In 2024, GM Authority exclusively brought you the first details about GM’s next-generation full-size half-ton pickup trucks – the Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500. Now, our spies have just caught the very first prototype of what we believe is the 2027 Chevy Silverado.
While the heavy camo on this truck makes it difficult to figure out whether this is a Chevy or GMC, we have our reasons to to call this a Silverado (and not a Sierra). In any event, what we see here is the Crew Cab, Short Box configuration. The upright front end features a set of placeholder (non-production) headlamps bookending a grille with at least four horizontal slats and a front-facing camera peeking out from behind the cutout in the camo. Note that the headlamps are mounted quite a bit lower within the front fascia than those on the current Silverado 1500.
Lower on within the front fascia, we see a set of fog lights placed within the front bumper, along with a prominent sensor array peeking through the camo in the center. A front airdam is present and accounted for at the very bottom of the front end. Also note that this prototype is not equipped with a roof-mounted comms fin above the driver.
Moving to the side, we can see a set of wheels with camouflage within the spokes. The rollers are wrapped by a set of Goodyear Wrangler Territory rubber (those look like the All Terrain / AT to me). The mirrors seem to be carry overs from the current model, though they do appear to be sitting on a new mount. A set of vertically-oriented LED strips are visible on the front-facing part of the mirrors to provide the Perimeter Lighting functionality, much like on the current models. There’s also a fixed running board that seems to extend past the cab-box juncture.
At first glance, the overall size of the truck – including the cab and bed – seems identical to that of the current model, but the stance appears to be more level – which is great news for those who like a level ride.
At the rear, we can see a sliding rear window at the back end of the cab. The tail lights on this 2027 Chevy Silverado prototype are heavily camouflaged, but the lighting seems to be production-ready, with a modern LED signature that seems to extend forward more so than the current Silverado 1500. The tailgate and bumper are also camo’ed, but the CornerStep feature is present and accounted for, as is a tow hitch receiver and all the trailering connection points.
Below the rear bumper is a new quad-tipped exhaust setup that started out on the C8 Corvette Stingray and has since made it to the 2024 Traverse, 2025 Tahoe, and 2025 Suburban, among their stable mates at GMC (Acadia, Yukon, Yukon XL, respectively). The quad-tipped exhaust certainly adds a sporty undertone to the rear end, likely replacing the “HDMI-style” tips on the current Silverado 1500. We fully expect more clearance-friendly setups to show up in off-road-oriented trims.
Powertrain
The 2027 Silverado 1500 trucks will introduce GM’s sixth-generation Small Block engines, which will deliver better fuel economy. As we reported previously, GM President Mark Reuss stated the following during a recent Investor’s Day presentation: “Our next generation of full-size trucks coming soon will see a four to six [percent] efficiency improvement at launch over the mid-cycle enhancement of 2022, and this is 10 to 12 percent better efficiency-wise over the previous generation which debuted in 2019, so these are big efficiency improvements.” Though not confirmed by GM, we also expect performance improvements.
Beyond these, the turbocharged L3B four-cylinder TurboMax engine and LZ0 3.0L turbodiesel Duramax should make a return appearance in the next-gen truck, while a plug-in hybrid variant should become available during the first two years of launch.
Architecture
The 2027 Chevy Silverado 1500 will ride on GM’s T1-2 architecture, an updated version of the T1 platform that underpins the current trucks.
As we were first to report months ago, the T1 platform is flexible enough to accommodate all the necessary changes and updates for the next-gen full-size trucks without requiring the creation of an all-new platform. Evolving the T1 platform will also enable GM to keep costs low and streamline development of the new full-sizers, per GM’s Winning with Simplicity strategic initiative.
Launch Timeframe
We still expect the 2027 Chevy Silverado 1500 to launch toward the tail end of 2026 as 2027 model year vehicles.
This will enable GM to beat the next-gen Ford F-150 to market, since the Ford was recently delayed by a model year.
We will have a lot more on the next-gen GM trucks very soon, so be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for the latest Silverado news, Chevy news, and 24/7 GM news.
Comments
Good to see you Alex! I’ve some questions:
1) Will it stay leaf sprung? Or it’s going to switch to coil-overs?
2) Will it include a hybrid model?
3) Will it include a high performance off-road variant rivalling Raptor/R/TRX/RHO?
And I hope they retain more buttons/switches than the Sil’ EV.
1) Leaf springs visible in the spy shots.
