Chevrolet’s designers are giving the Silverado’s front-end the once-over to get rid of its front air-curtain vents – or sideburns, if you prefer.
GM Authority reports that the updated pickup will get rid of the controversial design feature, referred to by some as the sideburn. The vent that almost surrounds the bumper and sits under the headlights serves a functional purpose, though, so the designers will have their work cut out for them.
Air passing through the vent effectively forms a curtain around the sides of the car. That makes it more aerodynamic and, in turn, improves fuel economy. Chevrolet will work to integrate the vents into the front fascia differently, though.
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Sources speaking to the outlet said that the vents will move under the headlights and will be more square in shape. That will mean they are no longer tall slats at the very edges of the fascia.
The updated model will also get new headlights, to make the whole design more harmonious. The 2022 Silverado is also expected to get a redesigned rear-end, new wheel designs, and an overhauled dash.
Although the front end raised some eyebrows, the Silverado’s current design debuted in 2018 (for the 2019MY), so the speed at which Chevrolet is redesigning it is a bit surprising.
This isn’t the first time Chevrolet second-guessed a bold design choice, though. The company was similarly indecisive when it came to the Camaro SS. In 2019, the automaker updated the sports car’s front end before redesigning it again for 2020.
Whether the Silverado’s redesign works might be a moot point, as the company may face heavy tariffs if a U.S. investigation finds labor rights were violated at its Silao plant in Mexico, which produces the truck.
