Greenlight 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Rally and 2017 Chevrolet Bolt

These two castings are no strangers here on this blog as they have been reviewed here before, but these two have some firsts: for the Silverado it’s the cool Rally package, while the Bolt is the first electric vehicle for the Greenlight line.

The Silverado has been used quite a bit in the Greenlight line since its introduction in 2015 and now joins a new updated 2016 version for 2017 as well.  This Rally edition package has been done before at Greenlight, but not as good as this version which features lifted front and rear axles from the All-Terrain line on a gloss black metal base and gloss black 6-spoke wheels that give this truck some needed attitude.  The Rally edition is a special edition package that in addition to the blacked-out wheels also includes black stripes on the hood, tailgate, and black bowties and on red paint it looks pretty good here.  The front also gains a body-colored grille that helps break up the all-chrome front of other Silverado variations and is joined by a mesh grille openings, square headlights, and lower chrome bumper with foglights.  The sides add slightly flared fenders, SILVERADO on the doors, and black window trim, while the rear has red taillights, chrome bumper with GM plate, and open cargo area with spray-in bedliner.  The interior seats five and the dashboard layout is modern and easy-to-use, while the power trains can range from the weak 5.3 to the stronger 6.0L V8 motors through a six-speed automatic and through a part-time four-wheel drive system.  With the lifted suspension this truck seems to be better suited for heavy duty applications of hauling or off-roads though it would be nice to see wheels that don’t wobble when rolled.  Now if only a Silverado Heavy Duty would be made to compete against the new Ram and Ford castings.

As for the Bolt it is the first mass-electric vehicle that is priced at $30,000 and very practical to use.  Unlike the Volt where media coverage was consistent throughout the development when GM was going through bankruptcy, the Bolt was developed quietly and surprised a few even Tesla who had a Model 3 coming out shortly at the time.  No compromises here as the Bolt uses a five-door hatchback similar to a comparable Honda Fit with an interior that can seat five people and haul lots of cargo thanks to batteries placed low in the floor.  The dashboard layout has a very familiar GM look with the exception of the digital gauges and center console shifter, while the electric motor is located up front and can deliver 250 miles on one full charge.  Maisto was first with the pull-back 1:43 (which will have opening doors next year) and reviewed here on this blog, but for those looking for a smaller scale this Greenlight version will do and it was actually released first as an Auto Show promo in orange with this blue version the first mass-market release.

Unlike the Maisto version Greenlight at lease put some black accents to the 5-spoke wheels and did a great job of adding the rest of the details.  The front has clear headlights that attach to a faux silver grille and a lower one next to the signal lights, while the sides have lower silver trim, Bolt badges, and window trim that creates a floating effect on the D-pillar.  The rear has taillights that are part of the rear window design, gold bowtie logo, and signal and reverse lamps located on the rear bumper, while the interior has seating for five with detailed seats, 3-spoke steering wheel, stand-up digital gauge panel, center infortainment screen, and center console with shifter.  So far, so nice until you get to a few major setbacks: there is no charging door detail on the left front fender (I added it myself) and the base has the correct setup with the exception of an exhaust system snake coming out of the front to the rear bumper when this is an all-EV vehicle (there is no range extender engine).  Might not be as popular as other models (the Volt casting was a pegwarmer), but it is a very nice piece to add to your collection.