General Motors is actively developing the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500, as newly captured spy photos reveal camouflaged prototypes undergoing testing. These trucks will be built on an updated GM T1-2 platform, an evolution of the current T1 architecture. This update allows GM to implement significant improvements without the need for an entirely new platform, helping streamline costs and development as the company balances its investment in internal combustion and electric vehicle technology.
A next-generation 2027 Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra prototype was caught testing in winter conditions, showcasing potential design updates and new features.
Below, we break down the latest details from the newest prototype sightings, shedding light on what’s changing for GM’s best-selling trucks directly from our Spy Photographer.
There are reports that new Silverado/Sierra twins will be applying thorough updates to the current trucks’ GM T1 architecture, which is reportedly flexible enough to accommodate all the necessary changes without requiring an all-new platform. The updated platform—dubbed GM T1-2—will should help GM cut costs and streamline development of the new trucks, as development dollars continue to be diverged into GM’s EV efforts.
The Silverado/Sierra 1500 prototype captured here is heavily camouflaged, hiding most of the next-gen styling details. We can see the most up front, where grille details show through the camouflage mesh. The prototype lighting is of the non-production placeholder variety, but it appears that the primary headlight unit is mounted lower on the front fascia. The lighting for the turn indicators is currently mounted below the headlight (in a round temporary unit), while the LED signature apprears to be placed inside the headlights, in a vertical strip. Exactly how that resolves into its final production lighting set-up remains to be seen.
On the front bumper, we can see fog lights mounted at the outer edges, as well as a prominent sensor panel peeking through the camo in a central position.
A heavily camouflaged side mirror on a 2027 Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra prototype reveals an integrated LED lighting element,similar to the current generation, hinting at possible slight design updates.
Large, foldable mirrors look to be a new design, with an LED light source visible within the camouflage wrap.
At the rear, the tail-lights are thoroughly camouflaged, but the lighting looks far more production-ready, with a modern feel different from most placeholder set-ups. The other noteworthy aspect to the rear view is the new quad-tipped exhaust design, inset into the bottom lip of the rear bumper. More clearance-minded solutions will surely come available on more off-road-focused trims, but the exhaust adds a sporty look the tail-end of the new trucks. Steps remain integrated into the corners of the rear bumper, as on the current Silverado and Sierra.
On Track For 2027 Model Year—Likely Beating New F-150 To Market
The timing of this new prototype seems consistent with reports that GM’s new full-size trucks will hit the market sometime next year, as 2027 models. This could have extra importance with recent reports that Ford’s next-generation F-150 has been delayed one year. Production of Ford’s perennial market leader is currently predicted to begin in the first quarter of 2028, so GM’s heavily refreshed Silverado and Sierra may have an advantage for at least one year into their launch.
A heavily camouflaged front end of a 2027 Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra prototype reveals revised lighting, grille, and bumper features during testing.
Sixth-Generation V8 Engines Expected
The new trucks are expected to get GM’s new sixth-generation Small Block engines, continuing V8 power throughout the rest of the decade. The Gen Six engines are promised to have a bump in fuel-efficiency with cleaner emissions. GM President Mark Reuss was quoted during the recent Investor’s Day presentation as saying: “As we refresh these trucks, we continue to make strong improvements in ICE efficiency and performance,” Reuss said. “Our next generation of full-size trucks coming soon will see a four to six [percent] efficiency improvement at launch over the mid-cycle enhancement of 2022, and this is 10 to 12 percent better efficiency-wise over the previous generation which debuted in 2019, so these are big efficiency improvements.
With testing just beginning on the next-gen Silverado/Sierra 1500s, there is still lots to learn. More specs and design details will surely begin to show up on the test circuit, and we’ll be on hand to document those developments. Stay tuned.
A camouflaged 2027 Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra prototype reveals a revised taillight design, quad-tip exhaust, and updated rear bumper during testing.
What This Means for the Future of GM Trucks
With these next-generation Silverado and Sierra trucks expected to debut for the 2027 model year, GM appears to be on track to beat Ford’s next-generation F-150 to market. Reports indicate Ford has delayed its new full-size truck until 2028, which could give GM an early advantage in this fiercely competitive segment.
One of the most notable expected changes is the introduction of GM’s sixth-generation small-block V8 engines. These new powertrains are projected to deliver measurable improvements in fuel efficiency and emissions while maintaining the performance that full-size truck buyers demand. GM has confirmed that efficiency gains of 10–12% over the previous generation are expected, marking a substantial improvement in fuel economy without sacrificing capability.
A 2027 Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra prototype was caught testing, revealing a revised rear-end design with updated taillights, quad-tip exhaust, and bumper refinements.
The prototypes also hint at a fresh exterior redesign, including revised lighting elements, updated mirrors, and a more refined approach to aerodynamics. The integration of a new quad-tip exhaust design suggests that GM is looking to bring a sportier aesthetic to certain trims, while maintaining off-road-friendly options for those who need more clearance.
As testing progresses, we’ll continue to gather more details about these upcoming trucks, from powertrain specifics to advanced technology features.
Stay tuned for continued coverage as we follow these trucks through their development cycle, with more details expected in the coming months.
