainment system is designed to be easy-to-use, highly customizable and capable of linking up to 10 devices. It features natural language voice recognition that allows customers to place calls, enter destinations, browse media, play music and control other functions simply by telling the vehicle what to do. There are no key phrases to remember and no need to look at a screen.

MyLink also can be operated via large, clearly labeled knobs, through integrated steering wheel controls, or through the touch screen on models with the eight-inch screen.

The system also can store up to 60 favorites including radio stations (AM/FM/XM), contacts, destinations, music and other media – a convenient feature for small businesses or owners who travel frequently.

All models also have extensive interior storage, tailored to the way customers use their trucks. Multiple USB ports, along with 12-volt and110-volt power outlets, help connect multiple devices.

A new high-wear seat cloth that is more durable and easier to clean is available and the front seats have more durable dual-density foam for improved comfort and longer life.

The goal, in each case, was to create a level of comfort and convenience usually associated with upscale cars, but tailored to the way customers use actually use their trucks.

Strengthened cabs and frames

Truck customers have the highest expectations when it comes to durability and capability – they need to know that one of the most important tools in their toolbox is going to withstand the daily punishment of their work and their active lifestyles. And they expect their trucks to last – the average truck on the road is now more than 10.4 years old.

To ensure that the new Silverado is up to the challenge, key elements of the updated frame, including the main rails and major cross members, are made from high-strength steel and hydroforming is used to improve strength and reduce mass of the front of the frame.

The cab structures are all new, and incorporate high strength steel in the A-pillars, B-pillars, roof rails and rocker panels. Ultra-high-strength steel is used in areas of the rocker panels and underbody in anticipation of new shallow-offset crash tests. In all, about two-thirds of the cab structure is made from high-strength steels, for a quieter ride, a more confident feel and enhanced performance on new, tougher government and industry crash tests.

The mounts that isolate the cab from frame have a major impact on both noise and vibration in the passenger compartment. All Silverado models now have shear-style mounts, which isolate both up-and-down and side-to-side movements, and extended- and crew-cab models have additional hydraulic mounts to provide further isolation. The result is a truck that feels much quieter, more refined and more solid than previous models.

The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 also features a roll-formed steel pickup box, which is lighter, stronger and more durable than traditional stamped steel boxes used by major competitors.

The use of high-strength steels and other lighter materials such as aluminum hoods, engine blocks and suspension helped offset the mass of new features such as stronger cabs, wider wheels, a larger battery and larger rear axles for V-8 Silverados. The 2014 Silverado continues to be lighter than comparable models from a key competitor.

More confident ride, handling and braking

The suspension, steering and brakes of the 2014 Silverado 1500 have been extensively updated to for a quieter, more refined ride and confident handling and braking.

The coil-over-shock front suspension features aluminum upper and lower control arms on many models that are both lighter and stiffer than previous components, along with front springs are up to 30 percent stiffer than those on current models, for more confident handling.

The rear suspension continues to use two-stage multi-leaf springs, for an optimal balance between a smooth ride and load carrying capability. The spring bushings have been revised for an improved ride, and both front and rear shocks feature a twin-tube design with new valving to improve damping at low speeds, for a smoother, more controlled ride. Z71 models use monotube Rancho shocks for enhanced off-road capability.

The 2014 Silverado 1500 features new all-electric variable-assist power steering, which improves overall vehicle handling and reduces steering effort at low speeds. Because there is no engine-driven pump, electric power steering also reduces fuel consumption and eliminates the maintenance associated with hydraulic power steering.

Four-wheel disc brakes with Duralife ™ rotors are standard. The rotors feature a hardened and strengthened surface that resists rusting, potentially doubling the life of the rotors and improving vehicle appearance. The brake pedal feel has been improved as well.

Chevrolet Silverado also features Auto Grade Braking, which uses the engine and transmission controls to slow the vehicle on a long downgrade, helping maintain vehicle speed and reducing the need for the driver to use the brakes.

Smarter pickup box

For 2014, Silverado even makes the pickup box smarter. A CornerStep bumper and built-in hand grip pockets in the new bed rail protectors make it easier to step up into the bed and access items.

The tailgate features an internal torsion bar that reduces the effort to raise and lower the tailgate, while a rotary damper allows for a controlled and more gradual lowering motion when opening the tailgate. A locking feature, two-tier loading and a box lamp are standard. Available features include upper tie-down hooks that make it easier to secure cargo, and LED lamps under the bed rails that make it easier to see items in the bed.

The pickup box is available in three lengths – 5’8″, 6’6″and 8′. Crew cab models add the 6’6″ box as a new option in addition to the 5’8″ box. Extended cab models come with 6’6″ boxes and regular cab models are available with 6’6″ or 8′ boxes. Customers who tow will appreciate the four- and seven-pin trailer connector located in the rear bumper.

Z71 for off-road capability

For owners whose work or recreation takes them off road, Z71 returns as a unique model, available in LT and LTZ trim. For 2014, Z71 includes monotube Rancho shocks, front tow hooks, a transfer case skid plate and unique 18- or 20-inch all-terrain tires. The Z71 package also includes Hill Descent Control. Engaged by the driver using a button on the instrument panel, it uses the anti-lock braking system to enable a smooth and controlled descent in rough terrain.

Z71 also includes unique 18-inch wheels (optional on LT, standard on LTZ) and unique interior trim, including brushed metal sill plates, a technical finish on interior trim pieces and Z71 graphics on the instrument cluster.

Standard on Z71, and available on other Silverados, is a GM-exclusive automatic locking rear differential, which reacts in milliseconds in low-traction situations to improve safety and confidence on wet, snowy or muddy surfaces.

Advanced safety features

As mentioned above, the 2014 Silverado 1500 has an all-new cab, with approximately two-thirds of the structure built from high strength steels. It helps protect occupants in the event of a crash and enhances performance on new, tougher government and industry crash tests.

Chevrolet Silverado continues to offer a comprehensive suite of standard safety technologies, including StabiliTrak electronic stability control with Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist, head curtain side airbags with rollover protection and OnStar.

New for 2014, Chevrolet Silverado will offer several segment-leading features. Lane Departure Warning alerts the driver if the vehicle starts to drift into another lane, via an audible warning or the available Safety Alert Seat. Also available is Forward Collision Alert, which monitors the space in front of the vehicle via a camera, and warns the drive if he or she is getting too close to the vehicle ahead.

Other available safety features include front and rear park assist, a rear vision camera mounted in the tailgate and spotter mirrors that make it easier for drivers to see objects in the blinds spots.