General Motors updates Chevrolet and GMC pickups with new software and steering

General Motors is introducing significant technological and mechanical updates to its heavy-duty pickup lineup, specifically the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.

On the software side, GM is launching a new in-vehicle information and entertainment experience designed to mimic smartphone convenience. Led by Sebastian Bauer, a former Apple and Google executive, the company has restructured its digital operations to focus on human interface design. The new system aims to reduce cognitive load by proactively surfacing relevant controls and providing a major visual upgrade to the Super Cruise driver-assistance system, which will now display detected objects like pedestrians and other vehicles on the driver cluster.

Mechanically, GM is upgrading its heavy-duty pickups with rack-and-pinion steering and electric power assist. This replaces the traditional hydraulically boosted recirculating ball design. The new setup is intended to provide more precise handling and a consistent feel whether the truck is towing loads up to 38,000 pounds or driving unladen.