Chevrolet may no longer use its “Like a Rock” tagline, but the 2011 Silverado HD certainly feels as if it’s fashioned from granite. In the ever-increasing heavy-duty pickup arms race, Chevrolet has made many significant improvements to its already formidable worksite battleships for the 2011 model year.

Taking a bottom-to-top approach, the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD gains an all-new frame that could gird bridge spans. Fully boxed, with larger cross sections and tubular cross members, the new frame also has an increased percentage of high-strength steel. The backbone improvements make the Silverado HD’s frame a much stiffer foundation for the completely new, independent front suspension.

Rendered from forged steel and cast iron, the suspension arms look like they’d be equally at home on a diesel locomotive. The super-durable construction also improves the load capacity of the front end. Bash over rocks at a job site or pound it mercilessly while plowing snow, the Silverado HD’s front suspension can shrug it off.

No matter what kind of violence is happening at the wheels, inside the cab of the Silverado HD, things have been retuned with an eye on increased serenity. Engine and transmission mounts have been upsized, and the significantly stiffer frame throws in to help quell vibration as well. Hydraulic body mounts further isolate occupants from external chaos, providing respite during toil.

A new heart adds muscle in the engine room as well. The new 6.6-liter turbocharged DuraMax diesel leads the heavy-duty pickup class in torque (a whopping 765 lb/ft) while also taking the fuel economy crown. The increased economy leads to a 63 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions, too. Fully compatible with B20 biodiesel, the DuraMax is teamed with an unburstable Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission to put all the torque to the job.

If your needs don’t require the turbodiesel, the 2011 Silverado HD can also be equipped with a 6.0-liter Vortec V8. Burning gasoline and sporting variable valve timing, the Vortec V8 has a revised camshaft profile to enhance torque delivery and drives through a newly strengthened Hydra-Matic 6L90 automatic transmission to make the best use of the brawn.

If your routine includes lots of towing, the Silverado HD has it covered. Nothing in the heavy-duty truck segment has a higher fifth-wheel rating than the Silverado HD’s 20,000 pounds. Conventional hitches aren’t far behind, either, at 16,000 pounds of capacity. Towing is enhanced by the DuraMax diesel’s exhaust brake. All Silverado HDs have trailer sway control, integrated trailer brake control, hill start and braking assist and automatic grade braking. All 2011 Silverado HDs are packed with the tools to confidently show the load who’s boss.

Don’t get the impression that it’s all work and no fun with the Silverado HD either. The exterior design alone is handsome and sculpted. This truck looks great whether it’s splattered in mud on the job or newly waxed on a lazy afternoon. Roomy extended cabs are easily accessed by rear doors that swing in a 170-degree arc, and cabins are filled with available technology like Bluetooth and standard OnStar (version 9). USB connectivity and mobile Wi-Fi are also available.

StabiliTrak electronic stability control’s safety chops are enhanced by a rear suspension that has been redesigned to keep towing a calm endeavor. The brawny frame improves crashworthiness, and there are plenty of airbags, too, including available seat/pelvic thorax and head side-curtain airbags for 2500HD models.

Strong like never before, filled with technology to make working easier, safer and more enjoyable, the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD stomps into the segment at the top of the class. Putting a cherry on top of the sundae is GM’s five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, the best out there. With an MSRP of only $27,965, just call it King of the Hill.