Sophisticated brawn: 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 pickup truck

Built for hard work -- designed for total enjoyment. This sophisticated brawn from Chevrolet is a truck on a mission -- the ultimate carriage of payload and passengers -- in almost any terrain. Designed to handle the most demanding jobs, the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 pickup receives a new hood and grille design for 2005.

Two brawny gasoline V-8 engines -- Vortec 6000 and Vortec 8100 -- provide the base muscle while a turbocharged, intercooled, direct-injection diesel V-8 motor is available for the really nasty stuff.

The Silverado 3500 is available in regular, extended and crew cab body styles and two- or four-wheel drive configurations. The Silverado 3500 is offered in Work Truck, Base, LS and LT trim levels. All models feature an eight-foot long cargo bed.

On the road, the Silverado 3500, equipped with the Vortec 8100 V-8, delivers a smooth, continuous band of useable power. Shifts are car-like and the powertrain is very willing, reacting immediately to slight changes in driver inputs.

The Silverado 3500 starts with a modular, sectional frame featuring a hydroformed steel front frame and a stamped rear C-section frame. This construction provides outstanding strength and precise dimensional control.

Inside the cabin, a well-designed instrument panel greets the driver. Outward visibility is excellent, with a full complement of analog gauges -- speedometer, fuel, oil pressure, water and transmission oil temp. A driver information center is standard.

Safety features include dual front airbags, daytime running lamps, automatic headlamp control, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock and dynamic rear proportioning, heavy duty limited slip rear axle, full-size spare tire and front tow hooks. LS adds alarm system, automatic power door locks and remote keyless entry. LT adds OnStar communications system and front fog lights.

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 pickup truck starts from $29,130 for a Silverado 3500 Regular Cab Work Truck up to $40,515 for the LT Crew Cab 4WD model.

Quick Stats

3500 Regular cab/long box wheelbase: 133.0"; overall length: 222.1"

3500 Extended cab/long box wheelbase: 157.5"; overall length: 246.6"

3500 Crew cab/long box wheelbase: 167.0"; overall length: 256.2"

Engines: Vortec 6000 6.0L V-8 (LQ4) -- 300 hp at 4,400 rpm; 360 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm; Vortec 8100 8.1L V-8 (L18) -- 330 hp at 4,200 rpm; 450 lbs.-ft. of torque at 3,200 rpm; Duramax 6600 6.6L V-8 (LB7) -- 310 hp at 3,000 rpm; 520 lbs.-ft. of torque at 1,800 rpm.

Vortec engines use regular unleaded. Duramax requires diesel fuel.

Transmissions: New Venture Gear 3500 (MW3) five-speed manual, ZF S6-650 (ML6) six-speed manual, Hydra-Matic 4L80-E 4-speed automatic, Allison 1000 (M74) five-speed automatic.

Payload capacity: 5,054 lbs.

Towing capacity: 16,700 lbs., with fifth wheel or gooseneck hitch and 3.73 axle.