The suspension did a nice job of providing stability and also soaking up the rough surface of the gravel road, even in areas which featured a surface you might better call rocky than graveled. But it also was sure-footed and the V8 provided more than sufficient power on winding two-lane roads that climbed from the desert into the mountains.

The Silverado can be equipped for a towing capacity of as much as 10,500 pounds, and that's for the light-duty version. The heavy-duty Silverado models will be coming to market early in calendar year 2007.

Summary

The Chevy Silverado is redesigned for 2007, featuring a new frame, new styling, new interiors, new suspension and a new anti-lock braking system. The new Silverado offers a nice ride and taut handling.

NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Larry Edsall drove the new Silverado on the desert roads north and west of Phoenix

Model Line Overview

Model lineup:Chevy Silverado WT; LT; LTZ

Engines:295-hp 4.8-liter V8; 315 hp 5.3-liter V8; 315-hp 5.3-liter V8; 367-hp 6.0-liter V8

Transmissions:4-speed automatic

Safety equipment (standard):dual front airbags, daytime running lights, tire pressure monitoring system, anti-lock brakes

Safety equipment (optional):driver and front-seat side air bags, side-curtain airbags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation technology (standard on crew cab), Autotrack active transfer case, Ultrasonic rear parking assist, OnStar

Basic warranty:3 years/36,000

Assembled in:Pontiac, Michigan; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Oshawa, Ontario; and Silao, Mexico