THE increased availability of American pickup trucks in Australia has really seen their popularity boom with buyers. Specifically, the 1500 trucks from Chevrolet and Ram have enticed buyers with more affordable prices.
Ram has had an advantage in the 1500s with its Express model coming in at less than $100K, while GMSV was only offering the up-spec Silverado 1500 LTZ here which retails for $115,990. Now, the local importer has a new entry-level Silverado on the market, and not only is it a cheaper option than the LTZ but we reckon the $106,990 Silverado LT Trail Boss is a better rig where it matters.
POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
THE only powertrain on offer in the 1500 trucks by GMSV is the L86 6.2-litre OHV petrol V8 backed by a 10-speed automatic transmission. The engine makes 624Nm of torque and 313kW of power, which gets the unladen Chevy along nicely.
This is a new generation of GM small-block engine featuring direct fuel injection and cylinder deactivation to increase efficiency. Officially rated at 12.23L/100km fuel use, we managed 13.1L/100km on our drive. We reckon that’s pretty good for a V8 petrol-powered 2.5tonne truck with the aerodynamics of a Besser block.
ON-ROAD RIDE & HANDLING
IF you have memories of American cars being all soft and wallowy in the suspension department, then the Trail Boss will change your mind. This variant gets a set of Rancho monotube shocks and a 25mm boost in ride height, and it rides firmly without being harsh at all. It corners flat and precisely, although the steering is a little slow when compared to smaller utes. All in all, it's a surprising package over all road conditions.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CORRUGATIONS.SAND, AND SPINIFEX
WHEN TALKING LEGENDARY TRACKS, THE CANNING STOCK ROUTE HAS THE TITLE OF LONGEST HISTORICAL STOCK ROUTE IN THE WORLD, BUT TACKLING ITS 1850KM IN A 1970S LAND ROVER MAKES FOR ONE INTERESTING DRIVE FOR THE TV CREW FROM SERIOUSLY SERIES. YOU CAN SEE FOR YOURSELF BY VIEWING ROAD TO RUIN
PURE WATER
THE GUZZLE H2O STREAM IS THE IDEAL WATER PURIFICATION SOLUTION FOR PROVIDING A RELIABLE SOURCE OF CLEAN DRINKING WATER OFF THE GRID
DOES IT GET ANY TOUGHER FOR THE AT52S?
HAVING TACKLED SOME OF THE ROUGHEST TRACKS IN THE COUNTRY, THESE ALL-TERRAINS HAVE PASSED THE TEST
TOP 5 4X4 SPOTS IN SA
HERE ARE FIVE OF THE BEST 4X4 DESTINATIONS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
PLUGGING IN
GWM IS STUDYING THE VIABILITY OF PLUG-IN HYBRID VERSIONS OF ITS POPULAR 4X4S FOR THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET. WE GOT A CHANCE TO SAMPLE THEM ON TRACK
TOP TANK
WE HAVE COME AWAY IMPRESSED AFTER A WEEK IN GWM’S TANK 500 HYBRID 4X4.
HARD EARNED
HARD WORK AND THE RIGHT ADVICE HAVE HELPED JAMES ATKINSON BUILD THE PATROL OF HIS DREAMS
DYNAMIC DEBUT
OUR FIRST TASTE OF THE LC250 COMES IN THE FORM OF THE LEXUS GX550 OVERTRAIL, AND THIS LUXURY 4X4 WAGON IMPRESSES BOTH ON THE ROAD AND OFF IT
BLACK GROWLER
IF YOU’RE GOING TO SWAP FROM A DOUBLE-CAB UTE TO A 4X4 WAGON, YOU MIGHT AS WELL GO WITH THE BEST AVAILABLE. BRUCE HAS DONE JUST THAT AND EQUIPPED HIS GR SPORT 300 WITH THE BEST GEAR ON THE MARKET
2025 NISSAN PATROL MAKES GLOBAL DEBUT
CURTAINS DROP ON SEVENTH-GENERATION PATROL BUT NOT HERE UNTIL 2026
