http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/archives/2010/05/webchat_2011_chevrolet_silverado_gmc_sierra_hd_pic kups_with_rick_spina.html


10:53
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifModerator:
Good morning and welcome to chat!
10:54
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifModerator:
Rick will join us in a few minutes. Please get your questions ready.

10:54
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Matt Sturtevant Matt Sturtevant : ]
Good morning to you too!

10:57
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Marcus Thompson Marcus Thompson : ]
good morning!

10:59
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifModerator:
Rick is here and ready for your questions.

10:59
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
Morning.....sorry to be "almost" late.

11:00
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Matt Sturtevant Matt Sturtevant : ]
I'm a salesman at Martin Bros. Chevrolet in Arcade New York so I will have a few questions on the behalf of my customers

11:00
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
Where is Arcade?

11:00
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Matt Sturtevant Matt Sturtevant : ]
it is about 45 minutes South of Buffalo

11:01
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
What kind of things are you wondering about?

11:03
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
Ahh...does Rte. 17 make it that far West? It's been a while since I've been through there....


11:04
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifModerator:
Matt ,while you are typing your questions. We will take another.

11:05
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Truckguy Truckguy : ]
Why keep IFS on a heavy duty 4x4 pick-up truck? We have lost many severe duty customers to Ford and Dodge due to GM’s light front suspension. Yes, the GAWR may be higher on the 2011 IFS HD but in real word actual strength out in the oil fields it does not compare to solid live axles.

11:05
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifLisa Hutchinson:
The durability and toughness of the suspension really shouldn't be dictated whether it is IFS or not, Many years ago Chevy would have said "knee action" front suspension was the only way to got but the industry moved past that and the poor ride quality and capability of a solid front axle in this class of truck. We have dramatically strengthened every component on this front end and are confident with its strength and that Ford and Dodge will go this way with time.

11:06
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
Thanks for the assist, Lisa!

11:07
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Marcus Thompson Marcus Thompson : ]
when you say the truck will be smoother in the transmission what is it you have done to get rid of the slamming into gears

11:09
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
We have modified the revised torque converters , input shafts, and friction plates in the Allison. These upgrades enabled us more flexibility to work with the shift calibrations so we could smooth them out

11:09
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From exgmfan exgmfan : ]
Do any of GM engineers or designers actually use pickups in real world situations such as pulling several thousand pound loads up hills?

11:11
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
Absolutely! Our development guys love to hang out around I 70 West of Denver....and driving these things without a load is a bit of a waste of talent! We will be showing these to the press in big numbers soon....and all of that will be done in the Penn/Maryland/WVa area so that we can show off on the ups and downs of the Appalachians!

11:12
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Matt Sturtevant Matt Sturtevant : ]
One of my reps told me that there will be a new additive that will have to be added to the trucks to make them burn cleaner.

11:12
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Matt Sturtevant Matt Sturtevant : ]
Well, first off, its great to see that the new HD's will have more power and torque but, what will that do the MPG

11:15
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
As to fuel efficency........We've focussed really carefully on the combustion chambers in the diesel heads, among other things. Squeezing more complete combustion out of every drop is paramount....interestingly, more complete and controlled combustion yields BOTH better economy AND more power! Idle speeds are dropped, and the DPF (particulate filter) cycling is dramatically reduced so we don't have to inject downstream diesel nearly as often as before. We've also done some aero work on the front end.

11:15
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
We see about 11% improved fuel economy...(highway) in our testing
h

11:15
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Jason Adams Jason Adams : ]
Will the 2011 be longer and wider than the HD trucks in the past?

11:16
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
Basically, we're the same size as before.

11:16
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Marcus Thompson Marcus Thompson : ]
WHY MAKE A 2500 HD dENALI ISNT IT A LITTLE REDUNDANT AND IS IT GOING TO BE AN ALL WHEEL BASED TRUCK

11:17
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
The Denalli will offer a 2wd and a 4wd both. Can you explain your thought about "redundant"? I'm not sure I know what you mean

11:18
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From MICHAEL VOJACEK MICHAEL VOJACEK : ]
WILL THE 2500 SERIES SUBURBAN BEEN BUILT ON THE NEW HD CHASSIS, IF NO WHY NOT.

11:18
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
I know, but I can't tell you, sorry!

11:18
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Steven Steven : ]
Will the same improvements to the HD frames be applied to the 1500 trucks since it's been rumored that there won't be a new redesigned truck until 2013?

11:19
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Jason Adams Jason Adams : ]
I live in Denver and that I 70 West of Denver is a GREAT place to test these trucks! There are hills, turns, and steep grades that if you do not have the right equipment then you will have problems...

