GMT900 Silverado and Sierra HD Models Spotted

[YSSMAN]

Well, it may not be news for everyone, but for us Americans, this is pretty big...

The new GMT900-based Chevrolet Silverado was spotted presumably for a photo shoot, and has appeared ahead of schedule. Origionaly the plan was to introduce the trucks late this year and into 2007, but the high sales figures of the new GMT900 SUVs and the fact that they are losing ground to Ford and Dodge pushed development of the truck forward. Word is that the truck will be available for purchase before the end of the year as a 2007 model.

What we can expect:
- Redone interior, similar to that of the Chevrolet Tahoe
- More power with the updated 5.3L V8
- Updated Duramax Diesel to meet new Federal Emissions standards for 2007
- A wide variety of models from regular cabs to crew-cabs (pictured).

What we don't know:
- What versions of the higher-level engines will be used? Can we count on the Vortec Max 6.0L V8, or are they going to switch to the 6.0L L76? Can we still count on the 8.1L V8 to make it, or will it be dumped in favor of the 6.2L L92 V8?
- Will the new 6-speed 6L80E transmission replace the old standard 4L80E automatic?

-----

My perspective: I like it, but it still looks like some work needs to be done. Pannel gaps need to be tightened, and something needs to be done with the obsurd ride height with the back of the truck. Of course, it is a Z71 model with the higher ride heights and all, but that gap just seems so large between the rear wheels and the fenders.

...But other than that, all good. It will certainly be better than the F150 and Ram 1500, but the biggest question remains...

Will it be better than the new Toyota Tundra?

 

[Omnis]

I like it. However, I think it needs more chrome accenting if they want to stick with the front fascia looking like that.

 

[xXSilencerXx]

Looks pretty good. I think the rear wheel wells need some black coating or something. The ride height looks wierd in the first picture but in the second one it looks ok to me.

 

[YSSMAN]

I agree on the black trim on the fenders. It seems like it would be a logical option on the Z71 models, to kinda cap-off the fenders and make them look "complete," but they may have allready tried that.

On the chrome issue, I'm sure that the painted body cladding on the sides of the truck will have an optional chome package on LT and LTZ models, but the LS will most likely do without. But, I wouldn't be surprised to see a two-tone paint job changing the look signifigantly even without the chrome.

 

[Slicks]

Except for the split-headlights, I like it. I prefer the Tahoe-style headlights to these.

 

[YSSMAN]

Well, they aren't actually split, but I can see your point. I do wonder how interchangeable the Tahoe parts will be with the Silverado, as you may be able to just swap the lights in without a problem. Otherwise, I'm sure the aftermarket will be on that task as one of their first add-ons.

 

[Delirious]

Looks like a bloated Chevy Colorado...

Especially in the front...that hood...that grill...those lights...

(Continues to dream of how beautiful the F-150 is)

 

[Jim Prower]

Less chrome, please....

I'd venture to guess that this is my dad's next truck...his shop buys him a vehicle, and it's always a Chevy Silverado.

 

[CDailey]

Looks too much like the Colorado, IMO.

 

[YSSMAN]

...For reference, this is the Chevrolet Colorado:

While I do see the similarities, I don't think that either truck is all that bad looking, so I don't have a problem. I wouldn't be surprised then if the GMC Sierra ends up looking like it's younger sibling, the Canyon, as well, but I would be willing to bet that it ends up with the grille from the Yukon.

EDIT: What am I thinking... Chances are, the Colorago will recieve a styling refresh for 2007 to make it look more like the new GMT900 trucks, obviously to continue GM's obsession with everything looking somewhat similar...

 

[opendriver]

...For reference, this is the Chevrolet Colorado:

While I do see the similarities, I don't think that either truck is all that bad looking, so I don't have a problem. I wouldn't be surprised then if the GMC Sierra ends up looking like it's younger sibling, the Canyon, as well, but I would be willing to bet that it ends up with the grille from the Yukon.

EDIT: What am I thinking... Chances are, the Colorago will recieve a styling refresh for 2007 to make it look more like the new GMT900 trucks, obviously to continue GM's obsession with everything looking somewhat similar...

Wow, they just made the truck bigger and put a different name on it:tdown:

- More power with the updated 5.3L V8
- Updated Duramax Diesel to meet new Federal Emissions standards for 2007

I thought they didnt use that engine anymore?

