TruckTrend has a rather revealing look at the picture that Automotive News has painted of Chevy's next 3-5 years when it comes to their trucks and crossovers. While we can't confirm these statements or verify the sources, they do seem fairly confident in their information:
Equinox: Chevrolet's small crossover will go unchanged until either 2013 or 2014, when a new generation is due. It could gain an eAssist hybrid option by 2014. With 149,949 sales in 2010, the Equinox was Chevy's top-selling SUV/crossover, and the brand's fourth best-selling vehicle overall.
Traverse: Like the Equinox, expect the Traverse to be redesigned by 2013 or 2014, with a major interior revamp in store for this crossover. A 3.0-liter V-6 engine will replace the current 3.6-liter unit when the new generation debuts around 2016 or so.
Tahoe and Suburban: Despite earlier rumors, these giant SUVs will continue to be built upon GM's large-truck platform and will not switch to a crossover design. Fuel-economy might be improved by the addition of eight-speed automatic transmissions, and possibly an advanced four-mode hybrid system. The new SUVs will debut atop a new truck chassis by 2014.
Silverado 1500: As for Chevrolet's larger trucks, a number of enhancements will help make the Silverado more fuel-efficient and thus more competitive with the Ford F-150. We've heard GM hopes to shave at least 500 pounds per pickup truck by 2016, all while retaining the content and safety features mandated by buyers and NHTSA alike. We wouldn't be surprised if the new trucks use more aluminum, magnesium, and other lithe alloys in order to achieve that metric. New powertrain designs will also help cut fuel use. GM's next-generation V-8, which will feature direct fuel injection, E85 capability, and a reported "advanced combustion design" will likely be one staple. Other reports suggest other six-cylinder engines are under consideration, including a turbocharged variant. As with the Tahoe/Suburban, an eight-speed automatic transmission — perhaps the very one scheduled to be built in Toledo, Ohio — and an evolved version of GM's 2-Mode hybrid are expected to be offered. Don't expect these revisions to happen overnight, as GM executives have previously indicated the company won't rush the line to market. As it stands, expect the next-gen Silverado to debut in late 2013 as a 2014 model.
Silverado 2500/3500: GM extensively reworked what's beneath the skin of its heavy-duty pickups for the 2011 model year, so now it's time for a cosmetic reboot to match. An overhaul is expected to arrive in either model year 2014 or 2015. We're also told a successor to the popular Duramax 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V-8 should arrive around 2015 or so.
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