GM’s newest pickup truck isn’t one that retail customers can go buy at a local dealership. It’s the GM Defense Next Gen tactical vehicle debuting at the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) 2024 annual meeting in Washington, D.C., happening this week.
Technically still in the prototype phase, the Next Gen is a military vehicle based on the Chevy Silverado 2500 HD ZR2 and GMC Sierra 2500 HD AT4X. Power comes from a 2.8L LWN I4 Duramax turbodiesel engine with a 12-module battery pack rated at 186 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque in this application. That electrification gives this truck Silent Drive and Silent Watch modes, enabling low acoustic and thermal signatures.
The Next Gen comes with the optional diesel in the previous generation of the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon to reduce fuel demand and give it what GM Defense calls “tactically significant range.” Also, the durability and longevity of the Duramax engine lower maintenance requirements from reduced moving parts.
This truck is available in different cab sizes, in two-, four-, and six-seat configurations. In addition to single cab and crew cab configurations like a production pickup truck, GM Defense envisions outfitting this platform as an ambulance or a reconnaissance vehicle.
“Our Next Gen vehicle is a game-changing mobility solution that delivers tactically significant capabilities by integrating GM’s proven commercial technologies,” GM Defense president Steve duMont said. “This rugged and highly capable diesel-powered vehicle offers tactical advantages, such as Silent Operations, exportable power, and increased range with extended mission duration. Our warfighters deserve the latest technology that industry can offer in order to gain and maintain competitive advantage over our adversaries. Our Next Gen mobility solution can be customized and fielded now.”
“Next Gen’s ‘wow’ factor is right behind the wheel,” said GM Defense Government Solutions and Strategy Division vice president John ‘JD’ Johnson. “Customers need to drive this highly capable vehicle to see, feel, and hear the benefits. Next Gen fundamentally changes the discussion around modern mobility through the tactical benefits delivered by its propulsion system, including its ability to address the power gap in the formation. This highly capable tactical vehicle leverages billions of dollars of investments GM has made in R&D and innovation to enhance warfighter capability. We encourage customers to test drive it so that we can get these capabilities fielded immediately.”
The GM Defense Next Gen light tactical vehicle is on display at AUSA 2024 from October 14th-16th at Booth #7809, Hall D, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
Comments
I sure hope this is a preview of what we can expect for the next-gen Sierra/Silverado…A mild-hybrid powertrain with the 3L Duramax would be a dream!
You accidentally wrote 3L Duramax when you meant 6.6L.
6.6L for the HD trucks, 3L for the half-tons.
I like the concept. It’s really opposite of a mild hybrid system. 6.6 Dmax + battery power would give: 2500 capability, less daily driver fuel spend pain for bro-dozers or even a Yukon/ Escalade, with a trade off of less peak mpg.
I hope they don’t end up using it on more dedicated towing machines like a 3500, or disturb the 1500 with more than a mild hybrid.
I hope the system is developed into the potential to power successors for CT5-V and Blackwing. If they can cut battery weight. If they’d carve out room in Hamtramck.
If it’s for the government, shouldn’t they be practicing what they preach and going EV?
I bet this one won’t have engine problems/failures like the rest of the US experiences.
It comes as an EV! Read the article again maybe you’ll learn something.
Becker,
I’ve read it, read it again, and then re-read it. Please cite the language I’m missing indicating the product is available as an EV.
Sounds like a semi-hybrid perhaps but not an EV.
I would prefer the 6.6 liter Duramax, but otherwise, this works for me. Almost ready for the apocalypse!! LMAO! The smaller cab size would be okay for me. Two or four seats at the most. I do not need six seats!
Yes, cause what we need is a military vehicle with a propulsion system that is more flamable than gasoline. Also, doesn’t have a place to mount a .50. add a 6.6 Dmax and it will be usable.
A good utility truck for behind the lines and base transport jobs. GM Defense should also consider a Vee shaped hull transport vehicle proposal for more riskier assignments.