With only minor changes to appearance packages, including optional 21- and 22-inch wheel designs, three new colors (Asher Gray, Ocean Drive Blue, and Flight Blue), and an available Monochromatic Reserve appearance package. The one-year-old second-Gen Lincoln Aviator remains a leader in American mid-size SUV luxury, with a nod to its sibling, the full-size Navigator, but in a smaller, and more maneuverable package.

Aviator was launched from 2003 through 2005 as a rebadged version of the Mercury Mountaineer, and after a 15-year hiatus, returned last year as a mid-size five-door, three row luxury SUV. 

Based on the Ford Explorer, Aviator has its own upscale styling, sculpting, engine, chassis makeup and tech. Aviator focuses on luxury and elegance, and is its own creation, not to be likened to any other in the brand.

The creation of the second-gen Lincoln Aviator was tasked with merging elegance, styling, performance and advanced technology, while advancing an electrified hybrid system. With a gas-powered 400hp /415 lb-ft of torque engine and a plug-in hybrid system that provides 494hp and best-in-class 630 combined lb-ft of torque, Aviator is built for power and capability joining with sleek elegance and intuitive technology.



Aviator provides Lincoln’s “Quiet Flight,” which combined performance with silence. Aviator offers those two powertrains – a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 gas engine and the Grand Touring’s hybrid powertrain. Aviator vanguarded Lincoln’s approach to a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and advanced electrified hybrid technology capable of delivering smooth performance and quick-acting torque.

Avaiator’s architecture and styling is a direct turn off its name and is marketed with a sky-driven approach. Company literature says, “The boundless allure of flight has long inspired automotive design, and the exterior styling of the all-new Lincoln Aviator takes that inspiration to the next level. The connotations of flight are intrinsic in the strong front and tapering rear of the vehicle, creating a distinct aerofoil analogy,” according to Lincoln’s pitch. Exterior dimensions are 199.3 inches in length, a wind-attracting 69.6 inches in height and 82.3 inches in width on a 119.1-inch wheelbase, for a curb weight of from 4774 to 5673 lbs. depending on trim level and configuration. My Reserve trim weighed about 5020 lbs.

Aviator’s cabin is packed with luxury appointments and comfort, a 14-speaker audio system with voice-activated touch-screen navigation system, three rows of seating, available concert hall sound, intuitive tech and function and a quiet environment of quality. The comfortable cabin provides, 41 inches of front headroom (40.2 with a Vista Roof), 39.7 inches in row two and a tight 36.9 inches in row three. Aviator provides 43 inches of front legroom, with 40.1 in the middle and a child-only 29.2 inches in the rear seats; and 61.5 inches of front shoulder room with 61.3 in row two and 54.0 in row three.
Interior climate control includes a Particulate Air Filter Tri-Zone Climate Control, with second row climate controls (with Audio and Heated/Vented Seat Controls when equipped). You also get a 10.1-inch LCD touch-screen in the center-stack, Ambient interior lighting, delayed Accessory Lighting in the first row, Lincoln Connect™ with 4G embedded modem with WiFi® hot spot capability, that enables Lincoln Way™ App remote features (when activated) and so much more we can’t do justice to listing them here.
Aviator drives quietly, attentively and smoothly in both Front-wheel-drive and Intelligent All-wheel-drive configurations. My test Aviator Reserve in AWD was outfitted with the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 Engine with Stop-Start Technology. EPA rated at 27mpg/highway, 20mpg/city and 24mpg/combined, my rides delivered 22.4mpg. With the hybrid option, Aviator Grand Touring’s twin-turbocharged engine and advanced electrified technology shows some hesitation, but increases gas mileage by up to 20 miles when all-electric.

My test ride’s 400hp system, did not delay and the response was seamless, sprinting to a 6.1-second zero-to-60mph dash, and a quarter-mile  of 14.8 seconds. On the open road, Aviator delivers a quiet, powerful, confident ride. Driver and passengers are pampered by its adaptive suspension. Aviator’s Electric Power-Assisted Steering is predictable and while there is some top-wobble during quick maneuvers, Aviator is confident in turns.

