General Motors unveiled its two new full-size pickups, the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra, yesterday at the GM Proving Grounds in Milford, Mich.
“GM’s full-size pickups are its highest volume products, and as such are the most important component in the most important part of our turnaround plan,” GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner told a crowd of reporters trackside.
“No automotive turnaround has been sustained without the steady flow of great cars and trucks. [Vice Chairman of Product Development] Bob [Lutz] and his product development team are going to ensure that the flow of great products turns into a flood of great products.”
To underscore the urgency of that plan, Wagoner said GM pulled forward the release of the full-size an unprecedented 13 weeks.
The media grandstand was then deluged with 24 versions of the Silverado and Sierra, hauling bales of hay, pulling speedboats and RVs and upfitted with ladder racks and tool boxes to highlight the trucks’ towing power, cargo capacity, cab choices and overall versatility.
Wagoner emphasized fuel economy, noting that the Silverado/Sierra is the first pair of pickups to get more than 20 miles per gallon with a 300 horsepower engine, using advanced technology such as Active Fuel Management (AFM) and variable valve timing (VVT). Both are E85-compatible.
Highlights of the 2007 Chevrolet Silerverado and GMC Sierra:
> Exterior styling is distinct from their SUV brethren and distinct from one another.
> GM says it is the first manufacturer to have two unique interiors. GM used the design from its 07 SUV interiors for the up-model LTZ, SLT and Sierra Denali models. The LT and SL series have their own unique interiors.
> Three box lengths – short (5 foot 8 inches), standard (6 foot 6 inches) and long (8 foot)
> Eight powertrain combinations, five suspension packages
> Light-duty payload capacities from 1,564 pounds to 2,160 pounds
> Light-duty trailering capability from 4,300 pounds to segment-leading 10,500 pounds
GM said the light-duty crew cabs and extended cabs would hit showrooms in October. The regular cabs become available in November, and by February all heavy-duty variants for both brands will be on the market. Pricing has not yet been released.