Sierra Denali HD Leads New 2011 Sierra Heavy-Duty Lineup

ST. LOUIS, March 10 /PRNewswire/ -- GMC today announces the new 2011 Sierra Denali HD, the first offering of the exclusive Denali line on a heavy-duty GMC pickup. The 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 new Sierra Denali HD is the latest expression of GMC's Denali philosophy of blending capability with premium features and styling," said Lisa Hutchinson, GMC product marketing director. "It is a premium tool that offers many comfort and infotainment features, along with a maximum towing capacity of 15,600 pounds with the segment's most powerful diesel – that's enough to tow a 34-foot-long, three-axle travel trailer."

The Sierra Denali HD comes exclusively on the 2500HD chassis, in a 4WD crew cab standard box configuration. A Vortec 6.0L gas V-8/six-speed automatic powertrain is standard and the new Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel/Allison 1000 six-speed transmission powertrain is available.

The iconic Denali four-bar, chrome grille with round air inlets distinguishes the Sierra Denali HD on the outside, along with body-color bumpers, chrome door handles, chrome accents and 18- and 20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels.

It's beneath the skin, however, where they are truly separated from their predecessors – and the competition. Highlights include:

• Increased towing capability (20,000 lbs./9,072 kg) and payload (6,335 lbs./2,873 kg) supported by all-new fully-boxed, high-strength-steel frames and strong suspensions for maximum capability and exceptional ride characteristics
• Five of the 12 3500HD models offer a payload capability greater than 6,000 pounds
• Thirteen of the 22 2500HD models offer a payload capability greater than 3,100 pounds
• New 6.6L Duramax diesel delivers segment-best power, up to 11-percent greater highway fuel economy, up to 63-percent lower emissions, B20 biodiesel capability and quicker acceleration
• Larger gas tank and fuel economy improvements allow up to 680 miles (1,090 km) between fill-ups with the 6.6L Duramax turbo diesel
• All-new "smart" exhaust brake feature provides greater control on grades and reduced brake pad wear
• An array of control features, including trailer sway control, integrated trailer brake control, hill start assist, automatic grade braking, intelligent brake assist and larger brakes
• Purposeful technology, including OnStar and Turn-by-Turn navigation, available mobile WiFi, USB connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, and XM Satellite Radio.

For more information and complete technical details on the new Sierra HD, please visit http://media.gmc.com.

About GMC

GMC is evolving to include more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers. The GMC Terrain is a smaller SUV that offers 32 mpg fuel economy along with the capability, engineering expertise and refinement that have defined GMC for more than a century. Complementing the Terrain is the Acadia eight-passenger crossover, Yukon and Yukon XL and Sierra pickups. Today GMC is the only manufacturer offering three full-size hybrid models. Details on all GMC models are available at www.gmc.com.

SOURCE General Motors