A month after the debut of the all-new 2011 Chevy Silverado HD, GMC has now announced its version of the work truck, the Sierra Denali HD. Powered by the same 6.6-liter Duamax engine and 6-speed Allison transmission, the truck gets best-in-class power of 397-hp at 3000 rpm and best-in-class torque of 765 ft-lbs at 1600 rpm. This tops the new Ford F-Series, but only slightly, while coming slightly under the new Ford truck in both payload and tow ratings, with a 6,335 lb. and 20,000 lb rating, respectively. The trucks conventional (non-fifth-wheel) towing cappability is up significantly, to the tune of 23 percent, and is now rated at 16,000 lbs.

The engine block itself is a carry-over from the past model but the majority of moving engine parts are new, as is the entire fuel system. NOx emissions are also down 63 percent thanks in part to an exhaust after treatment system that is used because it won’t interfere with the engine’s ability to create power. The Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) used in the process does require refilling every 5,000 miles. In addition, the new engine is B20 biodiesel capable.

As for the new Allison transmission it has been strengthened to work with the added torque of the new engine and features an optional exhaust brake, Power Take Off and a Driver Shift Control (DSC). It’s also designed to work with the new Duramax engine to give improved fuel economy by 11 percent and GMC says to expect a fuel range of 680 miles on the new 36 gallon tank.

In addition to the fuel economy improvements, GMC claims improved acceleration with Duramax/Allison combo, resulting in a 0.3-second improvement to 60 mph and a 0.5-second improvement in the quarter-mile for a rating of less than 9 and less than 16 seconds respectively.

Like it’s Chevy counterpart, the Sierra gets a new front suspension with forged steel upper control arms and cast iron lower control arms with the new front independent suspension now delivering a 25 percent improved front axle weight rating. The new 6,000 lb rating now means a snow plow can be used on all 4WD cab models equipped with the snow plow prep package. In addition, rather than a single torsion bar like on the previous model, the 2011 gets five different torsion bar rates for five different gross axle weight ratings, allowing height adjustability in accordance with the weight of a snow plow or other accessory.

As for the rear suspension, the leaf springs are now 20 percent wider, helping to improve the truck’s rear gross axle weight rating. Now 2500 models are rated to 6,200 lbs, while 3500 models get a 7,050 rating for single wheel or 9,375 of dualies. The new rear suspension is also designed to reduce wheel hop.

We could probably go on forever discussing the upgrades to the new 2011 Sierra HD, so we’ll try and wrap this up with a few more important things you should know. For 2011 the brakes are larger, measuring 14-inches at all four corners while the swept area of the brake pads has been increased with 13 percent more area covered on the front rotors and 17 percent more covered on the rear. Gone are 16-inch wheel fitments, with 17s now the new base wheel, while 20s can be had on the 2500HD.  Safety equipment includes StabiliTrak and Trailer Sway Control on all single-rear-wheel models as well as a new Hill Start Assist feature, that holds the truck for 1.5 seconds when leaving a stop on a hill. GMC also says that under heavy load it has reduced noise vibration and harshness (NVH) by as much as 30 percent.

Finally, let’s not forget the standard engine, a 6.0-liter Vortec V8 and six-speed 6L90 automatic transmission., It gets 360-hp at 5400 rpm and 380 ft-lbs of torque at 4200 rpm. A total of 90 percent of the engines torque is available from 2000 rpm allowing for a 13 percent increase in fifth-wheel towing for a total tow rating of 14,700 lbs.

GALLERY: 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD

Get all the 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD details and model info after the jump:

The small pickup truck segment seems to be a dying category, with the future of the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon now in doubt. According to a report by PickupTrucks.com, GM’s product boss Bob Lutz has said that both models may not live on to see another generation. “It’s uncertain at this point,” he said. “They may well [go away].”

GM has yet to announce any plans for the trucks and last year it was announced that production at the Shreveport plant where the trucks are assembled would cease by 2012.

Ford has already said that it will stop production of its Ranger pickup by the end of 2011, and Dodge has decided to kill-off the Dakota pickup around the same time. Dodge is likely to replace the Dakota with a new model, however. Ford is debating several changes, with the potential to bring over the Ranger model currently overseas or offer a stripped-down version of the F-150. Currently, the only automaker having any success in the segment is Toyota with its dominant Tacoma, selling more than double the number of Rangers as last year.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Republicans everywhere rejoiced last week when Massachusetts senator-elect Scott Brown won an election to fill Ted Kennedy’s seat. Now not only is he on his way to Washington to quash the Obama Administration’s health care bill, but he’s helping out the U.S. auto industry in the process.

Brown campaigned for the seat from the seat… of his 2005 GMC Canyon pickup truck. “I love this old truck. It’s brought me closer to the people of this state,’’ said Brown in one of his campaign ads. The truck, which features as prominently as Brown himself in the adds, has 200,000 miles on the odometer and Brown says he’ll drive it all the way to Washington.

GMC has never been much of a player in the compact truck market, but the cameo appearance in Brown’s adds has caught the attention of more than a few folks – at least in Massachusetts. According to Al Cerrone, the owner of a local GMC dealership, “We’ve gotten eight to 12 phone calls from people asking, ‘Do you sell trucks like that?’ It prompted inquiries, and when you’ve got inquiries, you’ve always got sales.’’

It might not be much, but GM dealerships in Massachusetts can use all the good news they can get these days with almost half of the state’s 98 dealerships slated to close.

As for Bezema Buick GMC Truck Corp. in Norwood, which sold Brown his truck back in 2005, they are planning on offering a look-a-like GMC Canyon with 70,000 miles, which will be prominently displayed out front.

