2014 Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra Preview: Best in Class Fuel Economy, Power Promised

After seven long years, GM has finally given its lineup of half-ton pickups a refresh, both of which were revealed today.

The new GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado will have three engine options, all of which will feature direct injection, variable valve timing, and cylinder deactivation as standard equipment, particularly a big deal for the V6, which will be the first six-cylinder engine to offer cylinder deactivation in the segment. The engines are a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8, and a smaller 4.3-liter V6, all three of which are brand new designs.

Transmissions were not discussed in detail, though GM North American President Mark Reuss said, “transmission, powertrains will develop more in a year’s time,” confirming that a new transmission is on its way. As of now, it is the same six-speed unit as before, but rumored is an eight-speed box which is likely for the trucks.

While exact power numbers will come at a later date, Reuss said “[Our] V8s will be best in fuel efficiency and power.” No confirmation was offered on when the numbers will be released, with GM simply saying they are coming at a later date.

The new trucks have received many interior updates, such as a new 8-inch touchscreen in the center console, and a 4.3-inch screen in the dash mounted info cluster. A new version of GM’s Intellilink and MyLink system is now available, featuring customizable icons and voice recognition. The center stack screen as well as the integrated brake controller have both been moved higher in the console to help keep driver’s eyes on the road, and connectivity has been improved as well, with the Sierra offering a 110-volt outlet, up to five USB ports, four 12-volt outlets and an SD card slot. In addition, storage is all over the cabin with a double compartment glove box, a card holder, and a door which features to storage areas plus two cup holders.

The Sierra takes a page from Cadillac’s playbook, and now offers forward collision alert, safety seat alert, and lane departure warning.

For help with payload, new LED lighting has been installed in the bed, along with four new high-mounted tie down hooks, rated at 500 lbs. each. An integrated step in the bumper has also been added to help customers climb in and out of the bed of the truck, along with a spring-loaded tailgate that makes it lighter, and prevents it from crashing open.

Exterior design on both trucks gets major aerodynamic improvements, thanks to a further raked back windshield, and door frames which have been incorporated into the body of the truck. Updated mirrors that reduce wind turbulence, along with triple-sealed inlaid doors and the added aerodynamics make this the quietest GM truck interior ever. New projector beam headlamps are offered on both trucks, while the GMC gets two LED strips above and below to differentiate the two. Overall styling had gone more towards a boxy look. The front end marks the most significant changes to the truck, while the profile looks nearly identical to the outgoing model.

For the Silverado, the Z71 package returns to offer more off-road ready capability, while on the GMC you can opt for the All-terrain package. Both get upgraded shocks, hill descent control, front recovery hooks, a transfer case shield and unique wheels and tires.