GM's pickup plan: How they'll differ
Photo credit: KGP PHOTOGRAPHY
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The styling distinction between the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 pickups that debut next year is expected to be significant -- and the first signs may be visible in the camouflaged Silverado shown here.
"The normal person is going to see two very distinct and very different vehicles," said Ken Parkinson, General Motors' executive director for design.
"We have to do certain things common because we have to make a business case," he said. "But we want to make sure that we dial the differentiation just right so that it is really, really difficult to see what is common between the two."
In addition to front-end styling, Parkinson said, the designs of wheels, headlights and taillights will contribute to the different look.
Noticeable in this Silverado spy photo is that the top of the windshield and A-pillars are pushed toward the rear of the vehicle, creating a sleeker angle that should improve aerodynamics and fuel economy.
GM engineers have discussed positioning a grille with movable shutters below the bumper area to improve aerodynamics. But it is unclear whether this test vehicle is equipped with the shutters.
