Meet The New GM Trucks, Same As The Old Trucks
GM revealed its new full-size pickups today, with a combination of “evolutionary” styling and while offering a more traditional pickup, devoid of the fancy turbocharged V6 engines and air suspensions offered in its rivals.
Three powertrains will be offered with the new trucks; a 4.3L V6, a 5.3L V8 and a 6.2L V8, and all three feature direct injection and cylinder deactivation. A six-speed automatic will back up all three engines, with GM estimating a combined 17 mpg for all three trucks. Horsepower and torque specs weren’t released.
New features include a step mounted at the corner of the pickup bed (which features no moving parts and is permanently set into the rear bumper – a rather clever idea), LED lights mounted under the bed and a seat that vibrates to warn the driver of a possible collision (similar to the Cadillac XTS). Inside, an infotainment system similar to Cadillac’s CUE dominates the interior, while rear legroom is said to be improved. GM claims that the switchgear is easier to operate with work gloves on, but presumably those must be removed for the touchscreen system to work.
Next up in GM’s truck salvo; revised versions of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. Unlike Ford and Ram, GM is adopting a two-pronged approach, with the new mid-size trucks being positioned as the choice for mpg-concious buyers. The demise of the Ford Ranger has left GM as the sole domestic player in the small truck market, though the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier will provide the twins with a bit of a challenge.
More by Derek Kreindler
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I like the GMC. Much more clean than the Chevy. That said, Ford's going to have a field day with these. Very me too. The 4 dials atop the IP look the same as in the F150 and that step, ha! Cue the fat Ford guy over the "manly truck". It's like GM gave up and said "Look guys, we made a better F150!"
The guys at SEMA are being trumped by the OEM's, and are probably scratching their heads - a few suggestions: 1. Chrome "Truck Nutz" under the back bumper, that when kicked, lower a power tailgate 2. Twin "Tractor Stacks", activated by a dash button, loaded with black pepper to produce a simulated "soot-spew" on demand 3. Facial Hair or cleft bumpers 4. Square-profile tires to match the macho wheel wells (See Mythbusters) 5. Replace LED's with laser diodes for daytime running lamps 6. Reverse "GMC" logo, so that those that you're tailgating can look in their rearview and be even more intimidated 7. "Escalader" power stairs to lift you to bed height (even Chuck Norris would appreciate that) Hope that helps.