Aviator’s safety systems include Blind Spot Detection with Cross-Traffic Alert, enhanced by Driver and Front Passenger Dual Stage, Side Impact, and Glove-Box-Door Integrated Knee Airbags. The Safety Canopy/Air Curtain (3-rows) with roll-over sensor adds to security as do Vehicle Inclination Sensor Remote, Keyless Entry SecuriCode™ (Keypad), SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System, SOS Post-Crash Alert, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and Emergency Brake Assist Four-Way Adjustable Head Restraints.  

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator starts at $51,465 for the base Standard trim, followed by the Reserve trim at $57,355, upgrading with 20-inch wheels, quad-zone climate control, optional packages including Lincoln Co-Pilot360™ Plus and more. The Aviator Grand Touring offers the rechargeable electric hybrid powertrain added to the standard Twin-Turbocharged engine, and keeps Reserve’s features, at $68,360. Aviator’s Black Label top trim starts at $79,350 with special themes, interior finishes and exclusive member service items. My Reserve saved me $2390 by going to AWD and removing some Reserve Package.  Burgundy Velvet exterior paint added $695 and running boards added $1065. 

The Premium interior package for the Panoramic Vista Roof® with Power Sun Shade, added $1500 and voice-activated touchscreen navigation added $500. With Destination charges of $1195 and an Acquisition Fee of $645, my sticker came to $59,065, but available incentives of up to $925 may be available, so check with your dealer.


> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I> 

Last year, Cadillac introduced the Crossover Touring 6,  or XT6 to its crossover and SUV lineup. XT6 is the largest vehicle in the XT series, slotted as a mid-size, between Cadillac’s XT5 and the full-size Escalade. Produced in GM’s Spring Hill, TN plant, the XT6 shares its wheelbase with the GMC Acadia, Cadillac XT5 and Chevrolet Blazer and sits on the same platform as the Buick Enclave.

For 2021, the XT6 enters its second year with a new Luxury model that expands its reach to more customers and completes the brand’s signature Y-trim strategy, which also includes Premium Luxury and Sport models.  

New for 2021 are a Luxury trim model with new standard-for-the-trim 2.0-liter turbo engine rated at 237 hp; Wireless Apple CarPlay7 and Android Auto8 connectivity; new 20-inch wheel design for Sport models and new exterior color options: Dark Moon Blue Metallic, Wilder and Infrared Tintcoat.

The new-for 2021 XT6 Luxury trim kicks off the range with 18-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, powered sunroof, roof rails, LED headlights, tri-zone automatic climate control, seating for seven, active noise cancellation, self-dimming rearview mirror, heated/power-adjustable front seats (8-way for the driver, 6-way for passenger.

With Cadillac marketing it as a “mid-size-plus,” the three-row family crossover centers on a luxurious, adaptable and connected cabin complemented by responsive handling and a comprehensive suite of standard and available safety technologies.

The 2021 XT6 is loaded Caddy-style, with a comprehensive suite of standard and available driver assistance and safety technologies, along with generous cargo capacity. XT6 is outfitted with the latest Cadillac user-experience items featuring intuitive controls including a rotary controller with new jog functionality. Additionally, the vehicle’s 9-speed automatic transmission offers four selectable driving modes, and both the Premium Luxury and Sport models offer customers available customized looks with unique exterior and interior distinction.

Some may call it boxy and others call it simple elegance, but XT6 architecture carries Cadillac’s look and big windows for good visibility. XT6 is large and high and measures 69.9 inches in height, 77.3 inches in width and 198.5 inches in length on a 112.7-inch wheelbase, with a 6.65-inch ground clearance. Curb weight goes from 4362 lbs. to 4690 lbs. depending on trim and drive configuration, and XT6 can trailer 4000 lbs.

Inside, XT6 plays on Cadillac’s elegant, upscale demeanor with wide surface lines and simple interfaces. Distinctive trim and interior colors exude the Premium Luxury and Sport models. Premium Luxury models are trimmed with exotic wood decor, while the Sport features performance-inspired carbon fiber trim.

Available comfort features help ensure that all passengers have a luxurious experience in every seating row, including Cadillac’s first Bose® Performance Series sound system with 14 custom-tuned speakers delivering immersive, powerful audio throughout the cabin. Additional available features include semi-aniline premium leather-appointed seating; Cadillac’s in-vehicle air ionizer; automatic heated/ventilated front seats and heated second-row rear outboard seats, and a standard automatic heated steering wheel.

