SEMA 2006: GM's Parade of Trucks
There are more than a dozen GM trucks and SUVs hitting SEMA this year. Most are either gussied-up models with an array of GM accessories bolted on or fanciful one-offs with little to no impact on consumers. Here are a few of the GM trucks that we found blogworthy.
2007 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab Z71
Does anyone else notice the drastically different front end of this concept? The Colorado has been an underachieving model recently in Chevy’s truck lineup, mainly due to its odd five-cylinder engine. Not only does a V-8 find its way under the concept’s hood, but the hood, front end, bed and bumper have been redesigned completely. The look is much more futuristic than the current model, and we’re not sure if this is the future look of the Colorado or just a flight of fancy for a trade show. We’d hope Chevy takes the looks seriously, and seriously considers a V-6 engine. Otherwise, this is the only “true” concept we’ve seen come out of SEMA so far.
Chevrolet Silverado 427
This concept takes the new Silverado pickup we saw — backed by a John Mellencamp song — ad nauseam during the World Series and gives it a powerful boost in the engine department. The name 427 comes from the engine size — in cubic inches — of the Corvette-sourced V-8, which produces 505 hp. We can definitely imagine a small number of these being badged SS and hitting the street.
2007 Hummer H3 Open-Top Concept
This is the second time we’ve seen an open-top H3 concept. The first was at Detroit last year, and we’ve heard rumors that this top will see production in some form or another down the line. It’s basically a large retractable soft-top that can roll backward or forward, opening up almost the entire passenger compartment of the SUV.
2007 Hummer H3 E85
This is basically a regular 2007 Hummer H3, but with the company’s 5.3 liter V-8 flex-fuel engine. We’ve enjoyed this power plant in GM’s larger SUVs, like the Chevy Tahoe, and we’ve always thought the H3 was underpowered, but this might be a bit much. It would make more sense to find some middle ground in the upgraded power department, but the flex-fuel hype might make this more viable.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. “Big Red” Silverado
Another take on the all-new Silverado comes with a NASCAR star’s name all over it. Supposedly, Junior worked with GM on this one-off — note the No. 8 on the grille — and whether that’s true or not, the more aggressive style around the headlights and the rest of the front end is a good look for the new truck. The body-colored bar across the front is also a nice idea for those who don’t like the overly chrome look of the new Silverado. Too bad that won’t be offered anytime soon.
