January 5, 2003

Chevrolet Cheyenne concept portends next-generation pickup

Detroit, Michigan - Chevy unveiled a handsome, four-door, full-size pickup truck at the Detroit auto show on Sunday. "The Cheyenne is a statement of what a new generation of full-size trucks can be," said a Chevy news release.

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A significant component is the Cheyenne's proportions, created by focusing on the interior environment of the cab and maximizing space for versatility and comfort. The cab is thrust forward on the extruded aluminum chassis for a more commanding presence. Positioning the wheels at the corners improved stability and cargo capability.

The Cheyenne uses an independent rear suspension and rear-wheel-steering system, similar to the Quadrasteer system used in some of today's GM vehicles, for enhanced maneuverability.

The bed is accessible by two side-access doors positioned directly behind the cab, in addition to a traditional tailgate. The tailgate has evolved to open fully in the traditional manner, or half open for loading small cargo or to create a work shelf. The bed floor is just 28 inches above the ground, significantly lower than even today's two-wheel-drive Silverado. This was made possible by the independent rear suspension configuration. Also integrated into the pickup box are multiple storage bins in the box floor and drawers in the box sides.

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A drop-down assist step maximizes entry and egress. The two-panel glass roof, with integrated sunroof, and the wrap-around, "bubble back" rear glass, accentuates the cab's openness.

The hood is a front-hinged clamshell design that opens to provide full access to the front compartment, including the supercharged all-alloy 6.0-liter Vortec engine, which generates 500 horsepower and 580 lbs.-ft. of torque. The V-8 engine also is suitable for GM Powertrain's Displacement on Demand (DOD) technology,debuting in 2004 on some 2005 GM models. DOD shuts down half of the cylinders during most driving conditions, and automatically and seamlessly reactivates them for more demanding conditions, such as brisk acceleration or load hauling.

The Cheyenne rides on unique BF Goodrich 35-inch tires mounted to 22-inch wheels. Six-piston calipers with 15-inch rotors on the front wheels slow the truck, along with four-piston calipers with 14.75-inch rotors on the rear.

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