2) Noted in the article, likely in the first two years from release – not sure what that is based on.
3) Not likely, they haven’t done it yet. AT4X and ZR2 are all you get.
What is everyone’s wish list on the next Gen ICE Silverado?
Hopefully GM will see our wish list and adjust the program accordingly.
Not likely, that program is already set… MCE maybe.
Build more of them in the US. Orion is waiting for product.
The same thing I’ve wished for with every redesign, a bigger fuel tank. So far, GM hasn’t been listening, since they reduced the fuel tank (on Crew Cabs, which is what I buy) from 26 to 23 gallons with the T1 redesign in 2019.
I’m willing to bet that GM will launch these truck much earlier. Usually if GM has prototypes out driving around, they are less than a year from launch.
What my sources are telling us is 2027 model year for 2026 calendar year launch. We’re a bit over a year from the launch of these models.
Sounds good.
Thank you for the insider info Alex.
Always appreciated.
Agreed! Probably see a release late this year so the 2027’s hit the lot Q1-2 of 2027, cause these days everyone wants the the new year model ASAP. On Autotrader, there’s already 2026 YM vehicles posted and it’s not Q2 2025 🙄. However, I feel well get the new 6.2 in a MCE Vette stingray/Grand sport this summer.
It better have an LT4 powered Desert Boss variant!
bright colors (not just white, sliver. gray, black, red)
less chrome
Less black…
I second less black! So sick to death of the murdered out black look. Now two tone machine faced wheels are okay and black grille accenting etc are fine.
GM needs to offer more color options for their interiors in my humble opinion.
Hate to say it but Ram does it well. They have 5 to 7 I believe
Yes on interior colors.
Hopefully GM plans on increasing the power output in the 5.3 /6.2
The General is probably keeping the 5.3 and 6.2 lol. Probably with same lifter set up and bearings and power numbers! Please prove me wrong GM
Ask GM. Whole new block and cam, so there are going to be massive changes.
5.3 is going to 5.7 and 6.2 is going to 6.6.
Is the current 6.6 Gas motor in the 2500 suffering the same problems as the 6.2?
No, neither is all the 6.2’s. most 6.2’s aren’t affected.
I find it very hard to believe they’d increase the displacement. They should be able to get more power out of these without increasing the displacement.
Personally, I think there should be one great V8 around 5.7-6.0 L with a base, HO, and super HO versions.
Autos are a pretty mature product. I’m anticipating at least one hybrid, but it’s gotta go in trim & engine combos that cover the cost – max tow ratings have gone up, and big displacement gas handles work better.
I’d love to see the 4.8l return, except with a couple turbos. 🤷♂️
I genuinely believe engines like the ecoboost and the hurricane are too small and rely too heavily on boost to be reliable and/or efficient when actually doing work.
(The reason why coyote, LS/LT V8’s, hemi sold so well for work trucks)
Why not take an engine that’s almost powerful enough NA and then boost it. 😉
I want to see a 6.2, 5.3 and a return of the 4.3. the current 2.7 is more powerful than the 4.3, but consumes more gas. If they add VVL and an active Intake as it appears likely, the 6.2 will likely make 485/495, the 5.3 410/425 and a Gen 6 4.3 could make 330/350, but make 20% better fuel efficiency, be more reliable long-term and only weight 20lbs more. (My research shows the 2.7 at 350lbs dry dressed, 4.3 at 370lbs dressed)
If GM would start building their $hit back in the United States they might make a better product but I’ll be honest with you they all seem to be junk these days and there’s no vehicle out there worth $80,000 plus dollars.
Dream next smallblocks: 1500 – 5.2 V6 (& base Camaro/LGR vehicles), 6.2 ‘powerboost’ 87 octane (& Camaro SS), cash-grab 5.7 non-hybrid; HD – 5.7 and 7.4 iron blocks; Vette – 6.2 Eray base, 7.0 Grandsport solid-roller cam (& Camaro z/28).
American & friends regulations need to be made safe for NA 2-valve engines, no cam surface/lifter games.
Excited to see the updates. Hopefully updated interiors and some new exterior color/option packages. More power and a focus on reliability would be welcomed as well. Hard to tell much from the photos but the updated exhaust looks neat, headlights may be upgraded, and rear bumper looks more squared. Unfortunately it looks like the pointed taillights from the traverse and smaller suv’s are on here. Hopefully I’m wrong and they’re closer to the Tahoe. Keep the spy shots coming1
How about a good engine and transmission to start with.