Not as roomy as one would expect, the XT6 cabin provides only 39.8 inches of front headroom, 39.1 in row two and a child-worthy 37.2 inches in row three. Legroom follows at a good 41.2 in row one, 39.1 in the middle seats and only 29.5 inches in the tight third row. Shoulder room stretches out to 58.3, 57.4 and 53.5, but hip room gets really snug in row three with only 39.5 inches, after 56.1 in front and 55.7 in the middle seats.

XT6 power comes from one of two available engines. Premium horses come from a 3.6-liter V-6 direct-injection VVT engine with auto stop/start. Mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, the system delivers 310hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. In Front-Wheel-Drive, the engine is rated at 18mpg/city and 25mpg/highway, and in All-Wheel-Drive, the EPA estimate is 17/24.

New is the 2.0-liter turbo that gets 21mpg/city and 26mpg/highway. The inline-4 engine is good for 237hp an 258 lb-ft, of torque.

The quiet cabin remains hushed even when accelerating with ease while passing, and handling is similar to that of a smaller vehicle. The ride is cushioned well and smoothes out road irregularities, but steering is vague and times, and severe turns result in noticeable body waver.

While passing is powerful, track tests were slow, but steady, with a hand-timed 7.3-second zero-to-60mph sprint and a 15.7-second quarter-mile.

From a safety perspective, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has given the XT6 a five-star rating and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named it a Top Safety Pick+, that agency's highest honor. A host of driver-assistance features are available. Automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring are standard, while more advanced features such as adaptive cruise control and night vision are available as options.

The 2021 Cadillac XT6 in AWD Luxury trim starts at $51,790 with the 2.0-liter turbo engine. Premium Luxury and the 3.6-liter engine starts at $56,190 and the Sport trim starts at $59,490 in AWD (only) with the 3.6 and a few cosmetic and other minor additions. My test Premium Luxury XT6 in AWD added Dark Moon Blue Metallic paint for $625. Adding Jet Black Semi-Analine Leather Seating surfaces and real-time damping suspension and Reverse Automatic Braking was part of a huge package add-on included in the Platinum Package ($5000), The Technology Package   the rear camera mirror with washer($2350), the Driver Assist Package ($1300) and the Comfort and Air Quality Package ($750). The Cadillac User Experience with Navigation ($1000) and heated rear outboard seats ($500) were added to the options and packages that put an additional $11,250 onto the price. Destination charges of $1195 put the vehicle price at $66,870, but discounts and cash options are available.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

Redesigned in 2020, the Ford Escape, once the top-selling SUV in Ford’s arsenal and second in Blue Oval sales only to F-150, has slipped behind Explorer in sales, but the fourth-generation sports-ute is still the No.24-selling vehicle in the U.S. this year.

Once thought of as a “Baby Explorer” when it debuted in 2001, the Ford Escape made the small SUV segment its own, and soon developed its own following, personality, utility, look and feel.

For 2021, Escape, has increased the fuel economy for Escape 1.5L FWD models to 28 city/34 highway mpg, making for a combined fuel economy of 30 mpg. The Class II Trailer Tow Package is now optional on Escape models with the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2021 Ford Escape is available in trim levels S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. Additionally, the available Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ package now includes Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Speed Sign Recognition. 

Also new is expanded availability with new hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the SE and SEL models offered for 2021. The 2021 Escape Titanium now has the hybrid powertrain standard. 

Additionally, four new exterior colors have been added this model year, including Antimatter Blue, Bronze Fire, Carbonized Gray, and Iconic Silver. The new options join a handful of paint choices carried over from the previous model year, including Star White Metallic, Rapid Red Metallic, Velocity Blue Metallic, Desert Gold Metallic, Agate Black Metallic, and Oxford White.  

Four colors have been discontinued this year: Blue, Dark Persian Green, Ingot Silver, and Magnetic. 

The 2021 Ford Escape continues its aerodynamic design featuring a sloped roofline, optimized liftgate spoiler and efficient underbody. Escape’s architecture embodies sportiness, borrowing its shield-shaped trapezoidal grille from a similar sixth-generation Mustang inspiration, while the lower front end pays homage to Ford GT.

The 2021 Escape continues in its compact crossover footprint measuring 66.1 inches in height and 74.1 inches in width on a 106.7-inch wheelbase. Minimum running ground clearance is 7.9 inches and Escape has a curb weight range of 3298 lbs. to 3884 lbs. depending on trim and drive configuration.

