Following on the heels of the light-duty trucks, the heavy-duty end of Chevrolet's pickup line gets a full remake for 2007. The Chevy Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD models are re-styled, re-engineered, and re-invigorated with upgraded drivetrains and fresher, slicker looks inside and out.

Exterior styling shows a brash front end, with thick chrome framing, bumper and cross bars. Stacked headlamp housings bracket the grille. The hood's sculpted, multi-level power bulge rises over dropped fender shoulders. Squared-off wheel wells overwhelm the standard 16-inch wheels; 17-inch wheels are optional.

Attention to aerodynamics is evident in the windshield, steeply raked at 57 degrees, as well as in tight body seams and flush-mounted side glass. Doors reach into the roof and wrap around the rocker panels.

Large, compound taillights fill the corners of rear fenders. Non-skid tread tops the multi-function rear bumpers. A torque-rod assist, EZ Lift feature is available for the modestly stylized, lockable tailgate.

Chevy builds the Silverado HDs in three body configurations: regular, extended and crew cab, all available with either a 6.5-foot or an 8-foot bed and in 2WD or 4WD. The 3500HD with dual rear wheels comes only with the 8-foot bed. Rear access doors on the extended cab open 170 degrees. Optional across the line is a system of tracks anchored to the sides and front wall of the cargo bed that offer virtually an infinite array of tie-down points accommodating brackets with a load point rating of up to 500 pounds. Four-wheel-drive models can be fitted with a Z71 Off Road suspension package that includes skid plates.

A new 6.0-liter V8 with variable valve timing is the base engine in the 2007 Silverado HD models. Making 353 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque, it's coupled to a new six-speed automatic that offers manual-like, tap-up/tap-down gear selection.

Optional is a 6.6-liter turbocharged diesel V8 producing 365 horsepower and 660 pound-feet of torque mated to a six-speed automatic. New emissions-control technology reduces particulate matter by 90 percent and NOx by 50 percent over current permitted levels, bringing the engine into compliance with clean air standards scheduled to take effect for calendar year 2007.

Maximum towing capacity for conventional trailers is 13,000 pounds, for fifth-wheel hitches 16,700 pounds. A trailer brake controller integrated with the standard antilock brake system is available.

Interior treatments vary by model. The base WT and mid-level LT get a bench-like seat split 40/20/40 with a fold-down center storage/armrest and a lockable, underseat bin large enough for a laptop computer and wired with an accessory power point. A covered, dash-top bin complements a traditional glove box. Large door pull and release handles accommodate working gloves.

The dash is lower by 3.5 inches from the 2006 Silverado and pushed away from the seat to add airiness and improve forward visibility.

The top-level LTZ gets a snazzier interior with a full front center console-cum-storage bin, different door panels and fixtures. Leather-surfaced, heated front bucket seats are power adjustable. The dash is lower even more, by five inches, from the 2006 Silverado and gets bits of chrome trim.

Interior finishes are generally more refined. Low-gloss surfaces and soft-touch controls add class. Narrowed gaps and tolerances between panels and fully covered attachment and seat hardware impart a quality look. Automatic dual-zone climate control is among the numerous options, as are a DVD-based navigation system, a power sunroof on extended and crew cab models, a rear-seat entertainment system on crew cabs, sonar-based rear park assist; and XM satellite radio.

Dual-stage frontal airbags are standard. Front seatbelt pretensioners, also standard, are activated by front and rear crash sensors, the latter claimed a first for the segment. All except the dually come with tire pressure monitors. OnStar comes standard, with its emergency, crash-notification system.