Inspired by a rich heritage of breaking new ground in function and style, the thunderstone metallic Cheyenne is a statement of what a new generation of full-size trucks can be. Cheyenne combines ruggedly elegant styling with new levels of cargo-carrying versatility for personal and business use.

A significant component of rugged elegance is the Cheyenne’s proportions, created by focusing on the interior environment of the cab and maximizing the visible space for versatility and comfort. The cab is thrust forward on the extruded aluminum chassis for a more commanding presence. Positioning the wheels at the corners telegraphs stability and cargo capability.

Cheyenne uses an independent rear suspension and rear-wheel-steering system, similar to the QS4 system used in some of today’s GM vehicles, for enhanced maneuverability. Together, the two innovations help enable the Cheyenne’s next mission – function.

The bed is accessible by two side-access doors positioned directly behind the cab, in addition to a traditional tailgate.

The tailgate has evolved to open fully in the traditional manner, or half open for loading small cargo or to create a work shelf. The bed floor is just 28 inches above the ground, significantly lower than even today’s two-wheel-drive Silverado. This was made possible by the independent rear suspension configuration.

The hood is a front-hinged clamshell design that opens to provide full access to the front compartment, including the supercharged all-alloy 6.0-liter Vortec engine, which generates 500 horsepower and 580 lbs.-ft. of torque. The V-8 engine also is suitable for GM Powertrain’s Displacement on Demand (DOD) technology,debuting in 2004 on some 2005 GM models. DOD shuts down half of the cylinders during most driving conditions, and automatically and seamlessly reactivates them for more demanding conditions, such as brisk acceleration or load hauling. When opened, the hood also exposes the all-new aluminum alloy control arms and Fox coil-over remote reservoir shocks, which provide Cheyenne immense off-road capability as well as refined manners.

Cheyenne rides on unique BF Goodrich 35-inch tires mounted to 22-inch wheels. Six-piston calipers with 15-inch rotors on the front wheels slow the truck, along with four-piston calipers with 14.75-inch rotors on the rear.

Story by General Motors Corporation