GM teases with 2016 Chevy Silverado

It’s not a lot, but it is something. Today the powers-that-be at General Motors have given us a first look at the updated Chevy Silverado for 2016. Not as extensive an overhaul as the completely redesigned 2014 model, but some distinctive changes do refresh the look, especially of the front end.

The design is more muscular, according to GM’s truck team, and the emphasis is on new technologies. The stacked front headlamps are gone — they did make the front end seem dated, as well as strong horizontal elements and a sculpted hoodline.

From a performance standpoint, we will be seeing the 8-speed transmission which has already found its way into other Chevy vehicles. Already-announced Apple CarPlay will be on board, as will Android Auto and other safety apps and features.

GM is saying that the we can expect to see the 2016 model in fall of 2015 — just in time, I expect, for the Truck of Texas competition sponsored by the Texas Auto Writers Association.

Chevy trucks are on a high with sales up 32% so far this year, with Silverado sales up 14.6% through June, and more than 41,000 mid-size Colorados sold during the same period.

2016 will be another pivotal year for trucks, as it has been for the past several years. Nissan is introducing its new Titan with a Cummins diesel engine (to compete, obviously, with Ram’s 1500 diesel); Ram is introducing the Rebel to go nose-to-nose with the Ford Raptor; Toyota is introducing the new Tacoma to media next month; and Ford is introducing the game-changing trailer assist technology for the F-150. A diesel has also been announced for the Colorado and GMC Canyon, but no dates have been released.