Changes for 2003 Silverados & Tahoes

[Axxlrod]

Anybody seen in person the new colors that GM is adding  for the Silverados and Tahoes/Yukons?  What about the new interior?  I read that all vehicles with front bucket seats will have the Bose stereo system with subwoofer.  Where is the subwoofer?  Under a seat? In the center console?  What do the new seats look/feel like?  The new changes are intriguing.

[TxDoc]

CHEVY TRUCKS KEEP THE MOMENTUM ROLLING INTO 2003 WITH A REDESIGNED SILVERADO, SUV ENHANCEMENTS AND NEW FULL-SIZE VANS

 

Recent history proves that Chevy Trucks are on a roll. Sales during the 2001 calendar year were the best in Chevy Truck history. The 2002 model year marked the introduction of two new vehicles: the innovative Chevy Avalanche, which nabbed the Motor Trend 2002 "Truck of the Year" award, and the TrailBlazer, which quickly became a sales leader in the midsize SUV segment. So what does Chevy do for an encore? Raise the bar.

 

For 2003, Chevy Trucks keeps the momentum rolling with a newly redesigned version of GM's best-selling vehicle - the full-size Silverado pickup. The list of 2003 changes continues with expanded availability of GM's exclusive Quadrasteer four-wheel steering system and of StabiliTrak; significant upgrades to full-size utilities; a new Vortec 5300 5.3L V8 aluminum-block engine for the recently introduced seven-passenger TrailBlazer EXT; and major enhancements to Chevy's hard-working, full-size Express vans.

 

2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO RAISES THE BAR - AGAIN

 

The Chevrolet Silverado full-size pickup - GM's best-selling vehicle - continues to set new standards for performance and capability in 2003. Bold new exterior design only hints at Silverado's more than 40 new features/enhancements, ranging from expanded availability of the Quadrasteer four-wheel steering system and a hot new Silverado SS to the segment's first-ever Bose audio systems.

 

"Silverado already has a reputation as the most dependable, longest-lasting full-size pickup," said Marketing Director Rick Scheidt. "But we're not resting on our laurels. New features that speak directly to customer needs and wants enhance Silverado's ability to get the job done."

 

Dramatic new styling

The 2003 Silverado receives an expressive new front-end design. The look shares a strong family resemblance with other Chevy trucks such as TrailBlazer and Avalanche, yet strongly differentiates Silverado from anything else on the road. The hood evokes Chevy power and strength, and the grille is smoothly integrated into the front end. The bumper offers larger, recessed fog lamps, while the front and rear fenders feature crisp lines and angular wheel openings. New body-side moldings add protection, and restyled taillamps complete the design. Two new exterior colors - Dark Gray Metallic and Arrival Blue - are also available.

 

Expanded Quadrasteer

The Quadrasteer four-wheel-steering system - which offers low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability, handling and control that are ideal for pulling a trailer - was introduced on 2002 Silverado extended-cab short-box pickups. For 2003, the 1500HD short-box pickups become the industry's first full-size crew cabs to offer this revolutionary system.

 

At low speeds, Quadrasteer enables the rear wheels to turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels. That helps the vehicle make tighter turns, such as when cornering or getting into a tight parking space. The turning diameter of 1500HD models is reduced 21 percent, from 49.6 feet to 37.4 feet.

 

Silverado SS highlights performance

 

 

Extending its rich "Super Sport" heritage, Chevy is introducing a 2003 Silverado SS, which will be available in all 50 states and Canada beginning in the first quarter of 2003.

 

Dating back to the 1961 Impala, Chevy SS vehicles have provided on-road enthusiasts with outstanding performance, great handling and sleek, muscular designs. The Silverado SS is a contemporary expression of Chevy muscle that responds to enthusiasts who have migrated to full-size pickups. The Silverado SS, created from a 1500 extended-cab short bed, adds fun and excitement without forfeiting Silverado's proven strengths and capabilities.

