Pickup wars begin with debut of 2007 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra

So they're here, what do you think?

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This morning marked what could be a monumental moment in the turnaround of General Motors. The world's largest automaker officially introduced its new GMT900 pickups, the 2007 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra. After a nice buzz had been built up over early spy shots and strategically released information, the two trucks have arrived and GM is hoping for a positive reaction from consumers when they go on sale later this year. And it appears as if GM's new trucks have sent at least some of their competition back to the drawing board.

For its part, Ford has decided on what front it will fight the new GMT900s, and that's maximum tow rating. In addition to announcing the 2007 F-150 will have its price slashed by up to $1,400, the Blue Oval announced today that the truck's maximum tow rating will be increased to 10,500 lbs., which matches that of the GMT900 pickups from GM. The 2006 Dodge Ram 1500, meanwhile, can tow up to 8,850 lbs. according to its website, though any changes to the truck for 2007 have yet to be announced. The 2006 Nissan Titan tops the Dodge with a max tow rating of 9,500 lbs., but both obviously now fall short of the competition from GM and Ford. And remember that 10,000 maximum tow rating that Toyota announced for its upcoming Tundra? Doesn't sound too intimidating anymore.

Why has a pickup's maximum tow rating become so important? One reason might be that automakers realize higher gas prices are beginning to scare away truck customers who aren't planning to use their pickups to do hardcore work like towing and hauling. As the pool of potential truck consumers shrinks, those left will be the blue-collar customers that consider a truck's tow rating more important than its choice of seat fabric.

So GM has claimed first strike and Ford has bitten back. Who knows which truckmaker will make the next move, but you can bet it will be a big one.

(Follow the jump for all of GM's official pics of the new GMT900s in all their high resolution glory)

[Source: GM]