New Silverado/Sierra Debut Will Surprise
By now you've heard that the media debut of the new GM half-tons — the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra — will be Dec. 13 at an undisclosed location. Along with this information, GM released a close-up view of a projector headlamp, presumably to be used on one of the upper-level trim packages.
There has been much speculation about what types of new-technology option packages will be offered, how dramatically different the interior will look, and what types of new powertrain packages will exist. With the EcoBoost V-6 technology working very well for Ford and the Ram's new eight-speed transmission garnering all sorts of praise by the various media outlets, GM needs to offer something special if it wants to compete sufficiently.
We might get a clue from, of all places, the new Corvette as to what that key piece of technology might be. There has been quite a bit of buzz recently surrounding the coming 2014 Corvette. The plant in Bowling Green, Ky., is reported to be shut down for almost a total of six weeks for the changeover, but the big news is the release and use of a new Gen V small-block V-8 engine, reported to offer the most power and fuel economy for any standard Corvette engine.
Our guess is a lot of the technology included on this engine will make it into one of the engine choices that will be offered for certain models of the new Silverado and Sierra 1500s. For that reason, it's worth looking at some of the highlights of the engine. (Click here to download the full press release from GM.)
Highlights include an aluminum block and oil pan, direct injection, new active fuel-management system, continuously variable valve timing, new head design, higher compression ratio, more advanced cooling, and a highly modified combustion chamber and spark plug setup. These advancements provide huge improvements in efficiency and power output, and we're almost certain they will be carried over to the new truck engines.
We're hearing through some back channels that a lot of these same technologies could be brought into all the engine options for the full-size half-tons, but we won't find that out until mid-December. In the meantime, we know all the manufacturers have some very aggressive fuel-economy standards to meet in the coming decade, so we expect to hear quite a bit of noise about better fuel economy, lighter trucks, multispeed transmissions, turbocharging and even cylinder deactivation.
No doubt the engineers and marketing folks at GM (not to mention Chevy and GMC dealerships) can't wait to finally get their half-ton products to the marketplace, but what will be most interesting to us is whether or not they bring all their weapons to the fight in one big blaze, or if this is just the first phase of a multilayered, long-term battle strategy. We're guessing the latter, but they might surprise us. We'll also get a closer look at the trucks at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. Stay tuned.
Comments
Now old news and brings nothing to the table. This site used to be on the edge for breaking news and credible information.
It appears GM took a pic of the front end of the new F150, that way we all know that it will look similar
LOL, it does look like an F150.
Come on GM, lets see a direct inejction V8!
turbo'd DI V8, let's make some power and have some fun.
GMs plan of attack for 2014:
1. Make it look exactly like an F-150
2. Put a motor in it that's exactly like the EcoBoost
3. Pray a lot.
C'mon guys, this thing won't look like an f150. Have you seen the spyshots of the Silverado? It has those nasty square wheelwell openings still. This truck is a failure just waiting to happen. Much like the last one. Chevy hasn't designed a good looking truck in years. Why bother starting now.
4) They will make it 3" taller like the F150. Longer too.
Howie Long is going to have to start practicing his jump shot again. That old video slamming the F150 for being too tall will be thrown out the window. They will also add a man step for the bumper.
Get ready for the next cheaply built, cheap interior plastics, cheap interior material, cheap thin sheetmetal, rusty frame, piston slappin, ugly designed pile of bean counter junk truck from GM. yay! Discounts and massive incentives for everyone!!
Does anyone Really take Chevy seriously in the truck arena anymore? I don't know anyone who does. It's all Ford and Dodge now. It's not like the olden days where most guys had Chevy trucks. Those things have been junk for far too long for anyone to care anymore. It's not as if I wouldn't enjoy them proving me wrong but I sure as hell wouldn't bet the farm on it.
the surprise will be a new trim level. Its called the wavy lays edition, after there wavy sheet metal fenders.
It will also have round wheel wells with square tires
the front end looks like thier going back to the look of the late ninties models with two rectangular lights on each side with the chrome strip seperating them.
Nothing "undisclosed" about where the unveil will be. It is slated to go down at Michigan Motion Picture Studios in Pontiac, MI. This was stated 3-days ago in the Detroit News article.
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121022/AUTO0103/210220414
Man, so much negativity and sarcasm... I forgot so say "Let the hatred begin..."
As was the actual press release from GM...This site should just change its name to fordtruck.com and call it a day.
While this technology is definitely notable, it's not exactly anything totally new and ground-breaking. I mean, the L92 V8 they use now is all aluminum with variable valve timing and active fuel management. All it's really missing is direct injection, which was obviously coming down the pipe line (and is something basically every other manufacturer will have shortly).
Unless they've got some other trick new features waiting in the wings it's starting to sound like GM's new trucks will be evolutionary rather than revolutionary. If that's the case, I hope they get some awesome fuel economy. Otherwise, I'm not sure they'll will over many sales from the Ford and Ram camps.
These new truck had better rock! If these trucks don't give Ford a run for their money,than Ford will not see GM as a competitor any more and the whole segment will suffer. Gm is really the only direct competitor across the board to Ford in trucks.
paul810
There is nothing new about turbo V6 engines and multi speed trasmission either. So what's your point?
My guess is
5.3 360/360ish HP/TQ Aluminum and 21-23 MPG
6.2 420is HP
3.6 V6 320HP (base engine) from the Camaro/CTS.
3.0 turbo V6 to come next year.
Nothing out of the world but very competitive.
The new 6.2L is all new but not really all that new. They refined every last curve and bolt on the engine but didn't get much improvements. Preliminary 450HP 450LB/FT which is good but not much better then Ford's 6.2, 6.4L Hemi, or even the ecoboost for that matter. They claim to finally have figured out how to deactivate cylinders and that should help with hwy FE.
Bottom line: Don't hold your breath...
And btw...
The Surprise is that the Silverado will debut along with a new transformers movie where it becomes the new star. Two free movie tickets and an action figure for every Silverado pre-order as an added bonus.
The only thing I've seen from GM press releases is that they'll be more fuel efficient than the F-series. Well big woop. As if Ford won't fire back within 6 months. I never recalled GM/Chevy trucks getting that bad of gas mileage anyway. Was that not Dodge's domain? It was the trucks themselves that were piles of disposable trash just like every other cheap pos GM car. Not the engines that powered those rolling turds. I've not once in my life ever heard anyone say they bought the new Ford over the Chevy because of gas mileage. It's always been looks, build quality, interior quality, trims, durability-longevity etc. GM builds their trucks on the cheap and I mean CHEAP. The bodies and interiors just fall apart around the engine. THAT is the reason people started buying Ford's. If Chevrolet hasn't fixed this stuff, they might as well turn in their truck card and get lost.
The picture has been on the web for atleast 3-4 days and this site (A so called truck site) is just getting around to posting outdated news, and this little article was nothing but speculation.
Several years back, this was the truck site to go to when you wanted news, now it is a bunch of 12 year olds berating each other at every turn.
the surprise will be a new trim level. Its called the wavy lays edition, after there wavy sheet metal fenders.
It will also have round wheel wells with square tires
-Wouldn't surprise this guy. This current Silverado should be in the Smithsonian Museum as a monument of what not to do with metal. Not only is it ugly with it's goofy flared fenders and bed, that sheetmetal over the rear wheel openings on the bed is as wavy as a flag in a hurricane. WTF happened to Chevy???
the front end looks like thier going back to the look of the late ninties models with two rectangular lights on each side with the chrome strip seperating them.
@Richard, it depends on how it's done. I love those 90's trucks but those Chinese looking piles of **** from 2003-2007 also had that chrome bar seperating the lights. Those trucks were hideous looking. They were the entire reason I switched to Ford. When this last Silverado came out, I was let down even further. I just don't think Chevrolet has it in them anymore to build a timeless looking truck again of high build quality. This isn't the 1900's anymore. I think the devil himself took control of GM in the late 1990's with the intention of destroying Chevy trucks. Well, it worked.
@Keith
You actually used these words "looks, build quality, interior quality, trims, durability-longevity" in the same sentance with the word "Ford"!!
LMFAO!!!
Buahhahahahaha!....
I have tears in my eyes from all the laughing...
Hahahhahahahahaaha....
You probably added couple minutes to my life span with that comment.
Thanks!!
HAHHAHAHAHAHA!!!
-Wouldn't surprise this guy. This current Silverado should be in the Smithsonian Museum as a monument of what not to do with metal. Not only is it ugly with it's goofy flared fenders and bed, that sheetmetal over the rear wheel openings on the bed is as wavy as a flag in a hurricane. WTF happened to Chevy???
Posted by: KeithSchuler | Oct 25, 2012 1:06:48 PM
You've got that half right Mr. Schuler. You left out the ugly A$$ed Super Dooty. It is by far the UGLIEST HD truck on the market with that horrid looking front clip. What in the hell are those designers thinking??? The Ford Kool-Aid addict fan boys just love them though. They should make a Le Bra standard for these trucks to cover up that ugly snout!!!
GUTS
GLORY
BEST LOOKING TRUCK LINE
RAM
These new truck had better rock! If these trucks don't give Ford a run for their money,than Ford will not see GM as a competitor any more and the whole segment will suffer. Gm is really the only direct competitor across the board to Ford in trucks
@Daryl, please. Dodge is here to kick Chevy's ass into a dirt nap for good. Govt Motors hasn't cared about trucks in 10-20 years. Looks what happened to their HD's in the early 90's with the loss of a SFA and look how cheap their build quality got from that point forward. Their looks circled the drain after the GMT 400 was over. Their interior and body quality is utter crap. If people won't buy a Dodge, there is always Toyota and Nissan. I can't even believe how far Chevrolet has fallen. Ford doesn't take Chevrolet as a serious competitor right now anyway. Outside of the Camaro/Mustang thing, Ford hasn't taken Chevrolet seriously for many years now. I can tell you that for a fact.
Make it a full body Le Bra for the Super Dooty to cover up the ugly front clip and the rest of the body that is older staler and moldier than a 5 year loaf of bread.
GUTS
GLORY
ATTRACTIVE FROM ALL ANGLES
UP TO DATE
RAM
Yup. The bias started with Mile Levine last year. It was no shocker he is working for Ford now. And now it seems Levine can post on the site whenever he wants for free Ford promotion.
Now we have Mark Williams, I think his name is, who writes with too much personal opinion and bias.
No new news since Monday, and it's dated already. Not to mention his article about a six wheel drive jeep that was at last year's Sema show.
I wish I knew who to contact to complain about the site. Been coming here for about ten years and it's very sad to see what it's become. They need to clean it up, starting with Williams.
Bunch of 12 year old retards=ford fans.
zrpoo must be a Chevy guy. Lol! Yep, blame everyone else for your pos built ugly trucks and poor sales... Ford and Dodge own trucks now for good reason. GM put Chevrolet into the toilet.
Poor sales? Explain to me how the current Silverado/Sierra is or has been a poor seller. Go troll somewhere else. You must be one of Frank's buddies.
A look at that engine diagram makes me want to ask: How many of you think this will be a factory supercharged (as opposed to turbocharged) engine?
@DWFields
Supercharging is less efficient than turbocharging.
I think people will have to wait and see what GM end product is.
All the manufacturers play the game of deliverinng snippets of information to try and build interest in their products. A lot of these type of releases is marketing and sampling to gauge reaction.
I come here(at least for now) to get news and get more than my dad can beat up your dad. I realize we all have our likes and opinions but the level of childishness is real getting old quick. Can't we voice opinions without name calling and such.
Peope just get jealous that somebody might have a truck better then thiers. I say if you don't like it, don't buy it, just don't come on hear acting like a child.
Sorry guys. I understand the frustration. Have been in jury duty for a few weeks (oddly, none of whom are PUTC readers) and look to be here for several more. Trying to keep up but it's tricky. Will be more to come. Some stuff we can't talk about yet but it's coming, and it's information you'll be interested in. Appreciate the help and support.
So many negative comments made by a bunch of jealous individuals. You all know GM will offer technology above and beyond what is offered by Ford or Chrysler. GM will offer a small block v8 with more power and reliability then the v6s offered by the competition. They will also give you better fuel mileage then what is offered by Ford or Chrysler. And to top it off, GM's trucks will still outlast the trucks offered by Ford and Chrysler, the same quality that has been offered in the years past. Eat your hearts out you jealous second rate truck owners.
^^^
LMFAO at this troll. I hope they make a V8 more powerful the Ford and Rams V6.
LMFAO!
I literally gave up on all future products of GM, I use to be pysch when i first heard that GM might re use the old solid front axle on the three quarter ton's but nada...
If the next-gen Sierra/Silverado gets even *half* the advances that are in that new Vette motor, GM is going to leap to the top of the pile.
After all, what's more reliable than a pushrod motor with a deep skirted block which has been refined and enhanced for decades? If you're looking for reliability, you can't argue with history.
Say buh bye hemi ram poeple. Say get new underpants ford boys. Chevy and GMC are comeing to town.
Yup, looks like the Ford and Ram fanboys are getting very insecure. Lots here to be worried about. Look out for a 1-2 punch in the fall of 2013 when the HD's debut.
I for one ,when purchasing a truck , first look at reliability of the drive train.GM I believe has been and will continue to be the leader in that field. Gimmicks , special trim packages and non time tested technology's can not change that. So if GM trucks are so horrible educate me why they perennially sell very well?
"So if GM trucks are so horrible educate me why they perennially sell very well?" - Gpc85
I want to know the same for FORD!
These dodge guys are starting to get on my nerves! Sure y'all finally have a nice truck inside and out and it's one of the best looking trucks on the market but the truth is it will always be number 3 in sales! They can take second place over a truck that hasn't been updated in over 6 years now how can the take a brand new one?
Guts
Glory
Always 3rd in sales
@Greg - you are almost as funny as Rambo the leader of the Goat Tribe.
Quote"You all know GM will offer technology above and beyond what is offered by Ford or Chrysler."
Turbo V6 - already done
Fuel efficient V6 - already done
DI - already done
VVT - already done
powerful V8's - already done
aluminum blocks - already done
aluminum heads - already done
8 speed - already done
fuel efficiency - already done
projector headlights - already done
rear disc brakes - already done
high end interiors - already done
quality interiors - already done
large roomy cabs - already done
They better not f-up with this truck because momma obamma can't afford more loans.
Did I leave anything out?
Direct injection, high compression, and Variable valve timing on a pushrod engine, classic GM cutting corners. Ford will still have a strong edge in drivetrain engineering and technology.
A variant of this Corvette Gen V, 6.2L needs to replace the 2014 base powertrain option 6.0L in the gas 3/4 and 1 ton trucks.They must get better fuel mileage and with cylinder deactivation this will do the ticket. GM should only market this powertrain in the gas 3/4 and 1 ton to compete with Ford's 6.2l base powertrain option in the 3/4 and 1 ton work trucks.With cylinder deactivation the fuel mileage should give it the advantage against Ford's 3/4,and 1 ton work truck variant's.Towing should should be class leading with the torque and power curves currently undergoing final valadation trials.With only 3:93 and a 4:10 the gas 6.0L is in need of a fix many owners have complained of poor fuel mileage with this current 6.0l.Towing is excellent but with a improve 4L90E set of gears for this new Gen V it too should be class leading in the gas 3/4 and 1 ton.
GM already leads in diesel performance with many automotive writers giving the edge to GM's Duramax diesel both in drive writeups and in direct shootout competitions.Many GM owners thought the current 6.2L offered in the 1500 should have been the base powertrain for the 3/4 and 1 ton.Also pricing in the 1/2 ton 6.2 verus the 3/4 the 3/4 ended at model year to price lower than the same optioned 1/2 ton 6.2L. pricing 1/2 tons above the 34,000 mark just doesn't make sense with a towing capacity of only 8000 pounds depending on gear selection of the truck on the lot and optional powertrain equipted.
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