11:20
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
Steven: Well....the LD frame is already fully boxed, and some of the same design practices are shared. (suspension approach, for example, in some cases.) As for when new ones come out, sorry, again,......I know but I can't tell you! Glad you're interested though.

11:21
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
Jason: thanks, we think so too. Our guys were geeked when , under light traffic, they found they could run the pass both directions with the cruise on and a 12K trailer ...and never touch the accelerator OR brake pedals all the way.
("smart" exhaust brake and trans brake)

11:22
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Robert Robert : ]
Hi, im a salesperson for Butts Chevrolet/Cadillac in Seaside, CA, What Engine options, and rear axle ratios will come in the new trucks?

11:22
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
6.0L and 6.6D duramax......both with 3.73 or 4.10.

11:22
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
6.0L is gas, by the way....

11:22
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Truckguy Truckguy : ]
I commend the Chevrolet team for cleaning up the frontend appearance of the Silverado. Looks much better for 2011. Next reskin, would like to see the body style toned down (more in line of the GMC body style) and the doors corrected. Many people have negative comments on the door bottoms of the GMT900. No protection where the door edge runs parallel to the road inviting chips and ultimately rust.

11:23
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
Message received Truckguy!

11:24
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
My bad.....Diesel only comes with 3.73 axle..........sorry

11:25
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Matt Sturtevant Matt Sturtevant : ]
Ok, that is good to know. A lot of my customers and myself were a little worried about MPG in the new HD's. I had 2 Diesel's on my lot for a little while and I have every dealer in the country asking for them.

11:27
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Brian Brian : ]
Do to all the problems that I've experienced with the All-Wheel-Drive setup on the Denali 1500's...and the Escalades........why not offer them with the regular transfer case? This would reduce warranty costs, improve MPG and customer satisfaction

11:27
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
Brian: You're asking a good question. I will go back and look into this......I don't have an answer at the moment. My apologies.

11:27
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From ChevybeatsFord ChevybeatsFord : ]
What size wheels will be available

11:28
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
17's and 18's on the 3500, and 17's, 18's, and 20's on the 3/4 tons!

11:28
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From ChevybeatsFord ChevybeatsFord : ]
Will we say any demos of the new silverado hd verses the new ford super duties

11:29
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
We are looking forward to head-to-head competitions! We know, for example, that the guys at PickupTrucks.com (http://pickuptrucks.com/) are planning something and we hope it's soon!

11:29
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From exgmfan exgmfan : ]
I realize you can't divulge future developments but I reeeeaaaly hope you offer a stick shift again someday.

11:33
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
As to manual transmissions.....yes, we recognize that some drivers still prefer them. Sadly, however, the realities of meeting all the very strict emissions requirements in today's world require remarkably big amounts of engineering time, talent, and money. Manuals are MORE difficult to keep within emissions guidelines due to quicker on/off throttle applications. The low demand for manuals coupled with the higher costs to develop and certify make it a poor way for us to spend money. Sorry to disappoint.

11:35
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Truckguy Truckguy : ]
It is exciting to see how well GM is competing with respect to the diesel engine trucks. In reality, the industry is already seeing a major slowdown in diesel truck sales thanks to the new diesel regulations, increased powertrain cost, complexity (urea), reduced MPG and dependability. What is GM doing to improve the gasoline powertrain to fill the gap abandon by the loss of the 8.1L? While the 6.0L is a great engine… the truck could use an engine with low RPM torque just like we had with the 8.1L. We need a diesel alternative.

11:36
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
We are looking at "what comes next" for a gas engine beyond the 6.0L, yes. As for other parts of your note...the '11 Duramax/Allison combo is not priced higher than what we were doing in '`10 even though we've added a Urea injection system and more torque/hp. (and fuel economy is actually improved this time!)

11:37
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Brian Brian : ]
The Allison is so sweet....do we really need a stick? Just keep improving the Allison. Keep it the Best in the Industry!

11:37
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
It's good to be King!

11:38
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From ChevybeatsFord ChevybeatsFord : ]
How do you guys feel about the dodge ram 2500 being truck of the year? Do you feel that the people over at Motor Trend are just picking out of a hat as the old HD still could beat the Dodge 2500?

11:39
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
No, we don't think Motor Trend guys pick out of a hat. They always work to justify their choices. Sometimes we even agree with them!

11:39
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Matt Sturtevant Matt Sturtevant : ]
I was told that the cost of the Diesel's were going to be higher, so that is just a rumor?

11:39
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
Yes, it's a rumor.

11:39
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From ChevybeatsFord ChevybeatsFord : ]
What percentage of Bio-Diesel can the truck accept?

11:39
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
WE've certified up to B20!

11:41
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Matt Sturtevant Matt Sturtevant : ]
I guess I will have let my sales rep know that. That is another good thing to hear that they won't cost more than '10.

