When Yusuf Ahmed Alghanim & Sons Automotive recently launched the All-New 2014 Chevrolet Silverado in Kuwait, there was little surprise that it was such a coveted event. As the most popular and trusted pick-up in the country, the Silverado has enjoyed a rich history of loyalty in Kuwait. In their latest model however they have continued to raise the bar with an exceptional interior and exterior design and powerful performance that is made for any terrain. After all the improvements and technological advancements, the All-New 2014 Silverado is stronger, smarter and more capable than ever and its benefits extend all the way from hood to hitch.
Silverado’s exterior design blends strong Chevy truck heritage with a refined, modern aesthetic look. 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. So, yes, the truck will more than please the eyes, but what does it all mean? In the world of trucks these things are all for naught if we don’t have the essence of the truck under the hood. So, first things first, let’s talk engines:
The 2014 Silverado models offer the widest and strongest range of engines, with a trio of all-new EcoTec3 engines (a V-6 and two V-8’s) which all feature direct fuel injection, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and continuous variable valve timing, a combination not found in competitor’s trucks. The engines also use a compact overhead-valve design and weight-saving components (such as aluminum blocks and cylinder heads) to reduce mass, for additional energy savings. The increased power, torque, and efficiency of the new EcoTec3 engine family resulted from an unprecedented level of computer analysis, which included, amongst others, extensive computational flow dynamics to optimize the burning of air and fuel in the cylinders. More than 10 million hours of computational analysis went into the engine program. More than 6 million hours of analysis went into the advanced combustion system alone.
What does that mean for you, you may be wondering? Basically, beyond just having a big mean engine that does what you want, when you want it to, you have a “smart” engine that is able to adapt itself to its current driving environment. For example, let’s take the most popular engine: Silverado’s all-aluminum EcoTec 5.3L V-8 Engine with 355-horsepower. The first thing the engine does is senses your load, intuitively, then it seamlessly switches between V-8 power and four-cylinder for more fuel economy as demands change. Awesome. For Heavy-duty truck fans, you would more likely opt for the V-8 EcoTec3 6.2L with 420-horsepower as it is the best choice for hauling, with its class-leading trailering capacity. Whether you are looking for heavy tow capability or just enough to beat the light pick ups out on local roads, there is a Silverado engine option for you here.
Now that we know this truck is more than just a pretty face, let’s get into the design itself. 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 body-side, reduce wind noise for a quieter cab. All that adds up to a demonstratively sleeker vehicle for you (think understated elegance meets the muscle of Kuwait’s back roads and farms, and you are right on track here).
The pickup box also benefits from this focus by providing Silverado customers with the right tools for the job. The box is made from roll-formed steel for increased strength and reduced mass (an important detail when compared with the often ‘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. All that is to basically say that they have tied in the pragmatic needs of the truck and tucked that in to design elements that make them sleeker in appearance.
The interior of this truck is developed entirely around functionality. Designed to meet the needs of the driver specifically, it intelligently integrates smart technologies into the interior space. With redesigned front seats that are built for all-day comfort and made from a stain-resistant high-wear vinyl, cloth or leather, there is no trip too long or too bumpy. Both the Crew Cab and Double Cab models have redesigned seating that offers increased foot room and legroom in the second row. Accessing the rear seat and getting in and out is easier thanks to wider openings and larger doors on the Crew Cab and Double Cab models.
The innovative 8” Color touch Screen MyLink advanced infotainment features keep you connected to the world outside, along with the possibility to control the premium Bose audio system from the steering wheel integrated controls; a feature that once you’ve enjoyed, you will likely always require from cars, due to its ease of use and ability to keep the driver from distraction. They also go a step further here by having voice command features in addition. And rather than the dashboard so many of us are used to, we here have what they call a ‘Drivers Information Console’, which for you and me means a 4.2-inch diagonal color screen which displays all of your truck’s vital stats. All of which, from oil life and gas to transmission fluid temperature, can be navigated via your steering wheel controls.
When it comes to safety, the Silverado again has you covered. Beyond the fact that the trucks body and chassis are forged strong to begin with, they still go the extra mile to get you the latest advancements in safety technologies as well. The Silverado is 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. In addition to daily use, technologies like ABS, Hill Start Assist, StabiliTrak and Trailer Sway Control are standard. The new Duralife brake rotors have been hardened with a special GM-patented process to provide long-lasting stopping power and rotors that can last up to twice as long as conventional rotors.
As always, those who purchase their Chevy truck will get all of the high level service that Yusuf Ahmed Alghanim & Sons Automotive has been noted for. They retain their Chevrolet Care four pillars program to offer higher-level customer service, including: To provide customers with the best in service pricing and cost transparency; booking service with same day delivery; quality service by certified technicians as well as a regional 3 year/100,000 km warranty and 24×7 regional roadside assistance. Not too bad for a truck that can muscle it’s way from the seaside to the Chalet alike without anything getting in its way.
For more information or a test drive visit any of the 5 Alghanim showrooms around Kuwait. You can also find them online at www.alghanim.com or reach them by phone: 2475 4400.
