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The refreshed Silverado HD will be offered in work truck, LT and LTZ trim levels, with production set to start in May. First deliveries are expected in early June, 2010.
Featuring the same mechanical tweaks as the latest Silverado, the GMC Sierra enters the 2011 model year with a new 6.6L Duramax turbo diesel, suspension and brake upgrades as well as a new Denali version.
We already knew about the 6.6-liter V8 diesel from the Silverado, but GM has now released output figures for the new engine that delivers 397 horsepower at 3,000 rpm and 765 lb.-ft. of torque (1,037 Nm) at 1,600 rpm.
GM is still holding back the mpg numbers, but the company did say that with the diesel engine the Sierra can cover a distance of around 680 miles on the highway from the 36 gallon tank, which comes to 18.8 mpg US.
The Sierra HD is also offered with a 6.0-liter V8 gasoline engine linked to a six-speed automatic transmission.
GM says that the 2011 model has an increased towing capability of up to 20,000 lbs./9,072 kg) and payload of up to 6,335 lbs./2,873 kg (depending on the version).
For the first time, GMC will offer a premium version of the Siera bearing the firm's Denali nametag.
The Sierra Denali HD comes exclusively on the 2500HD chassis, in a 4WD crew cab standard box configuration and is available with both the gasoline and diesel V8s.
Special features include the four-bar, chrome grille with round air inlets, body-color bumpers, chrome door handles, chrome accents and 18- and 20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels.
Inside the cabin benefits from specific brushed aluminum trim, power-adjustable pedals, a Bose premium surround audio system and 12-way power seats. A heated steering wheel, heated and cooled leather-appointed seating is optionally available.
Another one bites the dust; this time General Motors has decided to place on indefinite hold its previously announced plan to add the highly anticipated, all-new Duramax 4.5-liter V8 diesel engine in 2010 to its Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty trucks. "We remain optimistic that the Duramax 4.5L V-8 diesel may be a viable option in its future portfolio," said the company in a statement.For the time being -and who knows for how long- Chevrolet and GMC will continue to offer a Duramax 6.6-liter V-8 diesel in their heavy duty pickup trucks. Recently, GM launched 2-Mode hybrid versions of the Silverado and Sierra that received an EPA estimate of 21mpg in the city and 22mpg on the highway (2WD versions). With the new 4.5-liter V8 diesel, it was estimated that the trucks would have achieved a fuel economy in the high 20s mpg.
