2007? Heavy Duty Pickups?

C/K Man · August 31, 2004

Man, I am hearing some crazy rumors about the next generation GMT-900 heavy duty pickups. What all have you guys heard so far?

MS3DALE · September 1, 2004

I haven't heard a thing yet!

What are you hearing?

C/K Man · September 2, 2004

A big new V-10 to replace the 8.1L, maybe an LS-1 based V-6 to replace the 4.3L, something that burns diesel called the Ultramax, a new 5 speed automatic to replace the 4L60E, maybe a straight front axle on HD 4X4's, 'side gate' door option on the pickup box sides (Corvair Rampside?), Duramax Suburbans, maybe a light duty V-6 Duramax diesel for the 1/2 tons, maybe some additional commercial truck models.

maximumrebel1 · September 2, 2004

Sounds good to me, where exactly are you hearing this?

lrymal · September 2, 2004

..maybe a straight front axle on HD 4X4's, 'side gate' door option on the pickup box sides (Corvair Rampside...

Can't document much, other than the Cheyenne website, but I have seen the sidegate option on several protype options, and remember reading of more use of the bed's underside. Definitely something for storage options is being explored. Here is an overhead photo of the truck that highlights the bed:

http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/large/1573-4.jpg

And at the same website:

"Also integrated into the pickup box are multiple storage bins in the box floor and drawers in the box sides. The box is equipped with lighting and integrated tie-downs throughout for maximum versatility in all conditions."

http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame.mv?fi...car.mv&num=1573

GMMediumDutyMQ · September 2, 2004

A big new V-10 to replace the 8.1L, maybe an LS-1 based V-6 to replace the 4.3L

You're almost entirely correct there. However, don't count the 4.3L dead......last I heard, that's scheduled to be built past 2008......

'side gate' door option on the pickup box sides (Corvair Rampside?)

Sounds likely, as there have been numerous concepts featuring the side access door (Cheyenne, Fox Racing Silverado, H3T, etc). It wouldn't be like the Rampside. That had a door that lowered to create a ramp to the bed. If anything, it would be like the Corvair Loadside, which had a standard "tailgate', but on the side. I still think the new trucks would be of a different design, nonetheless.

maybe some additional commercial truck models

Like medium duties? Doubt it. 560's have only been out for about 2 years at themost. And those programs usually have very long lifespans.

MQ

Chev8.1 · September 3, 2004

What NO more american big block???!!!!!! IT will be a sad day indeed

99silveradoz71 · September 3, 2004

I'd like that storage, lighting, etc in the bed. Make trucks useful again.

ASIB54 · September 3, 2004

Sounds like the 496 is soon to become a treasure.

C/K Man · September 4, 2004

The 8.1L will be around a couple more years yet. And, it will probably still be manufactured for marine and industrial use as well. Heck, they still make brand new 454's. Anyway, I have heard this 2007 stuff from some friends at dealers, who have friends, ect..

dannyukonxl · September 4, 2004

looks like im gonna have to do an engine swap with this new big v10 i think gm is going to use the 360 engine in more and more things, like the new vette.. 400 hp 0-60 in 4.3

ClipperSkipper · September 6, 2004

405 quite actually.

Have a great one!

R Dogg 56 · September 6, 2004

Heck, they still make brand new 454's.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

As GM Performance Crate engines, right? Those things are cool as hell.

David S · September 7, 2004

Any word on what the styling changes may bring?

R Dogg 56 · September 7, 2004

Unless there's a glitch in the options, Chevy's only engine choices for the 3500 are the Vortec 6000 and the 300hp/520tq or 310hp/605tq Duramax 6600. No Vortec 8100 to speak of.

However, they still show it on the Specifications page.