The current-generation Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has been around since late 2006, and with recent and impressive debuts from the competition such as the fancy interior of the Ram 1500 or the engineering prowess of Ford F-150’s EcoBoost engine, the luster of the Silverado (and GMC Sierra) has faded a bit. Even with all of that chrome on the LTZ model.
Thankfully for the sake of the Chevy, the team behind GM’s full-sized truck division isn’t standing still. As proof, spy photographers snapped a quick shot of the all-new model as it was making test runs around the secretive Milford Proving Grounds. It’s extremely hard to tell what’s going on underneath all of that camouflage, but according to Straightline, we could see a more muscular front fascia and even more chrome when the all-new Silverado debuts in 2013 as a 2014 model.
Also expected are several weight reduction elements — rumored to amount to as much as a 500 pound difference between the current Silverado and the new one — and significant aerodynamic improvements. Both should help Chevy challenge Ford for top fuel economy numbers, but the biggest asset will undoubtedly be the new engines on the way.
For more photos, head to Straightline through the link below.
Source: Straightline
Comments
manoli do you like the size of the windows and the thinner b pillar and the more refined front bumper interface with the lights and grill?
The thinner B-pillar is a plus, but it’s kind of hard for me to tell what’s going on with all of the covering up front 😉
It seems to somewhat resemble the front fascia of a mid-90’s Silverado, which is one of my favorites… but you might know better than I do!
Also, can you help shed some light on the suspicious looking Cadillac SLS we photographed? Is it an Omega mule or something else?
Body looks good. but how about some real change?? .. an i4 twin turbo diesel, some brake recovery, lose some weight, creative bed storage, a midgate, a huge rear window like the Titan. C’mon Chevy.. show us something big.
the new I-4 diesels aren’t bound for this vehicle as far as we know. Look for an EcoBoost fighting V-6. Regen braking should come with a hybrid — if it’s in the works. Significant weight loss is expected here. I’m hoping for more intuitive storage as well, and class-leading technology.
Some of the numbers on the Ecoboost are confusing and inconsistent. Certainly hard to justify pricing. I’m really interested in seeing what comes out of the Cummins-Titan i4 deisel testt. A four cylinder Diesel on fullsize that can do 30mpg and put out 250 horses would be interesting. Penty of torque on an i4 deisel.
Looking at current boxy Silverado & GMC, I hope they don’t copy Ford’s cement block styling. Make it lighter, interior upgrades & roomier. The Cheyenne concept was perfect, hope they copy it. Chevy motors need power coupled with 8 spds. Ford’s turbo 6 gets poor mpg in real world as the 6 struggles against heavy curb wt. Will GM realize this? As a former Chevy PU owner, I’m happy with my ’10 Toyota tundra.
Regarding diesels (almost forgot): GM and big three had small diesels in the wings for their lighter PU’s but were shelved due to bailout. If GM brings back their 4-5 liter diesel (520 ft. lbs.), I’m interested. That much torque in a 5500 lb. PU could get 25 mpg hwy & great power!
yep this looks better! you have to look close obviously, with all the camo. the hood and grill look to be drawing a strong influence back to mid 90’s. the headlights however, are still stacked but, a little taller and squarer giving it a more aggressive touch.
the bumper looks improved signficantly mainly because it appears to be soild crome over lapping the front end of the body! this is what I liked about old school chevy’s.
the wheel wells are still not up to par lacking definition and asurance this truck really needs! not to mention practicality! let’s face it their just limp wristed! they seem to be trying for a bigger crew cab a thumbs up! although, I prefer an extended cab myself. now, the back end or the bed I would agree is taller than the current pickup. also, the tail lights are more slender a nice revised direction. the wheels in relation to the wheel wells again, aren’t balanced right! I hope they fix this before rolling it out to general public for purchasing in the near future. in conclusion, the overall appearance of this truck is improved and maintains chevrolet’s desired direction for a modern full size pickup truck. I think the engine and tranny will be evolutionary not revolutionary, ford has done that already.
I hope the new Silverado will go back to a size more like the 2004s. The latest version is great for tall guys and big garages but women buy trucks.. helloooooo. And the 2004 is ideal. There is no point in making the trucks higher off the ground and higher to get into with a super deep bed. That can be left for the HD trucks. Many of us need an all purpose truck and transportation. If they get any longer with the ext cab I will not be able to fit it in my garage!!!! I hope GM sees the point on making the HD the beefier truck and making the 1500 a more all purpose truck.
The 1500 is a perfect size, its tall and wide(exactly what any guy wants) but still pretty light compared to the HDs + a short wheel base which is perfect for offroad enthusiast meat heads.
If you want a smaller more practical truck why don’t you just buy a Tacoma or a Canyon? They are amazing trucks considering how small they are, I would have bought a Tacoma if it wasn’t for the 8000lb boat I have to lug 600 miles north to my parents house at least twice a month.