General Motors Fleet and Commercial laid down the pylons at the Las Vegas Speedway in April and kicked off a five-city ride-and-drive tour to introduce its 2003 trucks and vans. On hand were engineering staff, upstream body builders, and the new GMC Top Kick and Chevrolet Kodiak — only the name is old.

The Top Kick/Kodiak range from class-4 through medium class-8 and is the linchpin for GM truck products, which contribute no less than 26% of the company’s sales.

Production of the 4500/5500 “Family 2” GMC Top Kick and Chevy Kodiak models began in April and started appearing at dealers in May. The 6500, 7500, and 8500 models will be built starting this summer.

“These trucks reflect a major investment by General Motors,” said David A. Hansen, general manager of GM Fleet and Commercial Operations. “These new products reinforce GM’s position as a medium-duty segment leader.”

GM offers 16 wheelbases for its chassis and axle combinations, netting GVWRs ranging from 16,000 to 61,000 pounds. Key design elements are a set-back axle with a wheel cut of up to 54 degrees (with a 35-foot turning circle on the shortest wheelbase); a larger windshield and a new sloped hood for better visibility; A-pillar-mounted break-away mirrors; and a clean back-of-cab with straight, flat frame-rails (50,000 to 80,000-psi steel) to simplify the body-fitter’s job.

Engine choices are the 6600 or 7800 Duramax, Caterpillar’s 3126E diesel, or the gasoline-powered Vortec 8100. Transmissions are either Allison automatics or Eaton Fuller manuals.

Inside, you feel like you’re at the wheel of a pickup truck, with easy-to-read gauges and a comfortable bucket driver’s seat (air-ride seat available). A single or dual passenger seat incorporates storage, an armrest, and a workstation.

The 4500 series (16,000 GVWR) will also be available as a Chevy Kodiak model. The 4500 essentially replaces the series-3500 HD pickup cab that recently ceased production.

To make service easier, engine components are grouped into modules within the engine compartment. These groups can be removed together or independently by a technician — in specific sequence — to gain access as required.