Overview
New spy photos indicate Chevrolet’s next-generation Silverado 1500 is near production, with styling that closely mirrors late-2025 patent drawings. Car and Driver published images of three camouflaged trucks and reports an official unveiling is expected later in 2026, positioning the pickup as a 2027 model year entry.
What the photos reveal
- Front design: A broad grille bar links slim, high-mounted DRLs, while lower, squared-off “C”-shaped headlamp openings peek through the camo—elements that align with the patent illustrations. The grille, lighting, and bumper appear more integrated across the width.
- Rear details: Taillamps extend further into the bedsides, the tailgate stamping resembles the patent, and Chevrolet’s familiar corner steps remain integrated into the rear bumper.
- Chassis: Prototypes use a solid rear axle, continuing Silverado tradition and contrasting with GM’s large SUVs that have adopted independent rear suspensions.
- Development stage: Tighter, more revealing camouflage suggests the program is moving closer to production tooling.
Trims, wheels, and tires spotted (unconfirmed)
Car and Driver notes two trucks appear to be midlevel LT trims on 20-inch wheels; one wears 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT tires, hinting at an off-road-oriented setup. A third truck could be a High Country based on its Bridgestone Alenza all-season tires. These IDs are based on visual cues and tire fitment from the photos and are not confirmed by Chevrolet.
Powertrains (unconfirmed)
The outlet reports the next-gen Silverado will include a small-block V-8, with the current turbocharged four-cylinder and diesel six-cylinder likely to carry over. GM has not confirmed the lineup, and the photos don’t reveal clear engine details beyond previously spotted square quad-tipped exhausts on some prototypes.
Timing
The publication says Chevrolet will formally show the truck later in 2026. If GM follows a typical cadence, customer deliveries would align with the 2027 model year. Chevrolet hasn’t announced dates.
Continuity and practical touches
Bedside steps and bumper cutouts that aid bed access remain, and the overall tailgate shape looks familiar even as the taillights stretch forward—changes that may improve visibility and add distinction from the rear.
What remains unknown
- No interior images in this batch; cabin technology, storage solutions, and materials are still under wraps.
- Final specs—including towing and payload figures, as well as potential options like air suspension or adaptive damping—await the official reveal.
Why it matters
The Silverado 1500 is Chevrolet’s core half-ton pickup, a cornerstone of the U.S. truck market. The strong resemblance to the patent drawings—especially the bisecting grille bar and stacked lighting signature—suggests a more cohesive front-end theme as Chevrolet refreshes its full-size pickup design language.
Bottom line
These latest spy shots closely echo the earlier patent, reinforcing the likely direction for the next-gen Silverado’s exterior while keeping interiors and powertrains under wraps. With camouflage thinning and more prototypes in circulation, the program appears to be in its final development stretch ahead of Chevrolet’s expected 2026 reveal.
