Silverado 2500HD

Performax International has launched the first fully-complianced 2008 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra utes in Australia, offering handsome new styling, outstanding comfort, improved refinement and a 4.5 tonne towing capacity unmatched in its class.

Performax International recently achieved Australian Design Rule compliance for the United States-built Silverado after completing design, engineering and conversion work in-house at its Sunshine Coast, Queensland, factory.

The main model offered will be the Silverado 2500HD crew-cab four-wheel drive, with exclusive four-year/120,000 km warranty and four year roadside assistance.

The 2500HD features crew-cab or extra cab pick-up bodywork, GM Duramax 6.6 litre V8 turbo diesel power, Allison six-speed automatic transmission with high and low ranges and dashboard-selected four-wheel drive engagement.

Towing capacity with a braked trailer of 4.5 tonnes plus mountainous power puts the Silverado in a class alone for owners with large boats, horse floats and caravans (available with optional fully integrated electronic brake controller).

Peak engine outputs are 365 horsepower (272 kilowatts) at 3200 rpm and 660 foot-pounds (895 Newton metres) of torque at 1600 rpm.

Performax International General Manager Nick Vandenberg says the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is the answer to the dreams of many heavy-duty and long-distance haulers in Australia.

"The 2008 Silverado is a big step forward in performance, refinement, styling and comfort for this type of ute," Mr Vandenberg said.

"With towing capacity at 4.5 tonnes, it's the big ute many people have been waiting for. We had orders for almost 20 even before the ADR compliance process was completed and now we expect many more from both recreational and business buyers.

"There is no other new vehicle like it on the Australian market, especially at a price within the range of many less capable 4WD wagons.

"The new exterior and interior styling looks great and the cabin provides real comfort, with a spacious rear bench for three large adults, leather upholstery and the comfort and safety items usually found on passenger cars."

Performax International the first Australian company to release the new Silverado.
Click here to view media press release: Silverado

Allison Transmission

Chevrolet Silverado Allison Duramax Transmission

The Allison's Adaptive Shift Control feature will select the appropriate gear by analyzing engine torque and vehicle speed. In doing so, it will minimize unnecessary up-shifts and down-shifts. A Tow/Haul mode can be instantly activated with a button situated at the end of the gearshift stalk. The Tow/Haul mode alters shift patterns in order to maximize the engine's efficiency in both pulling and braking. When the Tow/Haul function is activated, Grade Braking is also engaged. In an effort to maintain the vehicle's speed when descending a grade, the electronic program inserts a lower gear to improve engine baking, even when the truck is operating under Cruise Control.

Perhaps the most useful to drivers wanting more human input into shift patterns is Allison's Range Selection Mode, which enables manual, electronic shifting between the six gears. Positioning the shift lever in "M" activates a small rocker switch near the end of the gearshift stalk. The button corresponds with a small LED readout in the instrument panel depicting gears 1 through 6. Moving throughout the gear range is as easy as rocking the button up or down. The Range Selection Mode makes manual shifting as easy as it gets, which pretty much describes driving the bulky Silverado on pavement or off, thanks to its shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive (4WD) capability. When things get severely ugly, engaging a low-range set of gears while locked in 4WD is simply another button-push away. When the mucky stuff gives way to asphalt, the Silverado quickly softens its rugged demeanor.