Ford coyote is shedding cam phasers, EB’s timing chains, Toyota lower bearings. Ram only escaped these issues by running the same engine since 2009 and tranny since 2012. We’ll see how the new hurricane holds up, but if it’s like the 2.0 4 cylinder in jeep, it’s not a good engine. Everyone is up S#!€ creek without a paddle with shortages of labor, technical knowledge how and an over supply of MBA’s. Society as a whole needs a reboot. Hopefully we don’t mess up Gen Alpha too much and we can get back on track as my generation (millennial) has been put out to dry when it comes to job training. I’ve done all mine on the job site, and unfortunately I’m having to take the place of multiple baby boomers and GEN X is talking about retiring now as well.
RAM has been having exhaust manifold issues and MDS problems with idling. All of them have their own issues….
Downvotes won’t change anything. The fact is, NO MANUFACTURER IS PERFECT.
Your information is out of date. Coyote and EB do not have cam phaser / timing chain issues any longer. Not since the current 2021 gen.
They have a belt driven pump….and come with typical Ford QC issues like all manufacturers…so I don’t really see how they are superior.
Everyone has problems, like I mentioned I think about a hundred times. Do I NEED TO DO IT AGAIN?
2015-2020 is a lot of trucks with bad cam phasers. Let’s see if the 22+ don’t develop an issue as the 6.2 was thought to be bulletproof till last year…..
Keep the RCSB coming! But make it easier to find/order in 2wd. A few inches lower would help, too.
These trucks are already insanely low, any lower and you are severely impacting performance, if you want it lower then lower it but please don’t convince them to ruin the entire lineup for the 1% of people who would like that
Why did GM do those electric trucks and allocate an entire plant to them. Total production capacity between Orion 400,000) and Hamtramck (about 100,000) is likely 500,000 units. The EV trucks and that much capacity make no sense with new ICE trucks on the way. My guess is GM thought the EV trucks would be well on their way to replacing the ICE trucks by now.
I guarantee you they will never hit 500k electric trucks for at least 20 years. Factory Zero has more than enough capacity for electric trucks. Time to turn Orion to an ICE truck plant.
And please GM do something better on the frames already other than the wax coating!!
Still haven’t sloped the hood off so you can see in front of you. Otherwise I see nothing exciting. Hope they have less squeaks and rattles than my 18 Sierra. Hopefully the upholstery holds up better too.
Let’s hope the V8 issues with AFM & DFM are solved. Having the V8 option isn’t going to help sell more trucks, if they aren’t anymore reliable than a smaller turbo engine. Every major manufacturer seems to be having more problems from ICE vehicles, it’s inexcusable. It’s going to force people to drive an EV eventually, drivetrain issues are becoming all too common. As much as these vehicles cost, that shouldn’t be asking too much. Cutting corners on engine and transmission parts isn’t going to save enough money to justify more profits! Lost customers and recalls always cost more in the long run.
That’s all because of the EPA….
In the Middle East we have to put up with it…
Hard to tell with the cover on but hopefully the design looks more elegant/refined. The current is a little cartoony personally.
More reliable and powerful engines.
Better transmission tuning.
Cheaper trim level/entry level option.
I love the current Silverados and they are super popular in my free red state. I see new GM’s 10-1 over Fords. Don’t screw them up!
What state is that? I don’t think there is a single state that is anywhere near 2 to 1 GM, let alone 10 to 1.
Some people just buy what best fits their needs and what is objectively the best truck. Others buy whatever their granddad bought no matter how crummy and over priced they are.
If thats the case, tell me why Fords are NOT the best selling truck in Qatar….of which I see less than GMC/Chevrolet…
After owning HD’s, all 1/2 tons look cheap and chinsey…
Hopefully the Custom model comes with LED headlights and tail lights.. Ram offers LEDs on ALL of their models. Also, increase the performance of the 5.3, and add a smoother transmission. Lastly, please fix the seats in the trucks!! They are really firm and uncomfortable, and doesn’t provide a commanding view of the road out of the windshield, because you sit so low
It looks like they moved the shock placement in the rear outbound like the Colorado ZR2. If you look closely the shocks are closer to the wheels. I also think that the displacement of the V8 will probably be 5.5 liters and double overhead cams. I feel like that is the direction that they’re going to go, looking at what they did with the C8.
