In a bold leap forward for military vehicle technology, GM Defense, a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), is set to debut its cutting-edge “Next Gen” tactical vehicle prototype at the AUSA 2024 event. The unveiling will take place at the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual meeting and exposition, from October 14-16, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. This game-changing vehicle will be on display at Booth #7809, Hall D, where defense enthusiasts and military personnel alike can catch a firsthand look at what might soon be the military’s go-to mobility solution.

 Front view of GM Defense’s Next Gen tactical vehicle
 

The Future of Tactical Mobility: Built on Proven Strengths

At first glance, the Next Gen tactical vehicle is as rugged as it is innovative, rooted in the design of the reliable Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD ZR2 truck. But don’t let the familiar exterior fool you—this is no ordinary truck. The Next Gen brings together the robust power of GM's 2.8L Duramax® turbo-diesel engine with a 12-module battery pack, providing dual power sources for increased efficiency. And that’s just the beginning. 

Equipped with front and rear drive motors, the vehicle features GM’s Silent Drive and Silent Watch technologies, giving it a stealth mode perfect for entering and exiting high-risk areas undetected. These stealth capabilities, combined with onboard power to fuel high-energy sensors and military gear, make the Next Gen the ultimate choice for today’s warfighters.

Steve duMont, president of GM Defense, captured the excitement surrounding this breakthrough vehicle, stating, “Our Next Gen vehicle is a game-changing mobility solution that delivers tactically significant capabilities by integrating GM’s proven commercial technologies. This rugged and highly capable diesel-powered vehicle offers tactical advantages, such as Silent Operations, exportable power, and extended mission duration.”

Silent Power, Tactical Precision

For military operations where stealth and endurance are critical, the Next Gen provides several tactical advantages:

Silent Drive and Silent Watch: With low acoustic and thermal signatures, this vehicle can operate quietly in hostile environments, increasing the safety and success of missions.

Exportable Power: The Next Gen can charge mission-critical systems on the go, keeping soldiers' technology running when they need it most.

Extended Range: Its dual power system ensures tactically significant range, giving troops the flexibility to carry out longer missions without refueling.

The vehicle’s capabilities don’t stop at silent operations. It’s autonomy-ready, designed for both manned and unmanned missions, and can be outfitted with add-on armor, making it adaptable to diverse battlefield conditions.

Sustainability Meets Performance

Beyond its tactical prowess, the Next Gen also offers sustainability benefits that will delight military logisticians. It reduces fuel demand while maintaining the ability to run on JP8 fuel, which is already widely available in military operations. Its simplified propulsion system also lowers maintenance needs, which means fewer headaches for field mechanics and a smaller logistics tail for parts and fuel.

As John “JD” Johnson, GM Defense’s vice president of Government Solutions and Strategy, puts it, “Next Gen fundamentally changes the discussion around modern mobility through the tactical benefits delivered by its propulsion system.” With billions of dollars in R&D poured into developing this vehicle, GM Defense is confident the Next Gen will quickly become a cornerstone of modern military operations.

Multi-Mission Capable and Ready for Action

The Next Gen isn’t just a one-trick pony—it’s a versatile, multi-mission vehicle capable of handling a wide range of tasks. Available in two-, four-, and six-seat configurations, it can support missions such as command and control, casualty evacuation, network extension, and counter-unmanned aerial systems. This adaptability makes it a highly valuable asset for today’s unpredictable and rapidly evolving battlefield landscapes.

Expanding Military Innovation at AUSA 2024

Alongside the Next Gen, GM Defense will showcase its Stable Tactical Expeditionary Electric Power (STEEP) solution, which delivers tactical microgrid capabilities—a must-have for military units in the field. They’ll also display the Infantry Utility Vehicle, paired with Silent Tactical Energy Enhanced Dismount and Squad Maneuver Equipment Transport, highlighting the U.S. Army’s growing focus on human-machine integration.

GM Defense: Leading the Charge in Military Innovation

With decades of expertise and billions invested in research and development, GM Defense has built a solid reputation for delivering reliable, cutting-edge technology to military and government markets. Their new Next Gen tactical vehicle is just one example of how GM Defense is pushing the envelope, integrating commercial technology into military applications to enhance the capabilities of the modern warfighter.

In a world where innovation is critical to maintaining a tactical edge, GM Defense’s Next Gen vehicle is more than just a prototype—it’s the future of military mobility.

For more information about GM Defense and their suite of defense solutions, visit https://www.gmdefensellc.com for follow them on LinkedIn.