2009 Chevrolet Silverado

The Chevrolet Silverado has recently been knocking on the tailgate of the Ford F-150 for the crown of best-selling full-size truck as the Ford nears the end of its latest generation. To keep the Silverado competitive for 2009 -- the same model year when a new F-150 and Dodge Ram are coming to market -- Chevy is mating Silverados powered by the 5.3L, 6.0L, and 6.2L V-8 engines with a six-speed automatic transmission.

That last engine is a new entry to fill out the top end of the 2009 Silverado lineup. Available on crew cab models, the big E85-ready, 6.2L V-8 produces 403 hp, enough to knock the 5.7L, 381-horse Toyota Tundra from the title of most powerful full-size truck. The rest of the Silverado engines remain unchanged, with the 195-hp 4.3L V-6, 295-hp 4.7L V-8, 315-hp 5.3L V-8, and 367-hp 6.0L V-8 filling out a large family of trucks. As before, the Silverado can be ordered in three cab styles and three cargo box lengths from 5 ft 8 in. to a healthy 8-ft option.

On the lower end of the Silverado family, a vehicle stability enhancement system is now standard on all models except those equipped with the 4.3L V-6. Similarly, an integrated trailer brake controller is now available on all regular cab models except the 4.3L V-6. New 18- and 20-in. wheels can be paired with the new colors for 2009: Black Granite Metallic and Imperial Blue Metallic.

Silverado buyers who check the box for OnStar 8.0 get Turn-by-Turn Navigation and available Bluetooth connectivity. If you've opted for the navigation system, the XM NavTraffic real-time traffic feature is available. Extended cab and crew cab Silverados now come with the option of a rearview camera system regardless of whether the truck has a nav system -- the display is on the rearview mirror.

Are Chevy's changes to the 2009 Silverado enough to push it ahead of the Ford F-150 in sales? Now that the bottom of the pickup-truck segment has fallen out, anything is possible. One thing's for sure: Spreading a six-speed automatic transmission throughout the lineup will only help move the Silverado forward.