With Ford and RAM both amping up the competitive heat in showrooms, GMC brings some new design and features to their professional grade Sierra pickups in 2016.

While not a complete redesign, GMC brings a new face for 2016 across the entire Sierra pickup truck line. It all starts with a new grille, bumper and fascia framed with LED C-shaped signature daytime running lights.

There’s also new available LED headlights and fog lamps along with LED tail lights which also mimic the new C-shaped highlight element. All of these will give the 2016 GMC Sierra a distinctive look especially at night.

Each trim grade of the Sierra will have its own unique fascia and grille treatment starting with a high-detail chrome mesh for Denali.

The popular SLT gets a new and bolder bar design grille with chiseled detail. And last but not least, the new All-Terrain model gets a black chrome version of the SLT grill for a meaner look.

The entire line of trucks will see increased use of the 8-speed automatic transmission which means it will be available on engines where the 6-speed automatic currently does duty.

Other updates include the latest generation of the IntelliLink connectivity suite now with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. New driver-assistance features are expected as well.

More details and specifications for the 2016 GMC Sierra will be coming soon as we near its on sale date which comes late this year.