Chevy is aiming squarely between Ford's and Dodge’s eyes with the beefed-up, powered-up 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD full-size pickup. Legendary, not to mention class-leading towing capacities and superb off-road performance have, for some time, been the bailiwick of Ford’s F-250 and F-350 heavy haulers, as well as, to a marginally lesser extent, the Dodge HD lineup. Now, however, with a new turbodiesel V8, fully boxed frame, and beefed-up suspension, Chevy’s Silverado lineup is staking a claim to best-in-class towing for 2011. The 2011 Silverado 2500HD is still available in three trims, the basic Work Truck, mid-level LT, and high-end LTZ. Each trim is available with part-time four-wheel drive (4WD), while both the Work Truck and LT are available with one of the three cab configurations: Regular cab; Extended cab, with rear-opening back doors; or Crew cab, with four independently opening doors. The LTZ comes in either the Extended or Crew cab. Regular cab trims mount an 8-foot bed (LB), while Extended and Crew cab trims can be found with either the LB or standard 6.5-foot bed (SB).

Though much changed beneath the hood and cabin, these spiffy pickups look much the same as the 2010 trucks, though subtle changes to the grille, wheel flares, and hood design make for a slightly retro and more muscular appearance.

Standard power for the 2011 Silverado 2500HD lineup comes from a 6.0-liter, variable-valve-timed gas V8 managed by a six-speed auto-manual transmission with brake hill holder. This combo manages to throw down 360 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, can haul up to 14,500 pounds of trailer and 5,700 pounds of payload, and comes with standard auxiliary engine and transmission-fluid cooling. A new-for-2011 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 comes with an Allison six-speed auto-manual transmission with electronic engine braking and a tow-haul mode. This potent drivetrain will put out 397 hp and a stunning 765 lb-ft of torque, good enough to haul up to 20,000 pounds with the available fifth-wheel configuration. EPA figures are unavailable as yet for either engine.

Standard appearance, comfort, and convenience features for the 2011 Silverado 2500HD Work Trucks include 17-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, tilt-wheel steering, and AM/FM radio with four speakers. Extended cab and crew cab trims also carry standard fold-down rear bench seats. The LT trims, meanwhile, toss 17-inch alloy wheels, premium cloth upholstery, power accessories, including remote door locks, heated mirrors, cruise control, OnStar communications and navigation, single CD-player with six speakers, and XM satellite radio, as well as leather and simulated alloy accents onto the pile. The top-shelf LTZ goes even further, with 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, leather upholstery, heated power-adjustable front bucket seats, dual-zone climate control, driver memory settings, Bluetooth hands-free communication technology, seven Bose premium speakers, and a USB connection.

Options across the lineup include heavy-duty trailering equipment and fifth-wheel trailer hitch installation. The LT and LTZ trims, additionally, are available with remote engine start, a 6-CD changer, the popular Z-71 Off-Road Package, 20-inch wheels, rear-view camera, rear parking sensors, DVD navigation, and a power-sliding rear window. The LTZ adds an available power sunroof and rear-seat DVD entertainment.

In addition to its size and heft, the 2011 Silverado 2500HD carries such standard safety equipment as bulked-up four-wheel disc ABS, traction and stability control, daytime running lights, and a post-collision safety system. The LT and LTZ also carry the OnStar Safety Notification and Collision Alert systems, while the LTZ is equipped with turn-signal-integrated outside mirrors and front fog/driving lights. Front and rear head airbags are optional throughout the lineup.

Owners gripe about the 2010 Silverado 2500HD’s lack of a standard bed liner, iffy mileage, and the hefty climb to the cabin, with no factory side steps available. A further complaint has been alleviated with the introduction of the turbodiesel V8. Looks, however, as well as a rugged build, quiet, quality interior, and a strong gas-powered V8 are why most owners picked the Silverado 2500HD over the Fords and Dodges of the world.