 

A standard high output LQ9 version of the Vortec 6000 V8, with 345 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, provides Silverado SS with exhilarating off-line acceleration and relaxed cruising. It mates to a Hydra-Matic 4L85-E four-speed automatic overdrive transmission, whose 3.06 first gear and 0.70 final gear contribute to the truck's impressive performance.

 

A standard full-time, all-wheel-drive (AWD) viscous-coupled transfer case provides exceptional on-road, wet or dry pavement handling. It requires no driver intervention, automatically and continuously transferring torque from slipping wheels to those with a firmer grip.

 

A unique Z60 high-performance chassis package, including Silverado's largest-ever 20-inch wheel and tire combination, provides exceptional road holding and cornering capability. A 2-inch lower ride height, 18mm wider track and P275/55R20 Goodyear Eagle radials provide exceptional stability.

 

The exterior of the SS shows it is no ordinary Silverado. With its trim, aggressive stance, monochromatic color scheme and specially styled aluminum wheels, Silverado SS conveys performance from any angle. The custom interior is Dark Charcoal and equipped with uplevel LT trim and leather bucket seats with special "SS" embroidered headrests. The Silverado SS will be offered in Black, Arrival Blue Metallic or Victory Red. The SS appearance is refined and dramatic - an instant classic. (More information is available at http://media.gm.com/chevy.)

 

New entertainment systems

Impressive new entertainment systems on all models - from available Bose sound systems to a Panasonic DVD Passenger Entertainment System that includes a DVD player with a flip-down screen for Crew Cab models - add to Silverado's creature comforts. These systems (except the base fleet radio) feature the next-generation Radio Data System, and can interface with services such as the new optional XM Satellite Radio. On Crew Cab models, available rear-seat audio controls allow second-row passengers to enjoy a separate audio source from front-seat occupants.

 

The 2003 Silverado also offers XM Satellite Radio as an option. XM Radio features 100 coast-to-coast digital channels, including 71 music channels (more than 30 of them commercial free) from hip hop to opera, classical to country, bluegrass to blues and 29 channels of sports, talk, children's and entertainment programming. XM also brings to the car, for the first time on radio, a diverse selection of 24-hour news sources previously available only in the home. XM's next-generation sound-quality technology provides superior sound remarkably close to compact disc.

 

A safe & secure environment

Additional new safety enhancements for 2003 include a passenger-sensing system and dual-level air bags. The passenger-sensing air-bag system automatically deactivates the passenger-side air bag under certain conditions to protect children. The system assesses whether the occupant in the seat is an adult or child, based on the measured weight in the seat cushion and tension in the belt system, if any. If these measurements are typical for a child, the air bag is disabled. If they are typical for an adult, the air bag is enabled.

 

A dual-level air-bag system (not available on 1500HD Crew Cab and 2500HD and 3500 Series models) is a supplemental restraint system designed to detect vehicle deceleration and, based on the deceleration data, provides an appropriate amount of air-bag inflation. Sensors located in the front of the vehicle work with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM) to measure the severity of the impact. The SDM uses the data to determine the type of air-bag deployment (first stage or second stage) or non-deploy. Dual-stage air bags are designed to help reduce the occurrence of inflation-induced injuries by deploying the air bag less forcefully in lower-speed crashes.

 

Engine improvements across the board

Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) now provides more precise, consistent throttle operation on all Silverado small-block V8 engines. New oxygen sensors provide enhanced durability and reduced emissions during engine warmup. All Silverado models with the Vortec 4300 4.3L V6 and those sold in California with the Vortec 4800 4.8L or Vortec 5300 5.3L V8 engines feature a more robust catalytic converter system that meets Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) standards.

 

The Vortec 4300 V6 with multi-port fuel injection (previously available in California) is expanded to all 50 states. A central fuel injector delivers a separate flow of fuel to six individual hybrid injectors for better performance and improved emissions.

