With the current-generation Chevy Silverado full-size pickup now going on six years of service, the brand could use an injection of new life into its trucks. These shots from our spy photographer suggest Chevy is already testing light-duty and heavy-duty versions of the upcoming pickup.
Looking at the front end, we can see the honeycomb grille clearly through the camouflage, though the shape of the stacked projector headlights is tougher to make out. Also showing through the camo is a touch of chrome on the front bumper. The presence of eight lug nuts on one of the test mules identifies it as the HD model, as opposed to the 1500 light-duty, which sports six lug nuts. Underneath the strip of black tape covering the wheel center caps you can see the outline of the bowtie logo, which should remove any doubt these are Chevy’s next full-size trucks.
As we previously reported, GM will employ a next-generation small-block V-8 in the 2014 Silverado, which will make use of an aluminum block and direct-injection. Our spy photographer says the new engine will also get cylinder deactivation tech to increase highway mileage. HD models are expected to pack revised versions of the current 6.0- and 6.2-liter gasoline V-8 engines, as well as an updated 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V-8. Reports also suggest the 2014 Silverado will offer a much-improved V-6 in the 2014 Silverado, but it’s unclear whether the automaker will use its ubiquitous 3.6-liter V-6 or a new turbocharged 3.0-liter unit to match Ford’s EcoBoost F-150. An eight-speed automatic transmission is also in the works, but may not be offered on the torquey HD models.
Our spy photographer reports a hybrid version of the Silverado will continue to be offered, but the model may ditch the V-8 hybrid setup in favor of a more frugal V-6. The eight-speed transmission and the hybrid variant may not be ready in time for the Silverado’s initial launch next year, but should arrive later. Production on non-hybrid 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500s is expected to start in April 2013, while assembly of heavy-duty 2014 Silverados will begin in October 2013 at GM’s plants in Flint, Mich. and Ft. Wayne, Ind.
