SPY PICS: New Silverado and RAM 1500 for Oz

The full-size Chevrolet Silverado and RAM pick-ups are already available in Australia in heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 form via Australian converters, including HSV from mid-2017.

But the former Holden Commodore hot-shop and its RAM joint-venture sister company, American Special Vehicles (ASV), have flagged their intention to add ‘entry-level’ Silverado and RAM 1500 models in future.

What you’re looking at here are spy shots of the all-new Silverado 1500 and RAM 1500, both of which are therefore likely to become available in Australia at some point.

Revealing a new-look grille, headlights and tail-lights, the 2019 RAM 1500 will – unlike its direct competitor and North America’s top-selling pick-up, the F-150 – continue with an all-steel body.

Coil springs with optional air suspension are likely to continue underneath a larger passenger cab and new tailgate options. A hybrid powertrain and turbocharged four-cylinder are possibilities, but a more powerful V8 and Ford F-150 Raptor-fighter are also rumored.

Expect the 2019 RAM 1500 to appear as early as January's Detroit motor show.

Chevrolet’s 2019 Silverado 1500, meantime, will bring improved technology, efficiency and perhaps even some lighter aluminium panels when it goes on sale in the US by the end of next year.

Though it continues with the same basic theme as the current model, the new Silverado 1500 will be more oriented towards passenger car styling with a general rounding-off that sees sweeps and curves in places where the current model tends towards angular and truck-like.

Word is the new-generation Silverado (and its GMC Sierra twin) will also benefit from a significant technology upgrade and, perhaps most importantly, a weight-reduction program that will reflect Ford’s moves with its latest F150 range.

The Silverado, already considered something of a lightweight in its class, is expected to employ aluminium for some body panels, although there’s no suggestion it will dump its conventional steel chassis.

No aluminium for the tray area either – it’s rumoured GM will continue to capitalise on the strengths of steel in the area that cops most punishment during regular use.

The suspension will remain steadfastly conventional too, with a live rear axle supported by leaf springs, while drivetrains will be underpinned by a driveline offering rear-drive or four-wheel drive.

Engines, according to those in the know, are likely to include the current 4.3-litre V6, as well as the two existing 5.3-litre and 6.2-litre V8s and the petrol V8-based hybrid. GM is also said to have confirmed that a diesel V6 will be included in the engine line-up.

Transmission choices are likely to include an eight-speed automatic and a 10-speed auto that has been co-developed with Ford.

With Ford’s latest F-150 available via Harrison F-Trucks and the F-250/350 selling in record numbers Down Under, it appears America’s good ol’ pick-up wars will soon be replicated here.

Watch this space.