 

Getting a grip

The Autotrac electric shift, part-time 4WD transfer case, available in 1500/2500 light-duty Silverado models, gets improved fuel economy when operating in 2WD, as well as improved customer feel when in the "Auto" mode during parking lot and other low-speed maneuvers. Two-wheel-drive Silverados offer electronic traction control to enhance surefootedness on models with a V8 engine, automatic transmission and locking rear differential.

 

All light-duty 2003 Silverado models feature improved brake performance, "pedal feel" and quieter operation.

 

More alternative fuel models

Alternative fuel systems are now available on more Silverado models and GVW ratings (see Silverado HD section below). Equipped with a Vortec 6000 V8, these models come with a dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG) or a bi-fuel system that can run on CNG or gasoline. Light-duty Silverado models with the Vortec 5300 V8 offer an option that allows them to run on varying blends of ethanol and gasoline, to a maximum of 85% ethanol.

 

Smarter electrical systems

An advanced new multiplexed electrical architecture makes Silverado even "smarter" so it can provide more functions for 2003. A communication network transfers data throughout the vehicle. It enables the driver information center to monitor and to report on as many as 34 system functions, including new service indicators for "Ice Possible" and "Door Ajar." Silverado's instrument panel and cluster have been redesigned to accommodate these new features. The new architecture reduces materials for improved quality and less weight. Available redundant steering wheel controls allow owners to personalize several functions and safely access new infotainment systems.

 

A new 145-amp generator is standard on Silverado models equipped with Quadrasteer and on models featuring V8 engines with the Snowplow Prep Package. The more powerful generator provides a quicker battery charge, and slows battery discharge during vehicle operation. A memory subsystem can remember preferences for seat and mirror positions. "Smart" also means the battery-rundown protection feature now automatically turns off the headlamps, park lamps and interior lights after 10 minutes if left on inadvertently.

 

More cabin comforts

A new dual-zone heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, available with both manual and automatic climate control, provides outstanding comfort. Dual-zone controls allow the driver and front passenger to adjust the temperature to their own comfort levels - as much as a 30-degree Fahrenheit difference between the two front zones. The optional automatic system automatically controls air delivery, fan speed, temperature and recirculating/outside air to provide faster warmups and cooldowns.

 

Redesigned seats and center console enhance Silverado's interior look. Dark Charcoal Gray is a new interior color.

 

Additional features

Uplevel Silverado models feature exterior mirrors with power-tilt glass/power folding, heating elements, left-side electrochromatic glass, puddle lights, turn signal indicators and an optional memory feature. An available new power-adjustable camper mirror can be extended to a vehicle width of as much as 106 inches.

 

Silverado 1500 Extended Cab Short Box models (except those with Quadrasteer) feature an available PRO-TEC pickup box and tailgate. The injection-molded composite material resists scratches and dents, and never rusts.

 

Multiple configurations

As always, Silverado offers a variety of configurations to fit customers' specific needs - with half-ton and three-quarter-ton offerings in fleetside or sportside trim and in 2WD/4WD regular, extended and crew cabs. Customers can also choose a short or long box. Silverado features an impressive Vortec gasoline engine lineup - Vortec 4300 V6, Vortec 4800 V8, Vortec 5300 V8 and Vortec 6000 V8 - ranging from 200 hp to 300 hp. Payload capacities range from 1,593 to 3,224 pounds, and Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings extend from 6,100 to 8,600 pounds.

 

The Silverado 1500HD has the strength of a three-quarter-ton model frame, plus a crew cab's four full doors. The 1500HD has a standard 300 hp Vortec 6000 V8 engine with a gross combination weight rating of 16,000 pounds, and a payload of as much as 3,143 pounds. Maximum trailer weight is 10,300 pounds.

 

Silverado offers the ultimate in four-wheeling fun and capability with a Z71 Off-Road Package on half-ton 4x4 models. The Z71 package includes 46mm gas-charged shock absorbers, off-road jounce bumpers, specific stabilizer bars, a skid-plate package, a high-capacity air cleaner and distinctive Z71 decals for the pickup box.

