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Next-gen GMC Sierra spied with diesel power

The next generation of GM trucks is arriving soon, and we're expecting a huge leap forward over the current lineup. The Chevy Silverado and the GMC SIerra sell extremely well, but haven't done much to move the segment forward in a long time. The Ford F-150 has an all-aluminum body and turbocharged V6 power. The Ram 1500 gained a diesel and coil spring suspension. These spy shots show that diesel may be in the cards for GM. Some quick shots and copious use of flash show what is most likely a tank for diesel exhaust fluid and a diesel particulate filter, both necessary equipment for any modern diesel. It's unclear what form factor that engine will come in, though GM has a number of engines to choose from, including the 2.8-liter inline four that's found in the Colorado and Canyon, though that may be a little light duty for the Silverado and Sierra. Other rumors surrounding the trucks suggest a move to an aluminum cab while retaining a steel bed. That seems like a reasonable move for GM, even if the company was attempting to shame Ford for its move to aluminum a few years ago. Look for more news as early as the Detroit Auto Show in January. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2019 GMC Sierra spy shots View 21 Photos Image Credit: Spied Bilde Spy Photos Chevrolet GMC Truck

GM also sheds parts from its pickups to boost payload ratings

The row between Ford and Ram over who boasts the best-in-class tow rating for heavy duty pickups has revealed a number of things. Chief among them is a report that Ford removes items like the spare tire, jack, radio and center console from its vehicles in a bid to lower its base curb weight and therefore keep the truck's gross vehicle weight rating down.
For those that need a refresher, GVWR is the vehicle's curb weight plus its maximum payload. A lower GVWR allows Ford to station its F-450 among the so-called Class III pickups, despite the fact that internally, it has the makings of a more brutish Class IV truck.
Ford explains away these deletions, saying a customer could order their vehicle in such a manner. It has also come to light that Ford is not the only automaker to engage in such practices.

Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V6 nets 18 mpg city, 24 highway

There is no doubting that fuel economy has become an important factor in the highly competitive fullsize truck market, with the Ford F-150 EcoBoost V6 and Pentastar V6-powered Ram 1500 setting quite a precedent in recent years. Now it's General Motors' turn. The General has just announced that the new base V6 used in the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 models will return an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway in two-wheel drive trim, regardless of cab configuration.
While these figures don't go so far as to earn GM any "best-in-class" fuel economy claims (thanks to the 25-mpg Ram 1500 HFE), this new 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 does edge the F-150 and Toyota Tundra while boasting best-in-class numbers for torque, payload and towing capacity among six-cylinder rivals. This all-new engine produces 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque, and it gives the 2014 Silverado and Sierra the highest towing rating among standard V6 models with a 7,200-pound towing capacity - besting the Ram by 700 pounds, the base F-150 by 1,100 pounds and coming within 200 pounds of the V8-powered Nissan Titan. Scroll down for the official press releases from Chevrolet and GMC.