The locally-converted Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup truck will be more than $10,000 pricier than the equivalent Ram 1500 when it hits showrooms.
Pricing for the Silverado, which is converted to right-hand drive alongside the Camaro muscle car in Clayton, will kick off at $113,990 before on-road costs.
The range-topping Ram 1500 Laramie costs $99,950 before on-roads with a petrol V8, while the EcoDiesel is priced from $109,950.
The Silverado is powered exclusively by a 6.2-litre petrol V8 engine making 313kW of power and 624Nm of torque, sent to all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Ram can’t match the Chevy for power or torque, although the Silverado and strong-selling Ram 1500 both offer the same 4500kg braked-towing capacity with a heavy-duty towing package fitted.
Just one well-specced Silverado will be offered in Australia. The LTZ is considered a mid-tier model in the USA, but the big Chevrolet will be one of the best-equipped load-luggers in Australia.
Autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are all standard, along with leather trim a sunroof, heated/ventilated front seats and heated outboard rear seats, rear air vents, and a coloured head-up display.
Buyers will be able to add an ‘Advanced Trailering Package’ with a reversing camera view dedicated to the tow ball, an integrated trailer brake controller, and ‘trailer theft alert’ as an option.
Locally-developed options such as a unique suspension, performance air box, and aftermarket exhaust will also be available as part of a “complete range of performance upgrades”.
The Ram 1500 has proven there’s a market for large American dual-cab utes in Australia.
Ram sold almost 3000 examples last year, and is building cars around the clock to match demand. HSV parent company Walkinshaw is also involved in converting the Ram 1500, although it’s distributed by Ateco in Australia.