Definitely not going DOHC. We know that from GM’s press release on the new V8. All the money is going into block, cam and intake. (DOHC would require all new heads and look like those are staying identical to maybe a machining change at most)
And if we’re being honest, 2 valves engines flow better than 4 valve engines. It makes sense as the bigger valves have more area for airflow, promote vortex flow which shroud less, have less plennum surface area than 4 valves, and have less air interface at the valve tips. A 5.3LS engine can flow enough to support a 700HP engine without boost. A 5.0 coyote head maxes out at 600. The new LT6 engine with 4 valves only matches the flow of the LT7 heads despite nearly identical bores. This is despite nearly 2 decades of design and CFD in its favor.
The reason for the LT6 was Ferrari and Porsche got tired of being beaten by truck motors, so the limit many race classes (what the Z06 is built for) to 5.5L deisplacement and no supercharging. Hence Chevys only way of making big power was 9000+ RPM’s, and it needed to be in an engine that was comfortable to drive around town. In reality, an LT7 would have been a more powerful, lighter and more fun choice.
Given GM’s investment listed, likely there are 3 big changes to the new V8. VVL, active Intake and active thermal management. Already adding the Corvette intake to the trucks nets +30HP, adding a bigger Cam +40. And active 2 mode intake (high/low RPM) and 2 profile cam (power efficiency ) will boost outputs to likely 5.3 410/425, 6.2 truck 475/495, 6.2 Corvette 535/495. Adding VVL to other GM cars had netted 10-15% increase in efficiency as well, and if the 2.7 and diesel remain unchanged, that amounts to the 4-6% overall improvement in FE.
How will they add VVL to the trucks? While I like their sliding cam system in the 4 cylinders, that makes an expensive engine with AFM and sliding cam system. If I were to wager, they will do a VTEC system with 1 AFM lifter on the intake valve, and standard hydraulic roller on the exhaust. Deactivated, the lifter will run in low lift mode as a hydraulic Tappet, and active it will run a loppy cam profile. If the lifter collapses, it will just stay in low lift mode and the engine will still run without burning oil. Also, as opposed to adding new tech to the engine, your simplifying the engine with half as many AFM lifters for costs savings.
Can’t quite put my finger on it, and I know it’s covered in camo, but somehow the profile looks like a Ram product.
It looks decent so far.
My improvements:
1. More power to the 6.2 and 5.3 V8s (or whatever engines these will bring)
2. Regular cab short bed 5.3 V8 in WT, LT and Custom Trail Boss Trims (and Pro and Elevation for GMC) at the minimum
3. Payload Meter for measuring payload
4. Onboard generator starting at 3kW for lower trims to 5 and 7kW for upper trims.
5. Onboard tire compressor for the Trail Boss and AT4
6.Factory Winch for the ZR2 and AT4X capable of 13k pounds
7. Budget offroad package below the Z71 for WT trim exclusively
I want to know if they are doing anything specifically to increase reliability of engine and transmission and since the epa is being closed down by Trump and no longer valid, what are they reducing in the way of emission equipment
Might mean DFM is reduced to a simpler design. But given the management at the wheel, I am afraid to consider a new one…
And the EPA might not be closed down forever, because by 2028, someone else might come to the picture….
If you don’t vote for Bolsheviks it’ll stay gone!!
Settle down Francis.
It will look very similar to the current Tahoe/Suburban
Get rid of AFM/DFM…its a joke!
They need to offer a sport performance oriented truck. lowered, corsa exhaust, paddle shifters, Single cab and crew
They need to bring back the 4.8L with a turbo and have 450 HP, and the 5.7L with a turbo that hits 550 HP, and do a Hybrid model that has around 500 HP and achieves 25 mpgs. The diesel needs retuned for 325 HP/550TQ for those who want the diesel.
Those are my wish lists
Lets see when the EPA permanently goes away, the AFM/DFM will be gone.
That’s not how any of this works. Let’s say the current administration axes the EPA… yesterday, along with all of its requirements. Who’s to say that the next one will not just reinstitute the entire program? Automakers make plans for product lines in what is close to a decade out. Presidental terms being 4 years means that there is no way for the likes of any automaker to make changes that would fit the whims thereof. They have to think and plan to make sure they can stay as profitable as possible for as long as possible. That means not trying to recreate yourself every couple years.
Are all the engine an transmission issues going to be corrected, or will they show up again just a new shiny box ?
Probably they might be rectified…with regards to the transmission.
And, as for the L87s locking up, there is a deadline of March 28th for finishing the investigation….after which a massive recall will be issued…
Question Alex.
