Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/637584
42 DIESELTECHMAG.COM MARCH 2016 DIESEL TECH Inspired by his hit song "Born Free," musician Kid Rock collaborated with Chevrolet to design a customized 2016 Silverado 3500HD dually Duramax that celebrates freedom and honors American workers. In his song, Kid Rock sings about traveling down rough roads and through mountains to chase his dreams, and the concept truck was designed in that spirit. And, true to its namesake, the concept also celebrates fun and freedom. The dual rear wheel Silverado Heavy Duty concept with a 6.6L Duramax Turbo Diesel V8 features Dazzling Black paint with a faded American flag graphic unfurled along the sides and a specially crafted oversized Chevy bowtie on the grille. The truck was first introduced back in November at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., where it joined other person- alized truck concepts on display. Partnership Chevrolet and Kid Rock were con- nected all summer long. Chevrolet spon- sored Kid Rock's 2015 summer tour and the musician's song "Born Free" has been used by Chevrolet dealers in their ads. For the auto giant, it seemed like a natural extension of that relationship to invite Kid Rock to contribute ideas to a concept Silverado truck. "The celebrities we've worked with understand their fans, and Kid Rock wanted to highlight that connection in this truck," said Director of Design Todd Parker. "It's a 'bad' looking truck. It's gung- ho U.S.A. with the bowtie as big as pos- sible for an in-your-face attitude. "He wanted a prominent Chevy bowtie on the grille, but we knew it would fill up a lot of the grille on this truck," added Chevrolet Designer Jason Bliss. "When he first suggested it, we were all thrown off a bit, but we developed it and it looks pretty cool." Backbone Of America Michigan-born Kid Rock has been endorsing his home state for years with songs like "All Summer Long" and oth- ers. He recently visited the Silverado HD assembly plant in Flint, Mich., to meet with the members of UAW Local 598, who built the truck, before driving it to Chevrolet's design studio to share his ideas for its cus- tomization. "The Flint plant—and everyone on the line—is the backbone of America," said Kid Rock. "I wanted the design for the truck to be bold, but with features and elements that wouldn't be out of reach for working-class guys." As a result, his Silverado features several enhancements, Kid Rock's customized Kid Rock's customized Kid Rock's customized Kid Rock's customized Kid Rock's customized Kid Rock's customized Kid Rock's customized Kid Rock's customized Kid Rock's customized Kid Rock's customized Kid Rock's customized Kid Rock's customized Kid Rock's customized Kid Rock's customized Kid Rock's customized Kid Rock's customized Kid Rock's customized Kid Rock's customized Kid Rock's customized Kid Rock's customized Kid Rock's customized Duramax Duramax Duramax Duramax Duramax Duramax Duramax Duramax Duramax Duramax Duramax Duramax By Roy Sparks