I am going to trade my one ton 2002, 8.1 EX cab, 4X4 for the same truck in a diesel. The dealer says that I can now place an order but he thinks that the body style will be changed mid-stream in the '07 production year — but isn't sure. Then there's the question of engines — will the LBZ be changed, too? More torque? Frankly, if these changes are pending, I am not going out and order now. Anyone have any hard core answers?

Here is the latest according to my dealers. During the past weeks, I've been to two Chevy dealers and one GMC Truck dealer. The GMC guy did not know anything (about anything), but the two Chevy salesmen and sales managers agreed on, and offered, the following information regarding the 2007 models:

-2007 Production will start in Aug 2006 and make a 'classic' model, which will be the same as the 2006 except the title will say 2007.
-In Jan 2007 production will start on the 2007 1500 series with the new body style.
-In Mar 2007 production will start on the 2007 2500/3500 series with the new body style.
-Expect to get a new model about 10 weeks after the start of production.
-There will be about a $2500 increase in diesel truck prices to cover new emission requirements. They did not know if the cost will be passed on to just the diesel buyers, truck buyers or all GM product buyers.
-The D/A will be tweaked so as not to lose any power under the new emission controls. I did not think to ask about fuel mileage.

The sales guys did not really have a positive attitude about when the 2007 new models would actually be available for the average buyer. Could be 10 weeks could be many months...based on the way they acted, could be mid summer before you could actually get a 2500/3500 model.

So the bottom line for me, looking for a new diesel, is to go with the 2007 classic. That way I know I'll have a truck (no telling when the new models will actually get to the public), will have the reliable LBZ/Allison combination and won't have to worry about new model bugs.

I have to add that if- you get the 2007 "Classic" you will actually be getting the best of both worlds! You will be getting the newest additions for the trucks ( trim & other things) & you won't be giving the extra $$ for the new emisions engine! B.T.W. The new 2008 900 trucks will be set to roll in Feb as of the latest words. F.Y.I. The "Classics" look identical to the 2006 that we are building now until after the 2 week shut-down in July!! Someone has posted their pics. here somewhere!! Howard

Here are those videos:
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=83625