In the US, one category of vehicles that tends to get a lot of attention is that of high-performance pickup trucks. With their big and powerful engines, these so-called pickups are more like load-carrying sports cars. The Silverado SST Concept is Chevrolet's answer to the Ford SVT Lightning, a pioneer in this vehicle segment.
In a word, the Silverado SST is a pickup truck with the legs of a Corvette. The SST's engine is based on the 6.6-liter OHV Vortec V8, the most powerful in the Vortec series of engines, designed for use in GM's pickup and SUV range. Through tuning, the engine's maximum output has been boosted to 480 HP.
The transmission is the same T-56 6-speed manual as the Corvette's, and even the transaxle layout is exactly the same as in the Corvette. The front and rear suspension also borrows the same layout, but instead of leaf springs the Silverado SST employs a height-adjustable air suspension.
Additionally, the inclusion of mechanical extras like ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels and rack and pinion steering draws a clear dividing line between the SST and standard Silverado.
A Silverado SS Concept model was revealed around the same time as the SST, and Chevrolet introduced the SS into the market in 2003. But with power at only 340 HP, the SS was much tamer than expected.
Chrysler had begun offering the Dodge Ram SRT-10 as another competitor to the Ford SVT Lightning, so Chevrolet, fearing fierce competition in the 493 HP-class pickup segment, decided to leave the SST as a concept vehicle. Thus, the truck never made it to the market.