Chevrolet revealed its 2019 Silverado by airlifting the large pickup into the Texas Motor Speedway on Dec. 14 for a select group of automotive publications and consumers that included Automotive Fleet.

The new truck, which will be formally launched at the Detroit auto show in mid-January, will arrive in an increasingly competitive segment. Fiat Chrysler is expected to launch its next-generation 2019 Ram 1500 at the show. Ford updated the 2018 F-150's engine lineup, and will offer a diesel-powered model for the first time.

Chevrolet unveiled its 2019 Silverado during a celebration of 100 years of its pickup trucks, where some of the brand's most passionate owners brought their vehicles to the speedway. The trucks were arranged to spell out 100.

Arriving via helicopter, the 2019 Silverado's unveiling was the finale to the 100-year celebration, which featured guest speaker and NASCAR Team Chevrolet member, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Earnhardt drove his own Chevy truck, an S10, to join the "100" display.

Media and consumer were also able to take a hot lap around the Texas Motor Speedway and visit a display of Chevrolet's Heritage Fleet. 

Chevrolet's 2019 Silverado will arrive as "all new from the ground up," according to a release. It will provide improved capability and performance by using a higher-grade alloy in the steel bed's floor. Chevrolet is using a mixed materials strategy that will result in a significant reduction in weight and improved performance in several areas, according to Chevrolet.

The 2019 Silverado will be available in eight models, including the Silverado LT Trailboss that integrates the off-road equipment of the Z71 package and two-inch suspension lift.

Watch a video of the reveal here.