Shown here is a rear view of the redesigned 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew cab. Previous photos of test mules showed signal indicators built into the sideview mirrors, a nice touch. Also note that it does not appear that the new Silverado crew cab will match the Dodge Ram Mega Cab in terms of interior space, though it appears competitive against the Ford F-Series and the Nissan Titan. Chevy is clearly trying to drum up some visual interest with the flared fenders and a tailgate bulge (not visible in this photo), but the end result is that the Silverado's wheels look too small. Better start checking wheel prices at Tire Rack.

Expect a range of engines similar to today’s Silverado, with a V6 at the bottom end of the range and a choice between two V8 engines and a turbodiesel V8 for the heavy-duty 2500- and 3500-series trucks. The popular choice is likely to be GM’s 5.3-liter V8, which includes Active Fuel Management technology to shut down half of the engine’s cylinders during low-load cruising, and which can run on E85 ethanol. In the new Avalanche pickup, this engine makes 320 horsepower and 340 lb.-ft. of torque with two-wheel drive, and 310 horsepower and 335 lb.-ft. of torque with four-wheel drive. A more powerful 6.0-liter V8 is expected as an option, and Chevrolet will certainly bump the current Silverado 1500’s maximum towing capacity of 10,400 pounds to ensure that it beats the new Toyota Tundra on paper.

*Image Copyright Brenda Priddy & Company