👎 All of the people at the EPA need to STFU when it comes to deisels, im not going to go into it, ill probably get banned for the things I would say

 

[McLaren]

So what? If you're not forgetting, Ford did the same thing with the F150 and the Ranger.

 

[YSSMAN]

Generally speaking, the Silverado has absolutely NOTHING in common with the Colorado other than the fact that they are both Chevrolet Pickup Trucks. But, the Colorado may dissapear because of slow sales, but nothing is completely certain yet. There have not been any plans released to update the GMT355 platform of which it is based uppon, as the GMT900 and GMT960 platforms are going to be seeing the most attention from GM's truck builders.

I've always been one to promote the idea that GM scraps the GMT355 in the US and brings over the next gen VE (Zeta) Ute and Crewman "trucks" from AUS, as they themselves are MORE capable than the GMT355 despite their lower ride heights and overall smaller size.

 

[Robin]

yet again looks nothing like the concept did ::

 

[socomplayer2]

to me if you look at the back logos they look fake hint: the discolorment around the silverado symbol and the LT symbol.... i have no doubt that this is the new silverrado but the symbols look kind of suspicious

 

[Keef]

I hope that hood is popped. I also wonder where they got those taillights. Did somebody say F150? The front box looks massive, but if I cover it and the tiny guy driving the rest looks no bigger than a midsizer. The FISO looks big all over, as does the Ram. It's always nice to have cute little round Mickey Mouse mirrors on an otherwise tough and square truck. The top edge of the bed comes out lower than the top edge of the front fender/hood goes in--that just looks stupid. I'm seriously digging the FISO's taller bed. So what if you can't see as much?

Overall, I think it's ugly as hell. Not in a good "It's a truck" way either. The FISO is a magnificent looking truck, and the Ram looks tough as steel, the Titan also looks the part and performs the part, and the Tundra, well I forget what it looks like. I think it looked big and gay.

Originally Posted by YSSMAN
...obviously to continue GM's obsession with everything looking somewhat similar.

You know the reason everything looks the same from GM. Every is the same, just with a different badge on it. That "fabulous" Equinox and the nearly indistinguishable Torrent? The 23.5 "minivan" things they make that were always a big waste of money? The full size vans? The last Yukon, Tahoe and Slade, not to mention the new versions of the two first mentioned? At least the new Escalade looks noticably differen than the others. The Trailenvoyrainierbravadaisuzuthing? I didn't mix the 9-7 in there because it doesn't qualify as a vehicle in my brain. What's a 9-7? Anyone who buys one should be shot. You know, the first time I saw a Lucerne on a truck trailer--last July I think it was--I could have sworn it was based on the same structure as the Infiniti Q45. THe headlights are the same shape, the grilles are in the right spot, the taillights, the windows, the general shape. But the Lucerne was FWD; WTF?
GM hate-message over and out. And I know every other company has just as much crap to complain about, but GM's crap is more easily accessible. Why? Because there's so much of it? Maybe they should stop selling as many different models as they do, or at least make the different models actually different.

 

[YSSMAN]

...So you hate GM that much, huh?

If we are going to compare it to the FISO, I can guarantee you three things about the Silverado:

1) The Silverado will weigh less
2) The Silverado will have more power
3) The Silverado will tow and haul more

About the styling for a moment:

Whats up with the bed complaint? It isn't any lower than the front of the truck, as it lines up with the lower edges of the hood, windows, etc. Everything looks in porpotion, and everything works out fine.

Styling is always objective, and I would say that the Silverado looks better than the F150 and Ram, as it is a fresh design, but it is still quite American with it's looks as well. Comparing it to the Japanese models for a moment, the fender flares SCREAM Nissan Titan, but the resemblance to the new Tundra is almost non-existance. If you want a good example of an overblown vehicle in looks and capability, there is a good example.

And more on styling and badge engineering:

My origional quote was meant to point out GM's obsession with having a "brand face" on their models that each brand produces. Guess what, every major automaker around the world does it, from Chevrolet and BMW to Citroen and Jaguar. That is just the way the industry works, get over it.

