Pickup trucks used to be a budget proposition: all bare-bones and utilitarian. But these days Detroit's automakers are finding that buyers are willing to spend a lot more on a special pickup. Ford in particular has found success with models like the Raptor and Harley-Davidson editions of its F-150 pickup, and GM is sitting up and taking notice. That's what prompted the General to introduce the Chevrolet Silverado High Country recently, but that's just the start as GM eyes more special models for both its truck brands.

According to Edmunds.com, which spoke with GM truck designer Chris Hilts, the General is planning something even more high-end than the Denali for GMC. The company als likes what Ford did with Harley-Davidson, but didn't reveal what sort of cross-branding initiative it might undertake. Most interesting, however, is the prospect of a Raptor competitor from GM. Chevy would likely be given the task, though just how much power it would pack and how it would be packaged remain to be seen. The news follows reports that rival Chrysler's Ram division was also planning a Raptor rival of its own.