Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/637584
44 DIESELTECHMAG.COM MARCH 2016 DIESEL TECH including a custom chrome grille with the Born Free logo and the enlarged Chevy Bowtie emblem, chrome exhaust stacks and patriotic graphics. A unique execution of the patriotic motif was an idea the musician expressed at the start of the project. The designers and Kid Rock agreed that the truck should display an American flag but with an unconventional touch. Designers envisioned the stars and stripes flowing across the sides of the truck to lend an industrial flavor to the appearance. "With Kid Rock's input, we came up with a chrome-like sil- ver-metallic design that conveys an industrial, made-in-Detroit aesthetic that totally complements the other bold elements of the truck," added Parker. Additional exterior features include black metallic-flecked paint, 22-inch custom chrome wheels, tinted windows, chrome assist steps and a spray-in bedliner. Inside The Cab The interior further reflects Kid Rock's expressive style, with unique Sky Cool Gray leather-appointed surfaces with seat accents featuring metallic-appearing inserts patterned after acid-wash jeans. "We were showing him a variety of leather samples for the interior, and I had asked the supplier for a sample with a 'rock star' quality," recalled Chevrolet Designer Dominic Dowling. "So we included the Acid Wash Metallic leather sample in the assortment and Kid Rock went straight to that one." The interior also includes black carpeted floor liners and a blacked-out instrument panel with silver trim, Made in Detroit-logo sill plates and glovebox emblem, and a custom Kicker sound system. Weekend Fun "We asked him to think about a weekend activity he would enjoy if he had this truck and he wanted a couple of Quadskis," recalls Parker. So to round out Kid Rock's ride to freedom and fun was a pair of Gibbs Sports Quadskis, which were also on display in the Chevy booth at SEMA. The Quadskis convert from all- terrain vehicles to personal watercrafts and were secured on a trailer that was hitched to the Silverado 3500HD Duramax. With the 4WD dually configuration, it offers a class-leading maximum conventional trailering rating of 20,000 pounds and 22,600 pounds with a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch. Features such as integrated cruise control, powertrain grade braking and diesel exhaust braking enhance control and confidence when trailering. New for the 2016 Silverado HD is Digital Steering Assist power steering on select double cab and crew cab models. It helps make hauling and trailering easier with electronic controls that enhance road holding and stability on the high- way—particularly on crowned roads—regardless of whether the truck is loaded. It also offers greater responsiveness and an improved steering feel. "Visiting the Silverado factory was one of the coolest and most meaningful things I've done," said Kid Rock. "This truck is all about celebrating the people who build it and the free- dom it enables." KID ROCK BUILD SPECIFICATIONS Exterior • Dazzling Black flecked exterior paint with painted, faded American Flag graphic • Painted "Kid Rock" graphic on quarter panels • Concept grille design with enlarged Chevrolet bowtie • Concept lower grille and front bumper • Relocated tailgate handle to inside of bed • Oversized Black Chevrolet bowtie on tailgate • Chrome recovery hooks • 22-inch wheels • Tinted windows • Dual rear wheels • Chrome exhaust stacks • Spray-on bedliner • Unique chrome side step underneath bed quarter panel Interior • Sky Cool Gray leather-appointed seating with Acid Wash Metallic inserts • Sky Cool Gray leather door trim pads • Custom Liquid Switchblade instrument panel trim • "Made in Detroit" embroidered seatbacks Performance • 6.6L Duramax Turbo Diesel V8 engine with 397 horsepower and 765 ft/lbs. of torque • Allison 1000 6-speed automatic transmission DT