 

 

"Chevy Trucks have long been established as the most dependable, longest-lasting trucks on the road, but we're not resting on our laurels," said Chevrolet General Manager Kurt Ritter. "From pickups and SUVs to vans and the category-busting Avalanche, Chevy continues to raise the bar to maintain its leadership role as America's most trusted and enduring brand."

 

Full-size trucks

New features abound on Chevy's full-size truck platform. One new feature - StabiliTrak - is a vehicle stability enhancement system that improves vehicle stability on various road surfaces at various speeds, particularly on slick surfaces or during emergency maneuvers. A passenger-sensing system automatically deactivates the passenger-side air bag under certain conditions to protect children. Dual-level air bags are designed to detect vehicle deceleration and, based on the deceleration data, provide an appropriate amount of air-bag inflation. XM Satellite Radio features 100 coast-to-coast digital channels, including various program formats: music, sports, children's, talk and entertainment. These features are available on various models of Silverado, Avalanche, Tahoe and Suburban. The only exception is that StabiliTrak is not currently available on Silverado.

 

Pickup trucks set new benchmarks

Pickup trucks have long been a Chevy mainstay. For 2003, the Chevy Silverado full-size pickup sets a new benchmark just a few short years after its introduction as an all-new model in 1999. The new Silverado features a common design between the light-duty and heavy-duty models, while sharing a family resemblance with Avalanche and TrailBlazer. The bold new front end is merely one of Silverado's more than 40 new features/enhancements.

 

 

 

New For 2003--Tahoe

 

StabiliTrak stability enhancement system

Dual-level air bags

Passenger-sensing system

Adjustable brake and accelerator pedals available with memory

New "infotainment" features

New family of radios with Radio Data System (RDS)

XM Satellite Radio

Panasonic DVD Passenger Entertainment System

Custom-designed Bose audio system (in models with front bucket seats)

Dual-zone manual HVAC control

Tri-zone climate control with manual controls for LS and Z71, and electronic controls for LT

Early compliance with 2005 federal seat standards for child restraint anchorages

Optional second-row bucket seats available for the first time on models with leather front bucket seats

Electronic climate control

New multiplexed electrical architecture

Electronic throttle control

Turn signals in rear-view mirror glass

Available power-adjustable camper mirror

New oxygen sensors

Enhanced driver information center can report on up to 34 system functions

New exterior color choices - Sandalwood Metallic and Dark Spiral Gray Metallic

New center console

 

 

2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE: REFINING THE REAL THING

 

Tahoe, the best-selling full-size SUV in the country, continues to build upon its reputation as an authentic full-size sport utility with incomparable ability. For 2003 it offers an even wider range of performance, safety, comfort and convenience features.

 

"Tahoe is constantly being refined," said Tahoe Marketing Director Rick Scheidt. "New safety features such as StabiliTrak plus creature comforts such as tri-zone heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems simply enhance its role as a durable, capable, go-anywhere vehicle."

 

StabiliTrak

StabiliTrak is a vehicle stability enhancement system that improves vehicle stability on various road surfaces at various speeds, particularly on slick surfaces or during emergency maneuvers. For the first time in 2003, it is available on two- or four-wheel-drive Tahoes with the Vortec 5300 5.3L V8 engine.

 

It maximizes handling and braking dynamics by using a combination of systems and sensors including antilock brakes, traction control and electronic suspension. An array of sensors continually monitors the driver's intended vehicle path, measuring steering angle, wheel speed, brake pressure, lateral acceleration, longitudinal acceleration and yaw rate. This information is provided to an electronic control module that continually monitors vehicle dynamics and is programmed for intervention thresholds.

 

The system intervenes when it senses one or more of the wheels slipping, loss of lateral traction (side slip), or detects understeer ("snow-plowing") or oversteer (fish-tailing). Automatically, the system adjusts engine torque or brake pressure at individual wheels to help steer the vehicle in the intended path.

 

The Autotrac 4WD system gets improvements in fuel economy when operating in 2WD, as well as improved customer feel during parking lot and other low-speed maneuvers.

