Spy Shots: GM's heavy-duty pickups
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GM has stated that it will be rolling out the full lineup of Silverados and Sierras early next year, and judging by this spy shot of what looks to be a production-intent Sierra 2500HD, fans of heavy hauling indeed will not have to wait long.
What we see is of little surprise - the sheetmetal appears to be largely carried-over from its half-ton brethren, but we wouldn't be shocked if there's another inch or two of hood budge hiding underneath the camo. The interior will also be brought over from the 1500 lineup. The independent front suspension remains, although we'd expect it to employ somewhat more massive components than the lighter-duty version. What we don't see yet is whether GM will use its new coil-over spring and rack-and-pinion steering architecture, or if the new HDs will continue to use torsion bars and a recirculating-ball steering box.
Don't expect much in the way of powertrain changes at the top of the lineup, as the Duramax already possesses class-leading horsepower (360 hp) and torque (650 ft-lbs.), and the existing six-speed Allison transmission does a great job harnessing that power. The 6.0L LY6 version of GM's GenIV pushrod V8 with approximately 350 hp and 380 ft-lbs. of torque will most likely be the base engine, and will be backed by the 6L90E heavy-duty version of GM's new corporate automatic transmission. A twin-turbo variant of the Duramax is rumored to be coming by the end of the decade for those who are not yet confident that they can tow their house around the block.
UPDATE: The folks at Cheers & Gears have some shots of the GM HD pickups in the open from this week's official introduction.
[Source: Popular Mechanics, GM]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
BigPontiac 11:15PM (8/03/2006)
The GM heavy-duty truck were on display in the GM's pickup launch yesterday. Pictures here: http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=10791
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Brian 11:17PM (8/03/2006)
just looking at the side shot, the rear window appears it could be maybe three or four inches longer than the current crewcab rear window.
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iQuack 12:16AM (8/04/2006)
Just what GM needs in this market--more redundant trucks.
Too bad GM doesn't offer a really good, contemporary sedan that people want to buy in a $3+ per gallon of gas world. Maybe the Saturn Aura will change that--I hope so for GM's sake. Watch these shiny new trucks pile up on dealers' lots.
Trucks are ideal for commercial or farming use but for CAR people, trucks are as interesting as office furniture.
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Typical GM Basher 2:10AM (8/04/2006)
God damn it GM! MORE TRUCKS? These are never gonna sell! Why buy one of these when my K&N'd Civic on Need for Speed has more horsepower? You deserve to go bankrupt, you fools! Bring out more cars!!!
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Rob 8:30AM (8/04/2006)
yeeeeehaw! can't wait for this here truck to come out!
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Justin 8:59AM (8/04/2006)
If the new Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks (F-250/350) roll out before these, GM will have some serious competiton.
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Anthony Chan 10:18AM (8/04/2006)
Wow....a truck.
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Whydrive 1:11PM (8/04/2006)
And noone bashes Toyota for spending over $800M on a truck manufacturing plant in San Antonio, Texas. Why should Toyota be spending so much money building trucks when everyone's buying their world's greatest cars.
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Corey W. 2:23PM (8/04/2006)
It's amazing, some of you actually believe there's no market for HD trucks other than fleet/commercial applications... WOW!!
Oh I forgot, the Ridgeline can tow up to 50,000lbs.
And I can probably haul just about anything in one of Toyota's SUVs.
GM and Ford are so stupid!!
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Josh 10:33AM (8/06/2006)
I really like it but the GMC look more clean without the chrome and the chrome brings to much attention to it
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Barney 1:05AM (8/19/2006)
I worked at an RV dealer. They were/are doing well. These trucks may handle the size of the new campers and 5th wheels. Ford HD was the forerunner and GM may just match them now. If the RVs get any bigger, even a HD will be struggling to move them.
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