Callaway debuts first supercharged 2014 Silverado
Sun, 18 Aug 2013
Barely a month after we first told you about Callaway's plans for the new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, the Connecticut-based tuning shop has shown its first completed model. Using a Silverado, Callaway has fitted an Eaton TVS supercharger and developed a new calibration for GM's powertrain management system.
Improvements aside, we still haven't been told just how much more engine power is is available. Callaway says that information "will be released very soon." Initial targets for the 5.3-liter V8 saw a bump to 450 horsepower, up from 355 hp. If you just can't wait to snap up one of the supercharged trucks, authorized Callaway dealers are accepting orders on the Silverado and Sierra Crew Cabs with the 5.3-liter, supercharged V8 right now, and will expand ordering to the Extended Cab and Standard Cab models soon. Packages start at $17,395.
While GM's smaller V8 is about ready to go, Callaway isn't ignoring the bigger powertrains. It's taking the know-how from the 5.3-liter project, particularly with the engine management software, and is applying it to GM's upcoming 6.2-liter, V8-powered vehicles. By the end of the year, the Callaway Sierra and Silverado will be available with the 6.2, for those that need even more thrust. And of course, we can expect the highly anticipated Callaway Corvette to arrive by the end of the year, as well. Scroll down for the official press release from Callaway.
CALLAWAY ANNOUNCES FIRST SUPERCHARGED 2014 SILVERADO
Another first for Callaway, the specialist manufacturer has just developed a new version of the service-proven Eaton TVS supercharger for the 2014 Silverado/Sierra 5.3L. Shown in the attached photos with data collection instrumentation still attached, the Callaway system includes a new supercharger manifold and other hardware required for the new Chevrolet L83 "Eco-Tec" engine. Callaway engineers also developed calibration for the new-for-'14 GM electronic powertrain management system. Significantly different for 2014, the new electronics control Direct Injection, continuously Variable Valve Timing, Active Fuel Management and other engine functions.
While the new powertrain management system provided new challenges for Callaway's development staff, its additional control authority also provided improved refinement and integration of positive manifold pressure, through all the transient conditions of "normal" drive cycles. The Callaway Silverado's performance and drivability are nothing less than spectacular. The development project is now in the final stages of in-vehicle testing and validation; final horsepower and torque rating will be released very soon.
Developing the new Silverado/Sierra engine management calibration is especially important because the 2014 Corvette uses much of the same powertrain management architecture and controls. Lessons learned in developing the Silverado/Sierra system have been extrapolated to the new Corvette platform. Consequently, Callaway enjoys a significant headstart in developing the supercharged 2014 Callaway Corvette and Silverado/Sierra 6.2L.
Development is also underway for Silverado/Sierra optional equipment, such as suspension components for improved ride and handling, wheel and tire packages, brake systems and interior upgrades.
Authorized Callaway Dealers are ready to take orders for the new Callaway Silverado and Sierra 5.3L Crew Cab now, with Extended Cab and Standard Cab models following soon. Callaway will introduce the supercharged 6.2L-equipped 2014 Callaway Silverado, Callaway Sierra and Callaway Corvette later this year. Tahoe and Suburban for 2014, and their GMC Yukon, Yukon XL and Cadillac Escalade counterparts, are carried over from 2013 with only minor changes.
Callaway Cars is recognized worldwide for its distinctive, limited production, high performance cars and trucks. Supercharged Callaway Corvettes, Camaros and SportTrucks are "Powerfully Engineered" to produce breathtaking power while maintaining perfect drivability, unsurpassed reliability and 50-state emissions compliance. Standard equipment includes a comprehensive Callaway warranty that works in conjunction with GM factory warranties. All Callaway equipment is installed at Callaway's California and Connecticut factories, and Callaway cars and trucks are sold by a network of Authorized Callaway Dealers across North America. Callaway Silverado and Sierra packages start at $17,395. To find your local Callaway dealer, click here.
Callaway Cars Incorporated is an automotive engineering and manufacturing corporation specializing in high performance applications. Founded in 1976, the corporation's four core business units include Callaway Cars, Callaway Carbon, Callaway Engineering and Callaway Competition with facilities in California, Connecticut and Germany. The organization produces specialty vehicles, engineering services, and performance products that showcase technological sophistication, artistry in design, and beauty in craftsmanship.
By Brandon Turkus