General Motors->ke1024 has been binging on special edition->ke2041 trucks recently, including both consumer-use trucks headed to dealerships and concepts that show off GM engineering and design teams. Chevrolet’s->ke199 newest tricked-out truck->ke242 is the Toughnology Concept. No, that’s not a typo, it’s a hip-n-cool word combo that helps define the purpose of the build.

There is no shortage of news surrounding the upcoming Ford F-150 and its extensive use of aluminum body panels. Well The General seems hungry for some of the action too, as the Toughnology Concept is designed to showcase the latest-generation Silverado’s use of swanky new metals. The concept truck comes coated in paint that mimics the color of raw, high-strength steel.

The Silverado->ke1787 boasts plenty of the high-strength steel in its construction -- in everything from the A- and B-pillars, rocker panels, and roof rails to several sections of the interior structure. In total, roughly 67 percent of the Silverado’s cab in stamped from the stuff.

Chevy also prides itself on the Silverado’s bed being constructed from several kinds of purpose-placed steels. For example, the floor is make of roll-formed steel that Chevy says is much stronger than conventional stamped steel. While nearly every exterior panel is included in the high-strength steel count, the hood goes the aluminum route. The engineers say it shaves 17 pounds off its regular stamped-steel counterpart. Since it’s not the same material as the body, the designers painted it black to notate the difference.

Click past the jump to read more about the Chevrolet Silverado Toughnology Concept.

Chevrolet Silverado Toughnology Concept in detail

Further showcasing its use of high-strength steel, Chevy also included a graphic of the molecular makeup of steel along the Silverado’s side. Swanky black and red graphics line the fender arches, hood, and tailgate, giving the Toughnology Concept a look all its own.

Of course, Chevy had to upgrade to 22-inch wheels from its parts catalog. They’re wrapped in Nitto Terra Grappler tires for light off-road use. In the bed, Chevy included a soft, folding tonneau cover with a washable carpet bedliner. A side-step, red tow hooks, smoked headlight covers, and a chrome grille insert finish off the look.

Unlike some of GM’s other specialty truck builds of recent, Chevy engineers added a performance exhaust system and a cold-air intake. Upgraded performance brakes help slow things down. While Chevy doesn’t list any output improvements, it’s a sure bet the 5.3-liter V-8 is making more than its normal 355 horses and 383 pound-feet of torque.

Chevrolet Silverado

The 2014 and 2015 Silverado take the tried-and-true method to truck-building. An evolutionary design brings the Silverado into the current decade while the plush interior fights for best in class. Smart storage designs and a clever infotainment system keep things organized and within easy reach.

The Silverado comes with three choices of engine: the base 4.3-liter V-6, the 5.3-liter V-8, and the 6.2-liter V-8. All three come with variable valve timing, direct fuel injection, and active fuel management.

Pricing for the Silverado starts at $25,575 and rises northward past the $50,000 with all the option boxes checked.