A prototype for the redesigned Chevrolet Suburban has been spotted, revealing a few clues about the upcoming SUV.

General Motors is in the process of redesigning its full-size fleet around the T1 body-on-frame platform for SUVs and pickups.

The platform is an evolution of the current K2 design and swaps out some steel for aluminum to shed the pounds. We hear it might help the new Suburban shed close to 300 pounds.

2021 Chevrolet Suburban spy shots - Photo credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

2021 Chevrolet Suburban spy shots - Photo credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

The T1 platform made its debut last year in the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500. We expect the redesigned Suburban to arrive at dealerships in the second half of 2020 as a 2021 model. It should be followed shortly by a redesigned version of the smaller Tahoe.

GM is also working on redesigns for the related GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade. The vehicles are all built at the same plant in Arlington, Texas.

There's a lot of camouflage gear on this Suburban prototype but the design of the vehicle's face, especially the headlight treatment, looks to have been borrowed from the latest Silverado. We can also make out the angle of the C-pillar through the camouflage gear and the graphic of the taillights also sneaks through.

2021 Chevrolet Suburban spy shots - Photo credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

2021 Chevrolet Suburban spy shots - Photo credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

Despite the best attempt of the engineers to hide the rear axle, we can clearly see an independent rear suspension instead of the current generation's solid rear. This is likely in direct response to Ford's latest Expedition and should significantly improve comfort levels.

The other big news is the wider range of powertrains expected for the new Suburban. There's a good chance we see GM's new 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-4 with cylinder deactivation fitted—yes a 4-cylinder Suburban. The advanced powertrain, which makes 310 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque, has already been announced for the Silverado.

A 5.3-liter V-8 should also be offered, possibly with the more advanced Dynamic Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology that can vary the engine's firing between one and all eight cylinders. And at the top of the range should be the 6.2-liter V-8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque currently available in Suburban RST trim.