2015 Chevy Silverado Joins Special Service Roster

With more and more next-gen vehicles joining law-enforcement fleets across the country, it was only a matter of time before a full-size pickup suited up for police duty, and that time is now for the 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500.

Well, that time actually will be this summer, when the 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Special Service Vehicle (SSV) goes on sale with a number of officer-oriented upgrades, including an enhanced electrical system. With a standard 170-amp alternator and an auxiliary battery that can deliver 730 cold cranking amps, that setup makes it easy for the 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500 to support typical police gear like computers, cameras, radios, flashers and more. Also helping matters are a standard 110-volt outlet and four integrated control switches, with power supply, for further equipment from upfitters.

Speaking of which, Chevrolet also will help facilitate “ship-through” options for those suppliers, simplifying the addition of light bars, sirens, partitions and other aftermarket upgrades.

Of course, the brand itself will provide a nice range of law-enforcement enhancements as well, including:

• Spotlights for driver and passenger
• Pre-wiring for grille lamps and sirens
• A flasher system for the Silverado’s headlamps/tail lamps
• Easier-to-clean vinyl rear seating
• Front seating without a center console, providing more open cabin space for police equipment
• An auxiliary dome lamp
• All-wheel drive operated via dash-mounted electronic switch

The SSV package will be available for the 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500 Crew Cab model, in either 1WT or 1LS trims, with rear- or all-wheel drive and a choice of either the standard 6’6” bed or a 5’8” bed length. Providing the power: a 5.3-liter V8 engine that makes 355 hp and 383 lb.-ft. of torque while also enabling best-in-class highway fuel-economy of 23 mpg, with that unit mated to a standard six-speed automatic transmission.

Further, as noted by Ed Peper, U.S. vice president for GM Fleet & Commercial: “Last year, the Silverado 1500 was awarded for its low cost of ownership, a key purchasing factor for municipalities and government agencies.”

“Nearly two-thirds of the Silverado SSV’s cab is made of high-strength steel,” he added, “and inlaid triple-sealed doors create a strong, quiet mobile workspace to conduct daily business.”