With the T1 platform being able to “evolve” does this exclude the next gen truck as being “all new”? What changes to make the platform evolve?
Do not lower the trucks, clearance is one of the top needs for people who buy trucks to use them for their intended purpose. Of course GM could offer a street performance package with all of the SS goodies for those who are looking for that. A short bed regular cab SS lowered with a V-8 would be an instant success.
Unfortunately, current leadership disagrees and is intent on building a narrow line of high demand vehicle types without consideration for anything unique or special for buyers who want that. It’s sad, GM used to build cool vehicles.
Fire Ms Mary, put Mr Mark Ruess and am sure things would turn around. As much as I dont like CEOs, had it not been for Mr Mark Reuss or Mr Duncan Aldred, the next generation would have been EVs…..
Or just replace Ms Mary with someone else.
That might not be a bad strategy. Hasn’t she been running the show while we have the 8 speed transmission issues? And the 5.3 and 6.2 issues?
And I hate to complain but my 2018 6.2 with 8 speed towed my boat on the highway better than my 2023 6.2 with 10 speed and MAX tow option, NHT.
On flat ground it will down shift and run at 3,400 rpms trying to maintain 70MPH speed limit. No way to know what gear it is in. Dealer says transmission is fine.
I just hope they get rid of the ugly front fenders, swoopy stuff is ugly, I like boxy straight lines up to 2018, after that it was garbage. Was eying the silverado 2500 for next truck but prefer a 1500. AFM delete option would be nice too. Chevy got to get it together if they want me buying new stuff.
As I mentioned earlier, let the EPA be shut down, and there will be an engine option without the DoD or whatever….
Just by looking at the location of the Headlights, we are seeing the direction of the Silverado’s front-end through the current Tahoe, it will be interesting.
I wonder if the 2.5L turbo might appear, but with a hybrid set up.
Originally figured it would be the hybrid 2.7L, although I have my doubts now.
Please put the v8 engine in the regular cab standard bed and the trailboss package like they send to the Middle East.
If they don’t sell them, in 25 yrs time you may be able to import a RCSB TB or LT/RST…
Since the regular cabs share parts with the other trucks…that should not be an issue, but regulations CERTAINLY will be…
Glad to see the side profile look like a square body throwback and stacked headlights that actually looked stacked, and not like a euro sports car.
Eww…
It’s the poor people version with gasoline
I would like to see reliable V8 engines and 10 speed automatic transmissions. The quality control is going right out the window on these expensive trucks and that is inexcusable. Hopefully the next gen engines will have reliability, better MPG numbers and more competitive power figures. Some type of hybrid option would also be nice in addition to more interior color choices, especially on the lower trim levels. Would love to see a proper SS package on the regular cab models with 6.2, tire/suspension upgrade and appearance upgrade.
So put this in your pipe and smoke it. If GM was/is too big to fail, maybe they should tell regulators to back off the regs. as they are making vehicles only wealthy people can afford. Just imagine if GM said no we’re not going to to this or that. You, meaning the government can inherit all the people that would be out of work. Manufacturers will continue to be over regulated until they say enough.
I think what people want is what is causing them to do this. And these same people are THE ONES COMPLAINING about “too much complexity …”…
We want this or that, extra this, extra that…which is NOT NEEDED.
And on top of that, is the EPA regulations.
All of this makes for a very overpriced vehicle and with possible bugs (serious or minor) being sent out of the factory….
New truck
Same engine problems
Honestly I would like to see the truck alone lose 500 lbs. From there add in a hybrid system that’s integrated into the platform to accommodate the structural rigidity lost in the material taken out. I know they spent billions on DFM/AFM. But honestly, it’s tarnished their 6.2 and 5.3 v8s. But making it to where the engine itself turns off rather than running on x amount of cylinders. Seems to be the better route. Plus it’s making the engine less complex. With the hybrid system, making it have a larger capacity and e-motors capable of putting out around 200 hp and 200 lb-ft of tq. This should be more than enough to go a few dozen miles on battery alone while also adding in a bit of performance. Integrate the engine so that its not only capable of powering the drivetrain, but also adding energy back into the battery as well. With the e-motors and engine providing power, it should take less energy for the engine to move the truck and making it more economical to drive.
I hope the new V8 is a 5.7 and call it a “350”! This alone would be a marketing dream!
Put the emblem back in the MIDDLE of the grill.