Chevrolet Unveils the 2016 Silverado 3500HD Kid Rock Concept: A Celebration of Freedom and American Workmanship
In an intriguing blend of industrial design and patriotism, Chevrolet recently took the wraps off the 2016 Silverado 3500HD Kid Rock concept. This bold, unique truck is the result of a collaborative effort between the famed American musician Kid Rock and Chevrolet. The truck's design draws its inspiration from Kid Rock's chart-topping anthem "Born Free," and honors the hardworking Americans who assembled it.
Meet the Creators
What makes this model remarkable is the cross-industry collaboration that brought it to life. Kid Rock, a Michigan native, visited the Silverado HD assembly plant in Flint, Michigan, where he interacted with the UAW Local 598 union members responsible for constructing the vehicle. This direct involvement of the rockstar allowed him to share his design vision for the truck, aiming to make it bold yet accessible to the working-class American.
The "Born Free" Exterior
The Silverado 3500HD Kid Rock concept offers a grand visual spectacle. The most striking feature is a custom chrome grille emblazoned with the "Born Free" logo, paired with an oversized Chevy Bowtie emblem. Chrome exhaust stacks and patriotic graphics elegantly drape the vehicle's sides, manifesting Kid Rock's vision of a uniquely executed patriotic motif. Additional external enhancements include a black metallic-flecked paint job, 22-inch custom chrome wheels (about 56 centimeters), tinted windows, chrome assist steps, and a robust spray-in bedliner.
Industrial Chic Meets Comfort: The Interior
Inside, the Silverado 3500HD Kid Rock concept echoes Kid Rock's distinctive style. The cabin features Sky Cool Gray leather-appointed seats adorned with metallic-appearing inserts reminiscent of acid-wash jeans, a design that melds comfort and industrial chic. The interior boasts black carpeted floor liners, a blacked-out instrument panel accented with silver trim, and "Made in Detroit" logo sill plates and glovebox emblem. A custom Kicker® sound system rounds off the package, delivering the concert-level sound fidelity that one would expect from a vehicle associated with a rockstar.
Power, Control and Freedom
The Kid Rock Concept vehicle stands not just as a symbol of freedom, but as an exemplar of power and control. Under the hood sits the proven Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel engine, coupled with the Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission. With a 4WD dual-rear-wheel configuration, this beast of a truck offers a maximum conventional trailering capacity of 20,000 pounds (about 9,072 kilograms), and an impressive 22,600 pounds (about 10,251 kilograms) when using a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch.
Advanced technologies further enhance the truck's prowess. The 2016 Silverado HD introduces the Digital Steering Assist power steering on select double cab and crew cab models. This feature brings improved control and stability while hauling and trailering, making the ride smoother and more responsive, particularly on crowned roads.
Concluding Thoughts
The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Kid Rock concept vehicle encapsulates the spirit of freedom and the robust workmanship of the American auto industry. Kid Rock's visit to the Silverado factory not only underscored the importance of the workers who build these vehicles but also brought forth a unique interpretation of a workhorse vehicle that is deeply rooted in American tradition and values.