 

The 2003 Tahoe features improved brake performance, better "pedal feel" and quieter operation. For the first time, Tahoe offers brake and accelerator pedals that can be adjusted rearward in unison by nearly 3 inches for better positioning and comfort, and are also available, with or without a memory feature.

 

A safe and secure environment

The 2003 Tahoe provides early compliance to 2005 federal seat standards for child restraint anchorages. The LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child-seat system is provided in the front passenger- side seat and second and third row center and passenger-side seats.

 

Additional new safety enhancements for 2003 include a passenger-sensing system and dual-level air bags. The passenger-sensing air-bag system automatically deactivates the passenger-side air bag under certain conditions to protect children. The system assesses whether the occupant in the seat is an adult or child, based on the measured weight in the seat cushion and tension in the belt system, if any. If these measurements are typical for a child, the air bag is disabled. If they are typical for an adult, the air bag is enabled.

 

A dual-level air-bag system is a supplemental restraint system designed to detect vehicle deceleration and, based on the deceleration data, provide an appropriate amount of air-bag inflation. Sensors located in the front of the vehicle work with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM) to measure the severity of the impact. The SDM uses the data to determine the type of air-bag deployment (first stage or second stage) or non-deploy. Dual-stage air bags are designed to help reduce the occurrence of inflation-induced injuries by deploying the air bag less forcefully in lower-speed crashes.

 

Entertaining in style

Impressive new infotainment systems - including rear-seat entertainment systems with a DVD player and flip-down screen - add to Tahoe's creature comforts. These systems (except the base fleet radio) feature the next generation Radio Data System. RDS allows the radio to display a variety of text descriptions, including traffic information, construction updates, music type (i.e., "classical," "rock," "country," etc.), station call letters - even song and artist information. The new system can interface with services such as Tahoe's all-new, optional XM Satellite Radio feature. Available rear-seat audio controls allow second-row passengers to enjoy a separate audio source from front-seat occupants. For the first time in a full-size sport utility, Chevy will offer a custom-designed Bose audio system, which uses a new high-powered six-channel amplifier and eight speakers.

 

Tahoe's new XM Radio option features 100 coast-to-coast digital channels, including 71 music channels (more than 30 of them commercial-free) from hip hop to opera, classical to country, bluegrass to blues and 29 channels of sports, talk, children's and entertainment programming. XM also brings to the vehicle, for the first time on radio, a diverse selection of 24-hour news sources previously available only in the home. XM's next-generation sound-quality technology provides superior sound remarkably close to compact disc.

 

Refined interior comfort

A new dual-zone manual control heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is standard on Tahoe. It allows the driver and front passenger to adjust the temperature to their own comfort levels - up to a 30-degree Fahrenheit difference between the two front zones.

 

New tri-zone HVAC systems provide outstanding comfort. Customers can now opt for a sunroof and rear entertainment system with rear electronic climate control - a new system that automatically controls air delivery, fan speed, temperature and recirculating/outside air to provide faster warm-ups and cool-downs.

 

Manual rear air conditioning is standard. Rear electronic climate control is standard with the optional front system, providing second-row passengers an automatically controlled temperature setting independent from that of the front.

 

Smarter electrical systems

An advanced new multiplexed electrical architecture makes Tahoe even "smarter" so it can provide more functions for 2003. A communication network transfers data throughout the vehicle. It enables the driver information center, which can be programmed for English, Spanish or French, to monitor and report on as many as 34 system functions - including new service indicators for Stabilitrak, "Ice Possible" and "Door Ajar." Tahoe's instrument panel and cluster have been redesigned to accommodate these new features.

 

An available eight-button steering wheel control allows owners to personalize several functions and safely access new infotainment systems. They include duplicate controls for calculating trip and fuel data and provide easy access to the OnStar system. OnStar is an innovative in-vehicle communications and assistance service designed to provide drivers with access to live, personalized service and emergency assistance at the touch of a button, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers can use OnStar for hands-free personal calling or have e-mail read to them, in addition to other OnStar services.

