The GMC Sierra Denali HD leads a comprehensively redesigned lineup of 2011 Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD trucks that go on sale in early summer – including the most powerful diesel engine in the segment.
Sierra HD’s new 6.6L Duramax turbo diesel delivers 397 horsepower (296 kW) at 3,000 rpm and 765 lb.-ft. of torque (1,037 Nm) at 1,600 rpm.
The Sierra Denali HD comes exclusively on the 2500HD chassis, in a 4WD crew cab standard box configuration. Following are details of the new and redesigned product features of the Sierra Denali HD and the other Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD models.
The new 2011 Sierra Denali pairs capability with premium features.
On the capability front, the Sierra Denali has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg), a payload capacity of 2,959 pounds (1,342 kg) and a maximum trailering rating of 15,600 pounds (7,076 kg) with a fifth-wheel hitch. Sierra HDs feature a new, stronger independent front suspension – enabling snow plow installation on all 4WD models.
Sierra’s signature short-long arm/torsion bar front suspension design is retained, but now features new, forged steel upper control arms that are stronger and lighter than their predecessors. Five different torsion bar rates support five different front gross axle weight ratings (a single torsion bar was previously used for all models). A new asymmetrical leaf-spring rear suspension supports greater loads.
The details: Matching the Sierra HD’s greater strength and capability is a rear suspension designed to support greater loads. 2500HD models feature a two-stage leaf-spring design, while 3500HD models have a three-stage design. All models feature 3-inch-wide (76 mm) leaf springs that are 20-percent wider than previous models. The larger leaf-spring design supports increased rear gross axle weight ratings across the board. On the 2500HD models, the rating is 6,200 pounds (2,818 kg) – up from 6,084 (2,765). On 3500HD models, the rating increases to 7,050 pounds (3,204 kg) on single-rear-wheel models and 9,375 pounds (4,261 kg) on dual-rear-wheel models – the latter representing a nearly 14-percent increase over the previous 8,200-pound (3,727 kg) rating.
Sierra HDs deliver a more refined driving experience, with more capable ride, handling and steering.
The details: Longer wheelbases – ranging from 133.6 inches (3,395 mm) to 167.7 inches (4,259 mm) – and wider front/rear tracks enhance the ride and handling characteristics of the Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD, giving them a greater feeling of smoothness and control. Also enhancing the driving experience is a revised steering system designed to support the trucks’ greater front gross axle weight rating. The new Duramax 6.6L features:
Four-wheel, four-channel ABS is standard on all single-rear-wheel models and a three-channel system is standard on dual-rear-wheel models. Sierra HD’s ‘smart’ exhaust brake feature provides greater control and reduces brake pad wear.
The details: A new standard feature on Duramax-equipped models is the “smart” exhaust brake. The details: The 2011 Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD models have a comprehensive roster of safety features and functional technologies that include:
When the truck hits the market later this year, it will be the first time that GMC has offered a Denali version of its Heavy Duty truck platform. Inside, you'll find the expected luxury trimmings, including heated and cooled leather seats and a matching wood-trimmed heated steering wheel, along with some nice details like Denali-specific door sill plates. All that is well and good, but the big news resides under the truck's big black hood: a revised 6.6-liter Duramax V8 diesel engine, which is mated up to a stout Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission.
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