The 2021 edition offers the same four powertrains as were available last year, including a standard hybrid and a plug-in variant, and iemploys technologies ranging from drive modes and driver-assist features to electric vehicle ingenuity and on-board connectivity.

Performance upgrades help make Escape a fun-to-drive sports-ute, with both its gas engine-powered models and the standard hybrid available with all-wheel drive. EcoBoost-equipped models get a quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth, responsive shifting, while every Escape sits on an accommodating suspension providing solid dynamics with an isolated rear subframe.

Available in either Front-Wheel-Drive or Intelligent 4WD, Escape’s engine choices include the direct-injection 1.5-liter EcoBoost® I-4 with Auto Start-Stop returns, rated at 181hp, with 190-lbs-ft of torque and a EPA estimate of 28mpg/city, 34mpg/highway and 30mpg/combined. The turbocharged direct injection 2.0-liter Twin-Scroll EcoBoost® inline-4 engine with Auto Start-Stop also returns this year, supplying 250hp and 280 lbs-ft of torque on premium fuel, with EPA estimates of 23/31/26. There is also a 2.5-liter FHEV iVCT inline-4 engine that delivers 165hp and 155 lbs-ft of torque with sequential multiport electronic fuel injection and the 2.5-liter PHEV gives you 200hp and is rated at (FWD) 44 mpg city/37 mpg highway/41 mpg combined.

My test vehicle was outfitted with the 1.5-liter and averaged 30.6mpg in mixed-use tests. My weeklong test on the highways, around town and some track tests showed good passing power with only slight delay. On the track, a steadily accelerating quarter-mile was accomplished in 16.1 seconds and the sprint from zero to 60 mph was a slow 7.8 seconds. Steering was carlike, the ride was soft for passengers and it handles like a family driver should.

Inside Escape’s sliding second-row seats enable best-in-class second-row legroom and as much as 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space. And Ford’s smartest-ever small SUV features selectable drive modes and Ford Co-Pilot360™ driver-assist technology. Available features include a 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster, a heads-up display and its driver-assist features Active Park Assist 2.0 and Evasive Steering Assist.

The cabin is upscale with seating for five. Accommodations continue to be tight for taller drivers, as headroom measures 40.0 inches in front and 39.3 in row two. Legroom can be stretched to a maximum of 42.4 inches in row one, while second-row passengers have 40.7 inches. Shoulder room is 57.6 in row one and 56.0 for row two.

The 2021 Ford Escape is available in five trims. The S trim starts at $24,885 with the 1.5-liter I-4 EcoBoost® engine and Sync® with 4.2-inch LCD Screen Display; the SE that I tested, starts at $26,610 with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost® and adding SYNC® 3 with 8-inch LCD Screen Display, 10-Way Power Driver with Heated Front Row, Intelligent Access with Push Button Start and more; the SE Sport Hybrid starts at $28,030 with the 2.5L iVCT Atkinson Cycle I-4 Hybrid Engine and more; the SEL trim starts at $29,205 with the 1.5, reverse sensing and a power liftgate; and the Titanium trim started at $33,755 in FWD with the 2.5-liter Hybrid, 10-Speaker Audio System and more.

My Escape SE added Rapid Red exterior paint for $395. Upgrading from FWD to all-wheel-drive added $1500; Ford Co-Pilot Assist™ added $695 for Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System with Pinch-to-Zoom Capability, and SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link®. Splash guards added $210; a Panoramic Vista Roof added $1495 and Destination Charges of $1345 for a price-as-tested of $32,250.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

 

The Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation raised more than $400,000 for Amyloidosis research and awareness in 2021.  Dollars came from Corvette lovers, friends of Chip Miller, those affected by the disease and those with a kind heart from around the world.  Now, the CMAF has an amazing new sweepstakes opportunity for 2022 as a means to further support the cause.

Running now (December 16, 2021) through 3 p.m. on October 1, 2022 donations are being accepted for the third annual Corvette Sweepstakes.  This time, the prize is the much talked about, highly sought after Corvette Z06.  The Z06 is a 2023 AND includes the Z07 performance package.  This amazing ride comes to the CMAF by way of Whitmoyer Auto Group of Mount Joy, Pennsylvania and will be a top-of-the-line performance car.