As for the badge engineering, it too is something that just happens. Yes, the Torrent is something that shouldn't have happened, and the same can be said of the multiple Lambada minivans. But given that GM is still transitioning from the old system to that of a leaner and meaner automaker, we will see what happens. Lutz has repeatedly said that big model cuts are comming at Pontiac, Buick, and GMC and generally could be applied across the brands as a whole.

 

[CDailey]

...For reference, this is the Chevrolet Colorado:

While I do see the similarities, I don't think that either truck is all that bad looking, so I don't have a problem. I wouldn't be surprised then if the GMC Sierra ends up looking like it's younger sibling, the Canyon, as well, but I would be willing to bet that it ends up with the grille from the Yukon.

EDIT: What am I thinking... Chances are, the Colorago will recieve a styling refresh for 2007 to make it look more like the new GMT900 trucks, obviously to continue GM's obsession with everything looking somewhat similar...

Of course, they both look nice. I'd much rather see less similarties though. I really don't understand this whole brand identity thing where EVERY model has to have something in common with its brothers.

 

[L8 Apex]

I hope the huge gaps between the hood, front fenders and grille in the first pic is because the hood is unlatched but, knowing GM, I wouldn't be too surprised if it was securely latched, either.

 

[YSSMAN]

...Just over the wire...

The 2007 Chevrolet Silverado will make its world debut at the 2006 Texas State Fair, Sept. 29 – Oct. 22, organizers announced today. The news comes just days after the truck was spied without disguise while at a photo shoot. The Silverado is GM’s top selling vehicle. The Leftlane Perspective: Given the recent spy photos, we wouldn’t be surprised if GM releases official images of the truck earlier than the Texas show.

Odd that they have chosen to debut the truck at the Texas State Fair. Woner if it is supposed to be a jab at Toyota, being that they will be building the new Tundra down in Texas?

 

[McLaren]

Hmm, I always go to the State Fair, so I can get you all some personal pics if you wish.

 

[JCE]

Good job to GM for getting rid of that previous generation design. It was the ugliest exterior ever for a pickup truck. The GMT900 looks alright...but the real test is how the interior looks and feels. I'd still rather have a Titan, F150, or Tundra. I can't wait to see the new SS model--it should look badass.

 

[YSSMAN]

Really? I definately thought the GMT800s were some of the best looking pickups in their time. Sure, they weren't revolutionary like the Ram, and they didn't look like the Camry (Tundra), but they were iconic Chevrolet in every way.

...Earlier ones looked good, but I think the later, more square-jawed looked better. But hey, thats just my opinion...

 

[fangorn_forest]

Umm, I'm not really a truck person, so maybe I'm not the best person to judge this, but....That thing is fugly to the highest degree. Eeeewww.

But wait a minute, I'm breaking my own rule, so I gotta say something nice about it. Hmm, oh yeah!💡 The wheels look really good!

BTW, about the panel gaps: To me it just looks like they have the hood open slightly, that's all. All the other gaps look fine. <Hey! I found another nice thing to say about it!

 

[Jim Prower]

If we are going to compare it to the FISO....

FISO? what the hell is a FISO?

 

[YSSMAN]

For people who likes trucks, FISO=F150. There is a story or joke or something about a lady who really liked the new Ford "FISO" and attempted to go to the dealer to find one. Of course, no one knew what she was talking about...

But the name "FISO" has stuck...

 

[JCE]

The pre-2003 models looked the best. The 2003-2006 models look like complete ass in my opinion. The upwards slanted headlights are just gay looking.

 

[Slicks]

Seeing recent ads, I firmly believe the BEST looking truck on the market, period, is the Chevy Avalanche*. Although similar, I still think that the SUV face and styling is better than the truck face.

*= While the Avalance may not be the most practical truck in terms of hauling stuff in the back, it does a decent job of any task, hence why I am counting it as a truck in the same class as the Silverado.

 

[YSSMAN]

My Dad has a GMT800-based Avalanche from 2005, and it is a pretty practical truck without being one. The whole "MidGate" thing works out pretty damn well for hauling stuff, and with the back concealed, it keeps everything dry when we have a sudden rainstorm (like we have for the past few weeks).

 

[Jim Prower]

The thing i've always wondered is, what's it like hauling with the Midgate down in Winter?

I like the looks of this new one. finally, the chrome 2x4 gets a little subdued.