Don’t expect huge changes for new GM full-size trucks

[SobeSVT]

Don’t expect huge changes for new GM full-size trucks
Posted Jul 17, 2005, 12:00 PM ET by Eric Bryant

With the introduction of the new GMT900 series of full-size trucks coming early next year, it’s time for the speculation to begin. Word has it that the changes will be “evolutionary”, or “change what’s broken and leave the rest alone”. The sheetmetal will be all-new and should provide more differentiation between Chevy, GMC, and Cadillac models. Arguably the largest problem with the current line-up is the interior, which should be much improved as is the trend with newer GM vehicles. Let’s just hope they can add a bit of style while bringing a level of durability that’s appropriate for a truck. Where significant change won’t take place is under the skin, as the basic layout and execution of the GMT800 remains competitive (if you don’t think so, please feel free to suggest changes in the comment section). On the powertrain side, six-speed transmissions come first with hybrids appearing around ‘08, and expect more power all around the engine line-up.

http://www.autoblog.com/

[Kennyboy]

I read in this month's Motor Trend mag, that there should be interior difference between the models to differente them.

[chevynj]

I am hearing lots of good stuff on the "GMT-900 discussion" thread. It is looking like these new ones are going to be good. Of course the general form isn't going to change and it doesn't really need to. I hear there is lots of innovation and improvement.

[Tiger]

New motors? Check!
New interiors? Check!
New sheetmetal? Check!
Stabilitrak drivetrain standard? Check!

Sounds new to me! Woo Hoo!

PS Unlike the all new Toyota Tundra (that was just a crew cabber). Yawn.

[chevynj]

Originally Posted by Tiger

New motors? Check!
New interiors? Check!
New sheetmetal? Check!
Stabilitrak drivetrain standard? Check!

Sounds new to me! Woo Hoo!

PS Unlike the all new Toyota Tundra (that was just a crew cabber). Yawn.

Got a few things to add:

More options? Check
Improvement of current options? check
More safety? Check
Improved fuel mileage? Check, so far in forecasts
Incorporates the best from other GM vehicles into well thought out and executed packages? CHECK CHECK CHECK!

[86fleet]

I've seen the Tahoe and the Escalade, And they look nice. The rears are still somewhat similar to each other, and I didn't see the front of the Caddy. But if the Tahoe is represenative of the rest of them it should be nice as well.

[moman]

I agree that the changes will be much less than most rampant speculation on this board...

Here are some things that I doubt will be offered:
1. massaging seats
2. HUD
3. navigation/dvd systems
4. gimmicky chrome interior

GM knows it's core customers are happy with the current trucks, so an evolutionary design is in the cards.

[chevynj]

Originally Posted by moman

I agree that the changes will be much less than most rampant speculation on this board...

Here are some things that I doubt will be offered:
1. massaging seats
2. HUD
3. navigation/dvd systems
4. gimmicky chrome interior

GM knows it's core customers are happy with the current trucks, so an evolutionary design is in the cards.

Our source from the other thread "GMT-900 Discussion" Has heard directly from a GM truck manager. He is part of a dealership and has been recieving highlights. There will be heated and cooled seats.( i guess standard in the caddy) But no massage anywhere. THe Hud is a possibility. THe nav will be offered and he has heard that up to 4 dvd players with screens will be available in something like the Tahoe. They are in the headrests now, rather than the roof. Each screen has its own player. Other details are unknown. I didn't ask about chrome and such.....hopefully the interiors will be nice. I heard rumor of granite in the escalade......

[chad4835]

Tracked down a test mule Escalade that was being trailered and got a good close-up of it esp. the interior and it was really nice. The interior is unique to the Escalade, very upscale and looked similar to the new 06 DTS, kind of rounded and lots of wood. The exterior had heavy camo but I could make out a couple of points. The glass on the rear doors is upswept like a Sequoia. The rest of the side panels seemed flat. The grill on the front is HUGE and speaking of huge, even though the emblem was not on the tester the space for it looked about the size of a Frisbee. With the gigantic one they put on the DTS this year, I was not surprised. The headlights are spaced a little further from the grill and upright like the CTS and STS. I am not sure if it had the production lights but if it did they were cool. They look like other Cadillacs except the projectors were flat and receased and indented in the glass which gave them a unique look, there were three I believe. I could not make out the back, there was too much camo. Overall it looked like a great execution, esp the interior which was beautiful! Unfortunately no camera on my phone

[327]

ive seen the tahoe, and rear escalade , Its a pretty big change from this Generation, The pickups, i havent seen yet.

[giagastormer]

From what I've heard, the interiors of the Denali's wouldn't feel out of place in an Audi....

Talked to a guy who does interior quality control for GM, and he said he saw the GMT-900 interiors, he said they were really nice, lets leave it at that.

[chevynj]

Originally Posted by giagastormer

From what I've heard, the interiors of the Denali's wouldn't feel out of place in an Audi....

Talked to a guy who does interior quality control for GM, and he said he saw the GMT-900 interiors, he said they were really nice, lets leave it at that.

I'm getting excited about these interiors! I can't wait to see them. I know its still a truck, but it can't hurt to have it be a really really really nice truck!

[drew770]

This is the best route for GM to take with the GMT 900. The current generation are good products so we don't need a revolution. Alittle refinement and a great interior is what is called for.

[Arizona Slim]

I just hope they don't try to top Furd for payload volume by doing the high-bedside thing like the F-150. The current Chevys/GMCs have great proportions, they just need a better stance on the 2WDs.

[moman]

Originally Posted by Arizona Slim

I just hope they don't try to top Furd for payload volume by doing the high-bedside thing like the F-150. The current Chevys/GMCs have great proportions, they just need a better stance on the 2WDs.

Agreed, the Ford beds look wierd, IMO. I like the older 400 where you could put 2x4s in the bed and have two-tiered stacking (not sure if it's still possible to do that).