Max Power,
I think they'll get the 6 gear slusher, too. I can't see why GM would carry both once they put them in production. The 5500 would really benefit from a 6th gear, too.
$61,000 on the sticker for just a chassis.
To give you a perspective on how "cheap" REAL medium duty trucks are compared to light duties like the 450/550 4500/5500:
An IH dealer I get service & parts from priced me a '06 severe service IH7600 4x4 with air shift 4x4 Meritor transfer case, 33,000 GVW, 300/860 DT466, Eaton-Fuller 10 speed w/ OD, luxury cab with AC, air-ride seats, driver controlled air shift Meritor locking rear axle, 445 front flotation tires, 11R22.5 rear tires, air shift PTO, all the bells and whistles
$71,000.
Think it's worth $10,000 more????