The Z06 has been the most anticipated sports car of the year.  It has the elegance and performance of a Corvette; with the style of a luxury car.  Adorned in Red Mist Metallic, this may be your only chance to get one, as pre-orders are nearly sold out.  Purpose-built for the track, but every bit a street machine, you’ll find a 670 HP V8 under the…trunk.  Your donation could see you piloting the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8 available, all while going from 0-60 in 2.6 seconds. 

What else makes this ride so amazing?  How about wider fenders, quarter panels, and facia than the Stingray?  Commanding meets functional with ground effects and rear high wing spoiler that optimizes aerodynamic drag and powertrain cooling efficiency.   But wait, there’s more.  There’s always more!  It comes with replaceable spoiler wicker bills, rear brake cooling ducts, removable front fascia panel, and front underwing stall gurneys for increased downforce.  This will help keep you ON the track as you blow past your competition.

“With the ultimate Corvette, the C8, launching just a couple years ago, Chevrolet has outdone themselves once again with their all-new Z06,” noted CMAF president and Corvette enthusiast Lance Miller.   “The performance of this vehicle will knock the socks off any car enthusiast and we are fortunate to lock in a Z06 build for this year’s Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation Corvette Sweepstakes,” continued Miller.  “One lucky person will win the choice of our Z06 build or the cash option ($75,000).  You can’t go wrong with either one,” added Miller.  “Please donate to this amazing cause and help us make a difference. My father passed in 2004 from this terrible disease and there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of him.”

Donation amounts vary for entry into the sweepstakes.  The base option is $25 and yields 12 tickets.  There are $50, $100, $250, $500, $100, $1,500 and $2,500 options too.  Each option includes exponentially more entries into the sweepstakes.  The winning name will be drawn at 4 p.m. on October 1.

Enter today and not only secure a chance to WIN A 2023 Z06 Corvette, but to also help the CMAF raise funds and awareness!  The chance to donate and get sweepstakes tickets, as well as details on all events supported by the CMAF can be found online at www.ChipMiller.org or via social media and the CMAF Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/AmyloidosisAwareness. 

Donate Today For Your Chance to Win

For more than 40 years, the Chevy Silverado was the No.2-selling vehicle in America. It has since dropped to No.3, but in the second quarter of this year, Silverado edged ahead of F-150 and (for that quarter) back into the No.2 slot, behind Ram.

But at No.2 or No.3, Silverado remains a leader on the American truck scene as it has been since 1918. Silverado launched as a trim level for Chevrolet C/K pick-ups and Suburbans in 1975, before becoming its own line in 1999.

Two years after a full redesign, Silverado for 2021 offers a truckload of new mechanical and technological updates, including the addition of an available Multi-Flex Tailgate, impressive trailering capacity and enhanced tech.

The Multi-Flex Tailgate offers Silverado customers six unique functions, allowing for easier access to bed cargo, enhanced loading solutions and a standing workstation. With a weight capacity of 375 pounds, different configurations for the Multi-Flex Tailgate activate using a key fob or two tailgate-mounted buttons, one for the full gate and another for the second-tier loading and storage options. Combined with the Silverado Durabed – featuring impressive cargo space, LED lighting, a 120-volt outlet and 12 fixed tie-downs – Multi-Flex makes the 2021 model the most functional and capable Silverado ever. The Multi-Flex Tailgate will be available in early 2021 on all new Silverado 1500 models.

The 2021 Silverado features increased conventional trailering capability for two of its most efficient engines, compared to the 2020 model year. The 2.7L Turbo adds thousands of pounds of trailering capacity to every configuration. The popular Crew Cab Short Box model increases its rating by 2,500 pounds to a max capacity of 9,300 pounds in two-wheel drive. A newly available Regular Cab Long Box model provides the maximum 2.7L tow rating of 9,600 pounds and ups Silverado’s overall max payload to 2,280 pounds in 2WD.

The 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel adds an additional 1,900 pounds of trailering capacity to nearly every configuration and provides the maximum capacity of 9,500 pounds to 2WD models

Enhanced Trailering Technology for 2021 adds up to 15 unique camera views – the most of any competitor – to help make trailering simpler. 2021 models also offer new or enhanced trailering technology, including Trailer Length for lane changing maneuvers; Jack-Knife Alert tracking the position of the compatible trailer in relation to the vehicle and provides an alert if a potential jack-knife situation is imminent; Cargo Bed View enhancement; Rear Trailer View now features guidelines and Trailer-Angle Indicator; Rear Side View enhancement with a split view and multiple trim and package upgrades.

