Chevrolet Reveals 2019 Silverado 1500 Z71 Trailboss

Chevrolet gave the world its first undisguised look at the all-new next-generation 2019 Silverado 1500 pickup truck during a weekend media event at the Texas Motor Speedway. It wasn't there for long; in fact, it was flown in by helicopter, deposited on the main track and driven onstage, then whisked away right after its introduction.

No doubt Chevy wants to keep the more important information about the frame, powertrains, suspension changes and all-new interior for a fuller reveal at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January We'll be there to cover it through stories and videos from the show floor.

From what was shown at Chevrolet's truck centennial celebration in Fort Worth, it looks like there's been plenty of work done to the Silverado's front end, hood and grille, with smoother design lines along the body panel sides and around the wheel wells. We're told the truck in Texas was the new LT Trailboss trim with a 2-inch suspension lift. That means it likely also will have more aggressive tires and high-performance shock absorbers.

There was no mention of powertrains during the reveal, but we've heard that GM is getting aggressive with smaller, turbocharged engines, a possible diesel entry and a wider proliferation of eight- and 10-speed transmissions. We're also assuming a great deal of work has been done to save weight for fuel-economy improvements. Our reporter at the event couldn't get a good look at the bed or get close enough to see if magnets would stick to the bed sides.

Here's what Chevrolet shared in its press release introducing the new pickup: 

"The 2019 Silverado 1500 is all new from the ground up and leverages Chevrolet’s experience building more than 85 million dependable, long-lasting pickups. It also reflects feedback from more than 7,000 people on what they wanted in their next truck — the most customer research in the company’s history. 

"The 2019 Silverado’s strong, modern design advances Chevrolet’s history of industry-leading pickup design. It’s a legacy built on decades of experience with models such as the Advance Design trucks of the 1950s and the C/K series of the 1960s. Those trucks set the standard for pickup design in their eras, and currently are some of the most coveted vintage trucks on the market. The next-generation Silverado is poised to change the face of trucks again, with a breakthrough design that is unmistakably Chevrolet.  

"The new Silverado also delivers improved capability and performance. For example, a higher-grade alloy is used in the roll-formed, high-strength-steel bed floor, contributing to a bed that is more functional and lighter weight. This use of mixed materials and advanced manufacturing is evident throughout the Silverado, resulting in a significant reduction in total vehicle weight and improved performance in many measures.  

"As no two truck customers are alike, the next-gen Silverado will offer an expanded range of models, more engine/transmission combinations and more technology and convenience features to help customers find their ideal truck. 

"The new Silverado LT Trailboss is one of eight 2019 Silverado models. It integrates the off-road equipment of the Z71 package as well as a two-inch suspension lift. Unlike aftermarket lift kits, the Trailboss suspension is fully tested, validated and warrantied by Chevrolet. 

"The 2019 Silverado will make its public debut in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, exactly 100 years after the first Chevrolet trucks were delivered to customers."

Manufacturer images; Cars.com photos by Aaron Bragman