11:41
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Mike Mike : ]
Other than the Denali, is anything new being done to differentiate the Chevy from the GMC HD lines?

11:42
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
The differentiation between our two brands for '11 is similar to '10...other than addition of the Denalli at the top of the GMC lineup.

11:43
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Brian Brian : ]
When something isn't right....can't we spend a little more effort to correct the problem now instead of saying that we'll take care of that in the next redesign?

11:43
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Brian Brian : ]
I'm glad to see the vented hood look on the new GMC. Looking Muscular isn't a bad thing!

11:44
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
I'm not sure what you're referring to? (also, remember that time is a factor in some things, too, not just money....redoing some things takes a remarkably long time.)

11:44
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
Thanks, Brian, we like it too. Would you like us to offer a chrome one maybe?

11:44
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Kurt Roberts Kurt Roberts : ]
How big is the urea tank, how long will it last andhow much to fill it?

11:46
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
Kurt: the tank holds 5.3L gallons. Range varies a lot based on the atmosphere/weather (really!) and the drive cycle. "ON average", the range is about 5000 miles. The DEF price, right now, varies widely! We hear $4/gallon pretty often. We're asking the OnStar gang to track availibility in the beginning so that our drivers can always find the stuff.

11:46
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Brian Brian : ]
An example is the noisy clunk in the steering shafts in almost all GM vehicles. We know there is a problem yet it takes years to correct it.

11:49
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
Brian: I think this clunk is the intermediate shaft "stick" noise that we had. I believe we've gotten it fixed on everything we build now. This kind of problem is really tough for all of us....does not show up until "exposure" in the world ( time/miles) and varies based on manufacturing differences. By the time we find it and develop a fix, tens of thousands of cars/trucks are out there! Rarely are we not working on something like this for money reasons! We don't say "ahh,, the heck with it, it's too expensive to fix!" honest.

11:49
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From ChevybeatsFord ChevybeatsFord : ]
What is the ratio of each of the 6 gears on the diesel?

11:50
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRIck Spina:
Allison Trans Gear Ratios
1-3.10
2-1.81
3-1.41
4-1.00
5-0.71
6-0,61

11:50
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Marcus Thompson Marcus Thompson : ]
DID YOU GUYS RE TOOL THE ENTIRE ENGINE FROM THE PREVIOUS ENGINE THAT WAS IN IT??

11:51
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Brian Brian : ]
This is already half way over. Are there really no questions or does it take this long to process them all????

11:51
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
The gas engine is mostly "not" new. The diesel has a lot of new parts, but not everything.

11:52
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
I can only type so fast!

11:52
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
maybe I'll bring my teenagers with me next time...they are faster.

11:52
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Kurt Roberts Kurt Roberts : ]
What is the horse power and torque for the 2011 Duramax?

11:52
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRIck Spina:
Duramax Diesel Horsepower is 397 and torque is 765 ft-lbs

11:53
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Marcus Thompson Marcus Thompson : ]
lol

11:53
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From ChevybeatsFord ChevybeatsFord : ]
Or you could get Dragon Naturally Speaking

11:53
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Brian Brian : ]
Ha ha ha.....that would be if they were texting!!!! My kids make fun of me too.

11:56
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Kurt Roberts Kurt Roberts : ]
Have you released to GCWR towing for the 2011 Duramax 1 ton crew cab 4x4

11:56
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRIck Spina:
Kurt, max GCWR 1-ton dually crew cab 4x4 is 29,200 lbs. max 5th wheel trailering is 21,100 lbs and max conventional trailering is 17,000

11:56
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Brian Brian : ]
Rick, what are your feelings on our interior choices. Have you looked at these interiors after they've been on the road a year or two or three?

11:57
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
I understand your concerns on interior choices.

11:57
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From ChevybeatsFord ChevybeatsFord : ]
Did I read correctly that there will be a button shifter?

11:58
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
I don't think we have anything I'd refer to as a button shifter? Not sure what you might have read..maybe pushing the button for the smart exhaust brake?

11:58
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Matt Sturtevant Matt Sturtevant : ]
What do you guys expect in the single real wheel 3500HD's for towing? I know some of my customers don't want the dually, so will the single wheel 3500HD's still be able to pull around the 20,000Lbs?

11:58
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
For a SRW 5th wheel goes up to 17,300.......conventional up to 13k.

11:59
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifRick Spina:
Ok guys...sorry I did not answer all the questions. (I only took the easy ones). My fingers are tired...I"m gonna go eat!

11:59
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gif[Comment From Matt Sturtevant Matt Sturtevant : ]
Ok, thank you.

12:01
http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c71692/templates/coveritlive/images/spacer.gifModerator:
This concludes today's web chat. Thanks for your participation. Join our Chevy Silverado and GMC Facebook Fan Pages for more information.