2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Ltz on 2040-cars

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Chevrolet Suburban Luggage Test: How much fits behind the third row?

From the very beginning of doing these luggage tests, I specifically had no intention of doing one for the Chevy Suburban or any extended-length full-size SUVs. Quite simply, there was no question that my six suitcases were going to fit behind the third row. And not only that, I was pretty confident there'd be a ton of space left over, much as there is in mid- and full-size two-row SUVs.  And yet, you know what vehicle I've received more requests for cargo-related information about over the years? That's right, the Chevrolet Suburban. Sure, it's not exactly BTS fan mail volumes, but it's more than anything else. Apparently, people want to know how much fits in the back of a Suburban (or GMC Yukon XL ... or Cadillac Escalade ESV). So, when a Suburban popped up in the press fleet I decided to finally give the people what they want.  As a reminder, this is the amount of cargo space behind the THIRD row of a Suburban. Chevrolet says this is 41.5 cubic feet, and it sure looks like it.  For the record, the most stuff I've ever put into the back of a three-row vehicle is a Honda Odyssey, which has 32.8 cubic feet of space. I never did another minivan after that, for reasons effectively described above. And no one has asked for it. Now, because I'm greedy, I lifted up the floor to see if there's any underfloor space. Wow, there is! Theoretically, it could lower the floor a bit and allow for even more stuff, but the floor's hinges don't allow it. Unlike those in a BMW that can be propped into an upright position, these'll just drop the floor back down again. That's OK, I won't use this then. Let's get to the bags. As with every Luggage Test, I use two midsize roller suitcases that would need to be checked in at the airport (26 inches long, 16 wide, 11 deep), two black roll-aboard suitcases that just barely fit in the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller green roll-aboard that fits easily (23L x 15W x 10D). I also include my wife's fancy overnight bag just to spruce things up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D). So yeah, it all fits. No surprise there. In fact, there's even more room leftover than I anticipated.  Let's go to the extra (and imaginary) items, then! First up, the trusty 38-quart Coleman cooler. This added to my bags, plus maybe a duffle bag, is what big "compact" SUVs like the Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4 can manage.

Chevy updates Silverado HD with new towing equipment

Enamored by the updated Chevy Silverado released just the other day, but need something a little more heavy duty? Chevy isn't going to keep you around waiting for long, as it has now revealed a new Silverado HD as well. While the new Silverado 1500-series has been distinguished over the outgoing version principally by its revised styling, the updated Silverado HD is more about its enhanced equipment. It's got a new Digital Steering Assist system (on some models) designed to enable easier and safer towing. There's a new gooseneck/5th-wheel trailer prep package that enables Chevy's new heavy duty truck to tow as much as 23,200 pounds. And the interior equipment is augmented as well by a new MyLink system with seven- or available eight-inch display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, wireless phone charging and more. Buyers will be able to choose between two versions (2500HD and 3500HD), four trim levels, three cab sizes, two cargo box lengths, and numerous powertrain and drivetrain configurations for a staggering array of combinations. There'll also be several special editions and packages, like the Z71 for off-road use and Custom Sport Edition for a sleeker look, as well as chassis cab and CNG versions. Scope out the full details in the press release below and the fresh batch of images in the gallery above. Related Video: 2016 Chevy Silverado HD Offers Digital Steering Assist Control-enhancing system, phone integration and 5th wheel package lead updates 2015-09-24 DETROIT – Chevrolet Silverado HD trucks are engineered to make the toughest jobs easier, and new technologies for 2016 complement features such as integrated cruise control, powertrain grade braking and diesel exhaust braking to enhance control. New Digital Steering Assist power steering on some double cab and crew cab models helps make hauling and trailering easier and more confident, with electronic controls that enhance road holding and stability on the highway – particularly on crowned roads – regardless of whether the truck is loaded. It also offers greater responsiveness and an improved steering feel. Digital Steering Assist is not available on Work Truck models or regular cab. There's also a new Gooseneck/5th Wheel Trailering Prep Package, with a spray-in bedliner, that makes Silverado HD models ready to tow larger trailers right from the factory.

Here's how the EcoCAR 3 teams are going to green up their Camaros

Plug-in hybrids were probably not what the Dead Milkmen had in mind when they wrote their 1985 alt-punk classic Bitchin' Camaro (OK, we're not really sure what they had in mind), but we're certainly fans of the effort. The 16 college teams competing in the third version of the EcoCAR green-vehicle contest have declared which powertrains they will attempt to build for maximum environmental friendliness. They'll be working with 2016 Chevrolet Camaros that General Motors is donating to the competition. The US Department of Energy is also helping to fund the competition. Out of the 16, all but one will go with a plug-in hybrid powertrain which switches over from electric power to an engine powered by E85 (i.e., an 85-percent ethanol blend) when the juice runs out. Those schools include the University of Alabama, Arizona State, Mississippi State, Ohio State and Penn State. The lone dissenter is the team from the University of Tennessee, which is going with a hybrid vehicle powered by E10. This past spring, Ohio State was named winner of Year One of EcoCAR3, winning $10,000 in the process. THE Ohio State University (as students and alumni like to call it) also won the overall competition for EcoCAR 2 last year. The vehicle used in that project was a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and OSU also used a plug-in hybrid/E85 combo to take the big prize. Take a look at the list of schools and their powertrains of choice for EcoCAR 3 here. Related Video: