Recently we have been getting a great deal of images of the next-generation fullsize trucks from General Motors. While the automaker is attempting to fake us out with a phony oval in a grille and cut-down window cladding to simulate the F-150, a closer examination reveals hallmark GM cues, like GMC’s six-sided grille and LED accent lighting and the dual rectangular exhaust outlets we have actually seen on other new spyshots.
Sources state the automaker may be increasing the aluminum content on the truck, although it is also believed it will still use a mixed-metals approach rather than Ford’s all-aluminum building. The bed may stay steel, as GM has made a big deal of this in its current ad campaign versus the F-150 and one that’s not likely to be quickly forgotten.
Beyond the mixed-metal building and comprehensive use of LED lighting, little is definitively known about the new GM 1/2-tons, however we anticipate the normal incremental enhancements in frame strength, fuel economy, towing and payload capacity, in addition to new comfort and convenience functions and electronics. Anticipate auto stop-start to move to the trucks, perhaps in conjunction with a mild-hybrid system.
Regarding 2019 GMC Sierra 1500, not that we have enough evidence, we think the 2019 1/2-tons may provide an optional six-cylinder turbodiesel engine, to counter offerings from Ram and now Ford. We anticipate to see the complete production version of the brand-new trucks at the 2018 Detroit Motor Show.
