2007 Chevrolet Silverado & 2007 GMC Sierra

From the unique hoodlines and fender flares to dramatic headlight and grille treatments, the differences between the two family members are more than apparent. GM didn't allow the pickup grilles to be clones of those on the SUVs. The GMC grille is like a large, open mouth, while the Chevy grille wears the more familiar three-bar slats, with a prominent bow tie in the center. Further, while huge improvements have been made in the aerodynamics of this new truck (increased tilt to the windshield, significantly decreased body gaps, and pronounced lower wind dams), GM truck designers fought to keep the distinct pickup look of the wraparound bumper.

Each of the GMT900 trucks also will have unique hood designs: The GMC with a single pronounced bulge, the Chevy with a wide double-crease appearance. Chevy gets the more chiseled, cinderblock-looking flares and more defined cuts, whereas the GMC has smoother, almost polished humps over the wheel arches.

Silverados will come in LS, LT, and LTZ configurations with five different engines available: 4.3-liter V-6 (195 horse/260 pound-feet of torque); 4.8-liter V-8 (285/295); 5.3-liter V-8, one E85 capable (310/335), and one 6.0-liter V-8 (345/380). All the pickups will get the carryover four-speed automatic (albeit a heavier-duty version for the 6.0 V-8), except for the new GMC Sierra Denali, which not only gets a big-horsepower 6.2-liter V-8 (GMC will most likely get a detuned 380-horse version), but also the all-new six-speed trans currently in the Cadillac SUVs. The 5.3-liter and 6.0-liter V-8s (and most likely the 6.2-liter) will offer Active Fuel Management for fuel savings. GM reports AFM fuel savings over similarly equipped non-AFM models average 10 percent. Current predictions have EPA estimates hovering around 16 mpg in the city/21 mpg on the highway with the 5.3-liter V-8. Expect that number to improve when the six-speed transmission replaces the four-speed (both column shifters with an improved hand-contoured grip) in the SUVs and pickups in the next model year.

A new cargo system allows for separators, extenders, and lockable storage, with quick-release latches.