Continuing the modern trend of sneak-peak reveals ahead of official debuts, Chevrolet dramatically introduced its all-new, 2019 Silverado 1500 pickup truck by airlifting the truck under a helicopter on December 16. The spectacle took place at the Texas Motor Speedway in view of the media and members of Chevy’s new Truck Legends owners club.

Chevy hasn’t released much information on the new 2019 Silverado, but we do know several key points. For starters, the new Silverado will come with a Trailboss trim. First seen on the Chevy Colorado, this trim takes the Z71 off-road package and adds a two-inch suspension lift and Goodyear DuraTrac tires. Chevy also says the new Silverado will come with more engine and transmission combinations, more technology and convenience features, and has a “significant reduction” in weight over the outgoing Silverado.

Continue reading for more on the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado.

What We Know

Chevy didn’t divulge too many details about its new 2019 Silverado – we’ll have to wait until its official debut at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show come January. For now, we know the new Silverado 1500 is lighter than before thanks to “mixed materials and advanced manufacturing.” While Chevy did not confirm the rumored carbon fiber cargo bed, it did reveal the bed’s floor is a higher-grade steel alloy that’s roll-formed for added strength and added lightness. Perhaps the bed walls will use carbon fiber. Either way, it seems Chevy smartly avoided using aluminum so it won’t have to backpedal on its “aluminum sucks” ad campaign that targeted the aluminum-bodied Ford F-150.

Chevy also dropped clues on the 2019 Silverado’s trim levels saying eight will be available. Currently, seven trim are available. These include the WT, LS, LT, LT Z71, LTZ, LTZ Z71, and High Country. Adding the Trailboss trim brings the count to eight. There is one catch, however. Chevy says the truck that debuted is an LT Trailboss; that suggests an LTZ Trailboss is possible. If that’s the case, other changes to the standard trim level lineup will be required.

As for the 2019 Silverado’s outward appearance, the truck is sleeker than before, with zero body panels shared from the outgoing truck. The grille is still flat and upright, but its details are completely new. Updated LED daytime running lights and projector beam headlights define the face, while lower fog lights sit next to the Trailboss’ red-colored tow hooks.

Gone are the squared-off fenders and replaced with a more rounded, sculpted design. The side mirrors are now separated from the door rather than attached next to the window. This will help reduce wind noise while cutting drag. The step bumper returns, but now features rectangular, chrome-tipped exhaust pipes tucked into its lower half. The trailer hitch receiver, trailer wiring connections, and access hole for the spare tire winch remain unchanged.

Last but certainly not least, the tailgate features a retro-style CHEVROLET stamping. The Silverado and trim level badges are set in chrome letter along the tailgate’s lower edge.

Thankfully, we won’t have long to wait before Chevy releases the full barrage of information on its new half-ton truck. The 2018 Detroit Auto Show is happening January 13 through 28, with all the reveals scheduled during the first two days. As always, stay tuned to TopSpeed.com for the latest in breaking news.

References

Chevrolet Silverado

2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z71: An Overview

Read our full review on the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado.

Read more Detroit Auto Show news.