Chevrolet’s massive Silverado HD locked in for Australia

Enormous American pick-up truck on the way, with almost triple the torque – and triple the price – of average diesel dual-cabs.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado HD goes on sale later this year.

General Motors’ successor to Holden has locked in plans to introduce an enormous new ute in Australia.

The Chevrolet Silverado HD will be one of the biggest cars on the road when it arrives in November.

Designed for heavy duty work, the pick-up truck is capable of towing almost six tonnes – or roughly twice that of smaller diesel dual-cab utes.

The Silverado is one of the largest vehicles you can drive without a truck licence.

Powered by an enormous 6.6-litre turbo diesel V8 with 332kW and 1234Nm, the range-topping Silverado drives all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Australian examples converted to right-hand-drive in the Victorian factory formerly used by Holden Special Vehicles come loaded with a blacked-out appearance pack as standard.

Australian models have a ‘Z71’ off-road package, and black exterior details.

Chevrolet’s Z71 off-road package also includes rugged suspension, all-terrain tyres and underbody armour.

While the last Silverado was a basic beast, the latest model is loaded with equipment such as a massive 15-inch head-up display system, an 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring, and driver aids such as forward collision and rear cross-traffic alerts.

The Chevrolet Silverado has a spacious and well-appointed interior.

You also get heated and cooled leather seats, clever cameras to make towing easier, and far more space than regular ute drivers are accustomed to.

None of this comes cheap, though.

Priced from $144,990 plus on-road costs, the Silverado HD will be one of the most expensive utes on the road, joining similarly over-the-top RAM trucks at the top of the market.

The Chevrolet Silverado is built for heavy-duty towing.

The big rig will join Chevrolet’s new Corvette sports car in showrooms around Australia later this year, completing GMSV’s new range in Australia.