There are also three box lengths available: short (5'8") standard (6'6") and long (8')

As we descended a steep, heavily forested hill near Advocate Harbour, we

(Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

gave thanks for the precise steering. Excellent rack and pinion system replacing the previous recirculating ball setup handled the gravelly hairpin twisties and switchbacks easily. The steering gear is mounted to the engine cradle, providing extra control and enhanced road feedback.

Again, despite the rugged terrain, we were impressed with the lack of vibration and quality of sound absorption. This is achieved through a number of improvements. The new, stiffer frame helped reduce the gap between the cab and the box by more than 50%. The windshield is raked 50 degrees for improved aerodynamics and less wind resistance. The box itself, instead of having an inner and outer shell welded together, is stamped from one continuous piece of steel. There's extensive use of noise damping materials. Even the windshield wipers are flatter to reduce wind drag.

Although the Silverado and Sierra share the same bone structure and DNA, each has unique sheet metal and cabin design. (Combining the two

(Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

could possibly unseat the Ford F-150 from its top-selling position, but truck buyers are intensely loyal and the company didn't want to risk alienating long time badge supporters).

The Silverado features the large gold bowtie on a flatter grill with wide middle bar, a power-dome hood and squared-off fender arches, while the Sierra has the GMC badge mounted on a honeycomb grill and smoother wheel arches. Each has its own headlights and taillight treatment.

There are eight different engine configurations offered:

• 4.3L V-6 rated at 195 hp/260 lb.-ft. of torque .
• 4.8L V-8 with iron block; rated at 295 hp/305 lb.-ft. of torque
• 5.3L FlexFuel V-8 ,with iron block and Active Fuel Management, rated at 315 hp/338 lb.-ft. of torque
• 5.3L FlexFuel V-8 with aluminum block and Active Fuel Management, rated at 315 hp/338 lb.-ft. of torque
• 5.3L V-8 with aluminum block and Active Fuel Management, rated at 315 hp/338 lb.-ft. of torque
• 5.3L V-8 with iron block and Active Fuel Management, rated at 315 hp/338 lb.-ft. of torque
• 6.0L V-8 with aluminum block, variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management, rated at 367 hp/375 lb.-ft. of torque
• 6.2L V-8 with aluminum block and variable valve timing, rated at 400 hp / 417 lb.-ft. of torque (currently available only on GMC Sierra Denali)

Vehicles equipped with Flex Fuel capability can run on any combination of regular gasoline, and E85 -- a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent

(Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

gasoline. A renewable fuel produced from agricultural starch and sugar, primarily corn, it burns cleaner than regular gasoline, but delivers the same performance.

Flex Fuel capability is a nod to evironmental conscientiousness, but since the fuels aren't available here, and it's unclear when they will be, it remains just that - a nod.

Engines featuring Active Fuel Management conserve fuel by seamlessly shutting down four of the eight cylinders during light driving and hill descent.

All engines are mated to a four-speed Hydramatic transmission but the company has indicated that the 6 speed automatic from the Cadillac Escalade will eventually find its way into the Chevy truck line too.