Ute range receives upgrades

General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) has announced an update to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 range, boosting the gross vehicle mass and payload capacity of its units.

The changes for model year 2026i (MY26i) apply from August 1 local remanufacturing production and move the Silverado 1500 from NA to NB1 certification as gross vehicle mass rises from 3,300kg to 3,505kg.

Meanwhile, the maximum payload climbs to 942kg for the LTZ Premium version and 922kg for the ZR2.

There is also new standard black-out accessory content fitted during right-hand-drive remanufacturing for the New Zealand and Australian markets. 

The LTZ Premium gains a black lettering kit, black Chevrolet tailgate lettering, black front bow tie badge, and black Z71 fender badges, while the ZR2 adds black Chevrolet tailgate lettering as standard.

Jess Bala, managing director, GM Australia & New Zealand, says: “Silverado has earned its place with customers by combining serious V8 performance, towing confidence, premium comfort and genuine off-road capability, and the MY26i update strengthens that formula again.”

The LTZ Premium pairs its 6.2-litre V8 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission with a premium interior, advanced trailering technology, Bose Premium Sound System, power sunroof and a mix of comfort, style and capability features.

Highlights for the ZR2 include a suspension package with lifted suspension and Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear electronic locking differentials, 33-inch mud-terrain tyres, an off-road cut front bumper, and immersive in-cabin technology.

As part of the MY26i update, the LTZ Premium suspension system has been revised, with previous Z71 off-road suspension with Rancho shocks branding replaced by off-road suspension with twin-tube dampers.

Updated pricing represents a $1,000 increase for both Silverado 1500 variants and starts from $151,990, excluding on-road costs.