 

The battery-rundown protection now automatically turns off the headlamps and park lamps in addition to interior lights after 10 minutes if left on inadvertently. A more powerful 145-amp generator - which provides a quicker battery charge and slows battery discharge during vehicle operation - is standard. A memory subsystem can remember preferences for seat, mirror, new adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, and climate control settings. A new four-position headlamp switch allows drivers to turn off the daytime running lamps more easily, when necessary.

 

Tahoe also has a newly designed center console for 2003.

 

Powertrain improvements

Tahoe's powerful Vortec 4800 4.8L V8 and ethanol-compliant Vortec 5300 5.3L V8 engines receive electronic throttle control (ETC) for a unique "throttle feel." New oxygen sensors provide enhanced durability and reduced emissions during engine warmup. Models sold in California feature a more robust catalytic converter system that meets Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) standards.

 

Optional second-row bucket seats are now available on Tahoe models with leather front bucket seats. The second-row seats come with inboard headrests and reclining seatbacks. They provide easy access to the third row seat, and also can be folded to create a flat load floor.

 

Exterior mirrors feature power-tilt glass and power folding to protect them in narrow spaces; heating elements that clear frost, snow or ice; left-side electrochromatic glass that dims glaring headlights; puddle lights; new turn-signal indicators in the glass; and a memory feature. An available new power-adjustable camper mirror can be extended to a vehicle width of up to 106 inches.

 

For 2003, Tahoe features two new exterior colors: Sandalwood Metallic and Dark Spiral Gray Metallic.

 

Tahoe has 104.6 cubic feet of cargo volume with the second row seats folded forward. An optional third-row bench seat (except on Z71 models) offers up to nine-passenger seating. The third-row rear seat features a unique 50/50 split-fold design to provide a variety of cargo- and passenger-carrying configurations. The seats can be flipped forward and stowed for more cargo room, or they can be individually and easily removed to provide a flat load surface.

 

Tahoe's pulling power can be as much as 7,700 pounds when properly equipped. Off-roaders can choose the Tahoe Z71 model, with its specially tuned off-road suspension, specific shock absorbers and jounce jumpers with standard stabilizer bars. A locking rear differential, four-wheel drive and P265/70R17 all-terrain tires increase traction. Skid plates protect vital underbody components, and OnStar provides added security.

 

Silverado:

New For 2003

 

Bolder and more expressive exterior styling

Interior refinements

New high-performance Silverado SS (available first quarter of 2003)

Quadrasteer available on 1500 Extended Cab and 1500 Heavy-Duty Crew Cab

Passenger-sensing system

Dual-level air bags

XM Satellite Radio option

Dual-zone heating, ventilation and air conditioning

New entertainment systems, including segment's first-ever Bose audio systems

Advanced new electrical system

More than 40 new major features or improvements

New For 2003

 

Bolder and more expressive exterior styling

Interior refinements

New high-performance Silverado SS (available first quarter of 2003)

Quadrasteer available on 1500 Extended Cab and 1500 Heavy-Duty Crew Cab

Passenger-sensing system

Dual-level air bags

XM Satellite Radio option

Dual-zone heating, ventilation and air conditioning

New entertainment systems, including segment's first-ever Bose audio systems

Advanced new electrical system

More than 40 new major features or improvements New For 2003

 

Bolder and more expressive exterior styling

Interior refinements

New high-performance Silverado SS (available first quarter of 2003)

Quadrasteer available on 1500 Extended Cab and 1500 Heavy-Duty Crew Cab

Passenger-sensing system

Dual-level air bags

XM Satellite Radio option

Dual-zone heating, ventilation and air conditioning

New entertainment systems, including segment's first-ever Bose audio systems

Advanced new electrical system

More than 40 new major features or improvements New For 2003

[burgundyz71]

The new color of Blue looked nice, didn't really get a good look as it was passing me on a carrier but I liked it from what I seen.