Chevy Silverado Pickup to Get Mid-Cycle Makeover

General Motors Co. is giving its Chevrolet Silverado fullsize pickup a mid-cycle facelift for the 2016 model year.

The makeover includes a revamped front end, expanded powertrain options, additional safety features and an updated MyLink infotainment system to support Google's Android Auto and Apple's CarPlay smartphone interfaces.

Similar treatment is expected for the Silverado's GMC Sierra twin when the 2016 models are introduced later this year.

The changes are designed to help the vehicles keep pace with competitors such as the Ford F-150, Ram 1500 and Nissan Titan, all of which recently have or soon will get major redesigns. The Silverado/Sierra pickups were overhauled in early 2013 although some critics have faulted the redesigns for not going far enough with the next-generation versions due to bow in the 2019 model year.

Up front, the reworked 2016 Silverado gets a new grille and headlights and a more sculpted hood. The new headlights, which replace the stacked design featured on the Chevy pickup since the 1980s, are smaller and more stylized.

Other changes include new taillights and aredesigned lower fascia with smaller vertical fog lights. High-end models will include two rows of light-emitting-diode lights separated by an accent bar that stretches the width of the grille.

GM also will expand the availability of its 8-speed automatic transmission in the Silverado to models equipped with a 5.3-liter V-8 engine. The 5.3-liter mill and base 4.3-liter V-6 currently are mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 8-speed is available only on trucks with a 6.2-liter V-8.

The unnamed new safety technologies will be announced closer to the 2016 Silverado's autumn introduction. The company says sales of the current model are up nearly 15% year-over-year through June.