Chevy Silverado face-lift adds LED lighting, 8-speed automatic, safety gear

The wraps come off the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado today at the State Fair of Texas and the changes include improved connectivity, a new, optional gearbox, updated grilles and the end of the truck’s signature stacked headlights.

The update likely will be the last major cosmetic change before the big pickup is replaced for the 2019 model year by a redesigned version that uses a combination of steel and aluminum.

The front of the truck has been made more muscular, with a restyled hood, LED lighting and an assortment of grilles that vary by model.

Under the hood, a new eight-speed automatic transmission will be expanded to trucks with the 5.3-liter V-8 engine.

GM is expected to offer a 10-speed automatic, perhaps as early as the 2017 model year, under a joint venture with Ford to produce nine-speed automatics for front-wheel-drive vehicles and 10-speed automatics for rear-wheel-drive vehicles.

Other improvements to the 2016 truck include an update to Chevy’s MyLink infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.

Safety features available for 2016 include forward collision alert, lane-keep assist and high-beam assist.

Chevrolet said the 2016 Silverado also will be available with a remote locking tailgate and wireless phone charging on LT and LTZ double cab and crew cab models with available bucket seats. Wireless phone charging will come standard on the High Country model.

The High Country also will be available with power articulating running boards, which extend to improve access to the cab and swing rearward for easier access to the bed.