GMC, Chevrolet and Isuzu truck dealers will have a lot more to show light- and medium-duty fleets in the coming model year.
The medium-duty tiltcab, which is marketed as the Chevrolet T-Series, GMC T-Series and Isuzu F-Series, will feature a new chassis and many more components common with GM's conventional GMC and Chevrolet C-Series trucks.
But the biggest news will arrive in January, when a new tandem-axle model, rated up to 56,000 lb. GVW, will be rolled out. GVWs have been expanded on the single-axle models to now run from 25,000 to 39,000 lb.
A key feature of the trucks is the Duramax 7800 diesel engine, offered in a range of horsepower and torque configurations up to 250 hp. Next year, 275- to 300-hp. versions will be released.
Other tiltcab specs include standard Allison automatics, improved brake systems, 19.5- and 22.5-in. wheels, available traction control, and a new 16,000-lb. front axle.
Turning to conventionals, the big news is a new factory-built four-door crew cab for the C5500 Chevy Kodiak/GMC TopKick. It is offered in GVWRs from 16,500 to 61,000 lb. in a variety of wheelbases and with gasoline or diesel engines.
GM is also making available two higher GVW ratings for '04 C5500 models. The OEM said the two new ratings, 22,000 and 25,950 lb., provide the kind of payload capacity previously available only on larger Class 6 trucks.
New Silverado/Sierra 1500 (half-ton) crew cabs feature a 5-ft., 8-in. bed and are offered in 2WD or 4WD
Hybrid “Flex Power” pickups go into production in October and will be aimed at commercial customers.
These half-ton extended cab models will feature a Vortec 5300 V-8 and Hydra-Matic 4L60-E 4-speed automatic coupled with a hybrid propulsion technology that GM said will provide 10-15% better fuel economy. and a 120v electrical power and accessory-powering capability equivalent to a 20-amp household circuit. They will be offered in 2WD or 4WD.
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