Fleetowner 945 Silverado07
Fleetowner 945 Silverado07
Fleetowner 945 Silverado07
Fleetowner 945 Silverado07
Fleetowner 945 Silverado07

GM launches redesigned pickup line

Aug. 3, 2006
Leading a complete redesign of its full-size pickup models, General Motors has introduced light-duty versions of the 2007 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado

Leading a complete redesign of its full-size pickup models, General Motors has introduced light-duty versions of the 2007 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado. The heavier 2500HD and 3500HD versions will follow within three months, according to GM president & CEO Rick Wagoner.

With full-size pickups accounting for 30% of GM’s unit sales, the replacement for the current GMT800 generation plays a major role in the company’s long-term turnaround plans, Wagner said at a well-orchestrated media event held at GM’s Milford test facility.

The new light-duty GMT900 trucks feature higher payload and towing capacities, improved fuel economy from advanced engine technology, new safety systems including curtain-side air bags, and more sheetmetal differentiation between the GMC and Chevy versions. Both versions are offered with regular, extended and crew cabs with a choice of three bed lengths, five suspension packages, eight powertrain combinations and a variety of trim levels.

Engine offerings for the 2007 Silverado and Sierra light-duty range from a 4.3L V6 to a 6.2L V8, with most fleet users expected to opt for GM’s 315-hp. 5.3L V8, according to Terry Woychowski, vehicle chief engineer for full-size trucks. Variable valve timing and GM’s Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology achieve a 7% improvement in fuel efficiency over previous versions of the engine, with similar numbers for the 6L 367-hp. V8, Woychowski told FleetOwner. AFM shuts down four of the engine’s eight cylinders when power demand is low and seamlessly activates all eight when necessary without any driver interaction. The new 5.3L has an EPA mileage rating of 16 MPG city and 22 MPG highway in two-wheel drive models, and 16/21 in four-wheel models.

The chassis has also been redesigned for the 2007 Sierra/Silverado, with greater torsional stiffness, wider front and rear tracks, coil-over-shock front suspension, a new rack-and-pinion steering system, and an Eaton automatic locking rear axle. GM’s StabiliTrack electronic stability control has also been redesigned to improve rollover mitigation, according to the company, and will be standard on all 2007 crew cab models. Payload capacity for the new light-duty GM pickups tops out at 2,160 lbs., and towing capacity ranges from 1,564 to 10,500 lbs.

Major cab changes incorporated into the new design include a rear access door for extended cab models that opens 170º and has fully retractable power windows. Tighter tolerances have also reduced gaps between body panels and improved overall aerodynamics, GM said.

Inside, the GMT900 has undergone a number of major changes that include more storage space and increased passenger room. A new “pure pickup” interior for base and midtrim models is intended to provide work-truck functionality. For example, the front bench seat includes a 9L lockable storage bin under the center seat that is large enough to store a laptop computer and includes a power outlet.


The new light-duty models will be available at GMC and Chevrolet dealers in the fourth quarter, according to GM officials. The HD versions will be introduced in October, with availability beginning early next year.

To comment on this article, write to Jim Mele at [email protected]

About the Author

Jim Mele

Nationally recognized journalist, author and editor, Jim Mele joined Fleet Owner in 1986 with over a dozen years’ experience covering transportation as a newspaper reporter and magazine staff writer. Fleet Owner Magazine has won over 45 national editorial awards since his appointment as editor-in-chief in 1999.

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