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General Motors might be trying its best to keep its new 2014 models under-wraps, but in the age of the internet, nothing stays secret for long. And, with the interesting new line-up GM is working on perfecting, it should come as no surprise that keen eyes have been on the watch to glean all of the juicy details.

For the 2014 model year, GM will be replacing the ever-popular Cadillac Escalade, the Chevrolet Tahoe, and the GMC Yukon full-size SUVs (along with several other SUVs). The new replacements for these vehicles were recently seen making a sneaky exit from the auto giant’s testing grounds in Milford, Michigan. Reportedly, GM will spend around $331 million to renovate its assembly plant in Arlington, TX to accommodate for the new vehicles, and this expansion could also add production of the Chevrolet Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade EXT if they’re brought back for a third generation. The plant will hire around 110 new employees to take on the work that will come along with these new developments.

Originally, General Motors planned to release replacements for these full-size family vehicles for the 2013 model year, but production was pushed off due to legal issues, though the company has been known to surpass deadlines before (such as early production of the GMT900 family of SUVs in 2006- just in time to avoid the 2008 financial crisis and increasing fuel costs).

According to spies in the auto industry, the new SUV test vehicles boast padded, black cladding on their grilles which look quite a bit like the grille of the current Ford Expedition. They also seem to keep their rear axle design and should prove formidable contenders as far as tow rating is concerned, which makes sense since they’re based on GM’s next generation of full-size pickups. We’ve also received word that the new, large vehicles could eventually receive a brand-new line-up of automatic V8 engines and could also get 8-speed automatic transmissions, though six-speed transmissions might be the only ones available when they are originally launched.

The 2014 GM SUV models seem to be standard wheelbase models and appear to retain their boxy looks, though several models seem to have received several stylish, streamlined elements to increase fuel economy ratings, including a rather recessed hatchback and a deep chin spoiler. From the small holes located in the bumper covers, we believe that there will also be some kind of radar parking sensors on the vehicles.

The stylish new SUVs are set to make their debuts at either the 2013 Chicago Auto Show in February or the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2013, and production will begin at the Arlington plant in October 2013.

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