The Chevvy Silverado has always been the apex predator in the pickup pack, even before it had a name it was the pickup of choice. Born in 1930, these ancestors always put practicality first. Tailored for masculine duties, they gave their clients a choice between four wheel and rear wheel drives.

The title of 'Silverado' was used only to detail a trim. General Motors, the grandfather of the range, named them with variations of 'Sierra' until 1987. Until 1999, C and K were designated for four and rear wheel drives respectively. Later Sierra was the title given to luxury options while Silverado described the 'standard' pickups.

Chevrolet Silverado has never been standard, despite its misnomer. The debut Silverados of 1999 was styled to please while simultaneously growling with testosterone. While the highest output offered a 6.0 liter V8 Chevrolet Silverado, Chevvy Silverado 2500HD and 3500 offered a quadrasteer option that tuned down the turning circle to ten feet less than other pickups.

This was the era for the low flash, high function superstar, the half ton. This was a true work horse with performance that overwhelmed competitors and is still more than adequate for today's high demand needs. Its cabin received less attention than its engine, though. Cluttered with cheap materials and poor ergonomics, this was not a monster for the whole family and dads would get to have it to themselves.

The cabin has been the bane of the Chevvy Silverado since its introduction. Materials for its interiors have always been scruffy--until now. It's on the outside that it has exceled. Power trains are made for longevity, superb handling and hushed, refined driving have been the calling cards of this model from its first birthday.

2012 unwrapped an entirely new generation of Chevrolet Silverados to entice those who wanted pickups with wicked grins on the outside and warm hearts on the inside. 2012's trio have exactly such dual personalities. On the exterior, they're vicious enough to stunt-double as the bad guys in Hollywood movies. Their interiors supply enough luxury and comfort to satisfy the fussiest soccer moms. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab, Extended cab and Regular Cab are 2012's solutions to Chevvy's predecessors' lackluster interiors.

This year's introductions are decidedly plush, bragging a range of trim ranks from no frills to five star luxury. The midrange has received the most interest from consumers but the top dog has air conditioning, a CD player, a navigation system and power accessories. As always, their silent drive and smooth handling contradicts their monstrous capacities on the road. They switch effortlessly from automatic to heavy duty tow mode and from gasoline to E85. The Chevrolet Silverado is a multifaceted creature indeed.

This year that lop sided quality has been resolved. 2013 is offering even greater promises for Chevrolet. The up and coming Silverado 1500 is a hybrid with virtuous handling and a larger engine and its gas mileage is as savvy as any light vehicle. Its little brother will have cylinder deactivation for flex-fuel capacity. With the Chevrolet Silverado, surprises are always on the way.