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Next Chevy Silverado could get this built-in tailgate step

General Motors just received patent approval for a tailgate step in a pickup bed. And given the timing, don't be surprised if you see this on the upcoming 2019 Silverado pickup (not the mention its GMC Sierra twin), expected to arrive in late 2018. According to the patent, granted in December of last year, the whole mechanism is housed in the tailgate assemble. The magic happens when a portion of the top half of the tailgate swings down and a step folds out. There's also a handle that locks into position to help climb up into the bed. As trucks get bigger and taller over the years, it gets harder and harder to access the cargo bed. Ford's solution with the 2009 F-150 was a step that slides out from the end of the tailgate. Back then, Chevy made an ill-advised ad highlighting the feature for Ford. And while Howie Long mocked the F-150's "man step" Ford saw almost a third of its trucks with the option in the first year. The GM design seems to improve on Ford's idea as it appears to be wider and has a back to the lower step. That is, you don't have to worry about stepping through the ladder-rung design as on the F-150. Ford's tailgate step later spread to the F Super Duty, and other cargo access assists have proliferated through the truck world. On the most recent redesign, the Chevrolet Silverado took a trick from the Avalanche and added cutouts to the corners of the rear bumper that act as a foothold. Ford also offers a deployable side step, Chevrolet has running boards that scoot rearward with a kick of the boot, and Ram offers fixed wheel-to-wheel side rails. Nissan is in on the game too, with an optional folding step that tucks under the rear bumper. We don't expect Chevrolet to comment on when or if we'll see this feature in the showrooms. But given that engineers are already hard at work on the next Silverado and the timing of this patent lines right up with the new truck's development cycle, we'll be disappointed if this patent stays in the file cabinet. Related Video:

2017 GMC Model Year Preview and Updates

GM's 'professional grade' truck and SUV specialist continues to deliver its utility-with-luxury vibe, optimized in the all-new Acadia, relatively new Canyon and continual updates to its Sierra pickups and Yukon SUVs. GMC ACADIA: An all-new Acadia - pictured above - is aimed at the heart of the midsize segment. In an unusual step, the GMC product team downsized the Acadia, dropping 700 pounds from the earlier platform in the process. The new crossover is available in four trims – SL, SLE, SLT and Denali – and an offroad-oriented All Terrain package is available on both SLE and SLT when equipped with all-wheel drive. For young families, GMC introduces the industry-first Rear Seat Reminder, a prompt which will remind the driver to check the rear seat area before leaving and locking the vehicle. CANYON: The midsize pickup introduces two new variants for 2017. The upmarket Denali adds swag – unique chrome grille, 20-inch aluminum wheels and various interior upgrades – to its swagger, while the All Terrain X provides the adventure traveler with all-terrain tires, off-road suspension, Hill Descent Control and all-weather floor liners. SIERRA: The Sierra's maximum trailer tow rating of 12,500 pounds is the best in the full-size, crew cab segment. New features include Teen Driver, active aero shutters on all models and available tri-mode power steps. Also, GMC adds two new colors to the palette: Dark Slate Metallic and Pepperdust Metallic. SIERRA HD: The big news is the addition of the All Terrain X to GMC's heavy duty lineup. With an offroad-specific footprint provided by its 18-inch aluminum wheels and Goodyear Duratrac tires, ground clearance is enhanced by the Z71 off-road suspension, and an Eaton automatic locking differential keeps you rolling. TERRAIN: While the 2018 Terrain awaits its showroom debut, the 2017 Terrain's new Nightfall edition darkens the Terrain vibe. The one new color for 2017 fails to hit a brighter note; it's Graphite Gray Metallic. YUKON/YUKON XL: Perhaps the ultimate Uber capsule, the big/bigger SUV enters 2017 with a host of refinements, including GM's Teen Driver feature, upgrades to rear seat entertainment, available low speed forward automatic braking, active aero shutters for improved efficiency and one new color: Dark Sapphire Blue Metallic. If you're looking to maximize your visual presence, consider the SLT Premium Edition, which ups the chrome content well beyond the commercial minimums.

GMC SIerra Denali is ready to live the high life

Between the information for the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country and the accidently leaked picture on GMC's consumer site, it didn't take much imagination to envision what the 2014 GMC Sierra Denali would be like. But here it is. Going on sale this fall, the 2014 Sierra Denali will continue to be the most luxurious pickup truck in the General Motors portfolio, while getting more power and technology than ever before.
Like previous models, the 2014 Sierra Denali stands out from lower Sierra models with a big cheese-grater chrome grille, 20-inch chrome wheels and body-color bumpers. Inside, the Denali gets plenty of leather with contrasting stitching, but this is where GMC really steps up from the Silverado High Country with real aluminum trim and a new customizable eight-inch driver display in the gauge cluster. Standard features will include heated and cooled front bucket seats, the Intellilink infotainment system with Bose audio, while the options list offers a Driver Alert Package (with forward collision alert and lane departure warning), a rear-seat entertainment system and a Z71 Off-Road Package.
As for power, the standard engine will be the 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 with its 355 horsepower, and the optional engine will be the new 6.2-liter V8. Although official power figures for the bigger engine aren't in yet, GM is finally putting some estimates on paper expecting around 420 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque to go with a 12,000-pound towing capacity. The new Sierra Denali will be available in either two- or four-wheel drive. Scroll down for more details listed in the official press release.