Rugged, bold and not afraid to be boxy, my 2021 Silverado 1500 LTZ with a Crew Cab was outfitted with a short bed. The 5-foot-8-inch box, brought exterior measurements to 231.7 inches in length (the 6-foot-6-inch box adds 9.5 inches and the 8-foot box is not available with the Crew Cab). Silverado’s wide body is 81.2 inches wide and a tall 75.5 inches high (for the 4x4), and some trims are as much as 78.4 inches high. My test truck has a 147.4-inch wheelbase – some trims go 157.4. Ground clearance is 8.9 inches and step-in height measures 22.2 inches, while the Silverado LTZ’s base curb weight ranges from 4940 to 5090 with the 5.3-liter engine and 4x4 configuration that were set up on my truck.

Silverado provides six power options, varying from 6-speed to 8-speed to 10-speed transmission: a 4.3-liter V-6 with a six-speed automatic transmission, 285hp and 305 lb-ft of torque, rated at 16mpg/city and 21mpg/highway; 5.3-liter V-8 and six-speed, 355hp and 383 lb-ft of torque 15/city, 21/highway; 2.7-liter Turbo and an eight-speed automatic, 310hp and 348 lb-ft of torque, 20/city, 23/highway; 5.3-liter V-8 and an eight-speed automatic or 10-speed automatic, 355hp and 383 lb-ft of torque 16/city and 22/highway; 6.2-liter V-8 with a 10-speed automatic, 420hp and 460 lb-ft of torque 16/city, 20/highway; and a 3.0-liter I-6 turbo-diesel with a 10-speed automatic, 277 hp and 460 lb-ft, and rated at 23 and 33mpg.

My test Silverado LTZ came with the eight-speed 5.3 and it was responsive and powerful. Handling trucklike, but smaller than it appears, the Silverado attacks hills and gently moves in and out of traffic. From a speed perspective, we completed a zero-to-60mph sprint in 6.6 seconds and a quarter-mile in 16.1 (hand-timed). Parking takes strategy due to true size and blind spots, but on the road and soft road, Silverado’s independent coil-over-shock front suspension with twin-tube shocks coupled with a solid axle rear with semi-elliptic, variable-rate two-stage multileaf springs and splayed twin-tube shocks give driver’s road feel

EPA-rated at 16mpg/city and 22mpg/hwy with my AWD set-up my quick-accelerating tests complied an average of 19.9 mpg.

Silverado’s well-appointed, comfortable, safety-focused and tech-filled cabin is roomy, quiet and functional, with a sturdy cab structure. It is not left wanting for much infotainment. Its Crew Cab provides 43.0 inches of front headroom with 40.1 in the rear. Legroom is spacious, at 44.5 inches up front and 40.1 in the rear, while shoulder room measures 66.0 and 65.2 inches.

Silverado 1500 for 2021 is priced for and decked out for varied tastes and wallets. In long, standard and short beds with regular, double and crew cabs, with six power options, and in 2WD and 4WD, Silverado starts at $30,995. In eight trims, topping off with the High Country starting at $59,095, my LTZ was seventh up with a 5.3-liter V-8 staring at $53,095 with a short bed and 4WD.

Cherry Tintcoat exterior paint mated to a Jet Black perforated leather interior added $495.  The LTZ Premium package, discounted to $2660, for power sliding rear window with rear defogger, front buckets, power sunroof front center console, polished 20-inch wheels, 275/60R20 all-season, black wall tires Iand more. The Technology Package added $2070 for a rear camera mirror, 8-inch diagonal digital driver information center, HD Surround Vision and head-Up display. Four-inch chrome round assist steps added $1395. Destination and Freight charges of $1695 put the sticker at $59,370, but there are total cash allowance discounts of up to $1500, available, and my test truck came to $58,370, so check with your local dealer about incentives.

You can expect to see 100 years of Chevrolet trucks and all-things GM, stretching more than a century, from antique to classic to present and future, at the 2022 Carlisle GM Nationals, June 24-25 at the Carlisle (PA) Fairgrounds.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.  Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>