The GM pickups are all new and based on the GMT 900 architecture it shares with the new Tahoe and Yukon. The frame is said to be 234 percent stiffer torsionally and 62 percent better in bending. Engines range from the venerable 195-horse 4.3-liter V6 on up to a 400-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8 on the Sierra Denali. Most will come with the 315-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management, which has an estimated highway mileage of 20 mpg. All engines will be paired to a four speed automatic or a six-speed auto in the case of the Sierra Denali. Top dog models can tow 10,500 lbs.—a staggering weight for a light duty pickup. Stabilitrak comes standard on crew cab models and is optional throughout the range. The interiors are much improved and on some models include a massive 6.1-liter storage console. Expect to see the new Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra in dealerships this winter.
The new F-150 is essentially a carryover. But Ford made sure to tell us that the F-150 now has a towing capacity of up to 10,500-lbs. Yep, just like the Chevy and GMC. New models this year include a 2WD FX2 sport model and a Harley Davidson SuperCrew model. Ford also says it will lower prices on ’07 F-150s by up to $1400 on some trucks. Will that be enough to keep the all-new Chevy and GMC from stealing the F-150s thunder this year? Only time will tell.