Super Smoker: Chevy?s 2wd Silverado SS lights ?em

[BMWDave]

Super Smoker: Chevy?s 2wd Silverado SS lights ?em up
MIKE FLOYD
Posted Date: 5/19/05
2005 CHEVROLET SILVERADO SS RWD
ON SALE: Now
PRICE: $36,440
POWERTRAIN: 6.0-liter, 345-hp, 380-lb-ft V8; rwd, four-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT: 4934 lbs
0 TO 60 MPH: 7.5 seconds (mfr.)

As the digital camera was passed around, grown men giggled and guffawed over the image of a spanking-new, victory-red Chevrolet Silverado SS in the midst of a wicked brake torque, its bed enveloped by a fog of white-hot smoke.

It is exactly the kind of rubber-shredding fun you are supposed to have piloting the rear-wheel-drive version of the Silverado SS.


Since its launch as a 2003 model, the Silverado SS has been an all-wheel-drive truck. It has always had muscle underhood, thanks to its 6.0-liter V8 boasting 345 hp at 5200 rpm and a torque rating of 380 lb-ft at 4000 rpm, mated to a Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic. The extended-cab truck?s Z60 performance upgrade features sport-tuned suspension bits and 20-inch rims.

It is a potent package, but one that left some customers wanting more when the awd kicked in and spoiled the tire-squealing histrionics delivered by other sport trucks like the Dodge Ram SRT-10 and the discontinued Ford SVT Lightning. Want no more, Bow Tie Brigade.

Chevy also dialed back the new variant?s trim level, lowering the price to just north of $36,000, a substantial savings over the awd model. The truck moved to a front-disc, rear-drum brake setup compared with the awd model?s four-wheel discs.

For those looking for more panache and exclusivity to go with the rear-drive, there?s the Intimidator SS, a special-edition model honoring the life and legend of the late Dale Earnhardt.

?Big E loved his Chevy trucks,? said Dale Earnhardt Inc.?s Steve Crisp during a tour of the DEI works in Mooresville, North Carolina. ?He used them for all sorts of stuff.? Earnhardt also had several Chevy trucks in his personal collection, Crisp noted.

As Chevy?s first NASCAR-themed truck, the loaded-up Intimidator SS model is adorned with a number of appearance enhancements. The exterior gets a tailgate spoiler, silver front-grille inserts and Intimidator SS badges. Several classy touches, such as the embroidered Dale Earnhardt legacy logo on the front headrests, are sprinkled throughout the cab?s interior. Only 1333 of the Intimidator SS models will be made, with sales starting this summer. You can get them in any color, as long as it?s black.

As GM?s present full-size trucks near the end of the production line, the addition of the Silverado SS rear-drivers couldn?t be a better way to send them out?in a tire-smoking blaze of glory.

[Fire It Up]

No pics! :angry:

[BMWDave]

No pics! :angry:

I'll get the link.

[BMWDave]

Link

There it is.

[Fire It Up]

Link

There it is.

Its not burnouting...

[280Z Turbo]

Still extended cab.  

[BMWDave]

The thing about the SS is thats its nowhere near as hardcore as the previous Ford SVT lightning.  Its just a pickup truck with a little muscle.

[280Z Turbo]

They need a regular cab short box Colorado with an LS2 and a six speed. It would almost be faster than the Corvette wouldn't it?

EDIT: Wait a minute...they do! It's called the SSR. Duh!

[Run Away]

Bring back the Cyclone/Typhoon...

[BMWDave]

They need a regular cab short box Colorado with an LS2 and a six speed. It would almost be faster than the Corvette wouldn't it?

EDIT: Wait a minute...they do! It's called the SSR. Duh!

the SSR is a really nice car, but its priced waaaaay too high to even be a consideration.  Its can be more expensive than a Vette!

[Secret Chimp]

$36k for a truck that goes from 0-60 in 7.5 seconds... meh. A Toyota Tacoma X-Runner or a used Dodge Cummins pickup with some Banks gear would be a better buy if you want a hauler with some hoo-ah.

[FlatBlackCaddy]

Or a stock 1/2 ton Dodge(hemi) or Nissan, both would give the "SS" a good run.

[BMWDave]

Or a stock 1/2 ton Dodge(hemi) or Nissan, both would give the "SS" a good run.

The only real performance pickup is the Ford SVT Lightning...unless you count modified ones like the Lingifelter (sp?) Cadillac EXT.

[FlatBlackCaddy]

Umm don't forget the dodge with available v-10 and 6 speed.

[BMWDave]

Umm don't forget the dodge with available v-10 and 6 speed.

right, the ram SRT-10.  I forgot about that.

[Tom]

Umm don't forget the dodge with available v-10 and 6 speed.

You know, you can get an F-350 with a 6sp and v10 for 25k as long as you opt for the basic work truck package.  I wonder what kind of performer that is compared to the Dodge??

[FlatBlackCaddy]

Well even if it can match the straight line of the SRT(doubtfull, its a bigger truck), its still has handling that can't touch the SRT.

Besides i'd be more apt to get a diesel with a 6 speed, and do some *high pitched voice* mmmmmmmm light modifications.

[Secret Chimp]

Umm don't forget the dodge with available v-10 and 6 speed.

You know, you can get an F-350 with a 6sp and v10 for 25k as long as you opt for the basic work truck package.  I wonder what kind of performer that is compared to the Dodge??

Dude, the (latest) Dodge V10 is the VIPER V-10. As in the 500 horsepower V10. The Ford V10 makes mid to low 300s in horsepower and 400-something lb-ft of torque (there seems to be some variation in model year/application) and is a work engine.