[Source: Boston.com]

General Motors’ vice chairman of global product operations is so strong a believer in his company’s product he’s willing to prove it in a tug-of-war between the GMC Heavy Duty and the Ford F-Series Super Duty.

Vice Chairman Tom Stephens made the bold statement in an interview with PickupTrucks.com about the new Duramax engines powering the 2011 Chevrolet and GMC Heavy Duty. The site’s editor was surprised by the statement, he asked Stephens three times if he was serious, but Stephens remained adamant.

“You’re going to love our new diesel Duramax engine in the new Heavy Duty,” Stephens told PickupTrucks.com. “You know what I want to do to prove it? I want to take our truck and Ford’s [new Super Duty] and chain them together back -to-back. Then I want to have them pull against each other. I know our truck will beat theirs.”

PickupTrucks.com passed the challenge on to Ford but has yet to get a response. We’re not sure if Ford is willing to take the bait, but this is one challenge we would love to see.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

GMC introduced its new Granite concept model at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, presenting a “urban utility vehicle” with a boxiness rivaling the Scion xB.

“Granite was conceived as a new type of vehicle from GMC – one that could stretch people’s ideas of what a GMC can be,” said Lisa Hutchinson, product marketing director for GMC. “We call it an ‘urban utility vehicle’ and our goal was redefining what the GMC name could mean to a new generation of customers looking for both bold design and functionality.”

If brought to market, the Granite would be the smallest GMC ever produced. With a wheelbase of 103.6 inches, the Granite is comparable to the Chevy Cobalt, and at a total length of 161.3 inches, the Granite would be more than a foot shorter.

Despite its small size, the Granite boasts a generous amount of cargo space. The doors are hinged to open like French doors and the lack of a pillar between front and rear doors makes it easier for passengers and cargo to be loaded. The passenger and seats fold and flip up towards the center console for additional space. According to GMC, the passenger seat can be folded to fit a mountain bike with both wheels still attached.

Powering the Granite is a turbo-charged 1.4L four-cylinder engine matched with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Instead of a traditional shift handle, the Granite uses a knob that rotates with distinct clicks like a torque wrench.

Gallery: GMC Granite Concept

Official release after the jump:

***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

GMC has just released a teaser image of what it is calling the Urban Utility Concept. Set to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next week, word has already slipped out that this new model will see production under the name: GMC Granite.

According to the GM’s TheLAB website, the UUC is a new breed of truck, “that’s as efficient as it is chic, innovative as it is functional.” Previous reports have already stated that this new concept will be based on the Chevy Orlando MPV but target a the youth-market, competing with vehicles like the Scion xB, Kia Soul and Nissan Cube.

GMC echoes these comments in a statement saying that this new concept has plenty of flexible and functional space in a “urban-box” design.

We’ll bring you full coverage on the GMC Granite when its unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next week.

GALLERY: GMC Urban Utility Concept

[Source: TheLAB]

***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

Along with a long list of Chevy products set to debut at the Detroit Auto Show, GM will deliver unconventional new vehicles for both Buick and GMC. First up is a high-performance Buick Regal, thought to be called the GS. Based on the European Opel Insignia OPC, the Regal GS will use a 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 to make 325-hp and put that power to the ground using an all-wheel drive setup.

In addition to this gotta-gave Buick, GM’s GMC brand will debut its smallest model ever, based on the upcoming Chevy Orlando MPV. This smaller-than-a-mini-van vehicle will be a sister car to the Orlando but is aimed at a different segment of the market. While the Orlando is intended to compete with vehicles like the Mazda5, Kia Rondo and Dodge Journey (not to mention the upcoming Ford C-Max), the GMC version, dubbed the GMC Granite, is aimed at the youth market. The Granite would then target cars like the Nissan Cube, Scion xB and Kia Soul with styling and youth-oriented features.

We have to think that it would probably be best if GMC stayed true to its truck roots, but with GMC’s masculine traits laid over a boxy body shell, this might be the right model to make the GMC brand popular in urban markets.

[Source: CanadianDriver]

GMC is expanding its luxury Denali line with the announcement of the 2011 Acadia Denali crossover.

The brand’s first crossover, the Acadia gets signature Denali design cues including monotone paint, unique lower front and rear fascias, high-intensity discharge headlights, chrome accents and the Denali honeycomb grille.

Inside, the Acadia Denali receives a number of luxury upgrades including a premium entertainment system, perforated leather trim and a mahogany wood steering wheel.

The Acadia Denali will be available in five color options: Quicksilver Metallic, Summit White, Carbon Black, Red Jewel Tintcoat and White Diamond Tricoat. Pricing has not been announced, but the Acadia Denali will be covered by GM’s five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Gallery: 2011 GMC Acadia Denali

Official release after the jump:

Frederick “Fritz” Henderson has resigned as General Motors chief executive officer.

Henderson (left, in the photo above) was appointed CEO on March 29, replacing Rick Waggoner who shown the door by the Obama administration. Over the last eight months, Henderson worked at reorganizing the company. GM announced that Chairman Ed Whitacre Jr. (right, in the photo) will take over as interim CEO until a permanent replacement is found.

“Fritz has done a remarkable job in leading the company through an unprecedented period of challenge and change,” said Whitacre. “While momentum has been building over the past several months, all involved agree that changes needed to be made. To this end, I have taken over the role of Chairman and CEO while an international search for a new president and CEO begins immediately. With these new duties, I will begin working in the Renaissance Center headquarters on a daily basis. The leadership team – many who are with me today – are united and committed to the task at hand.”

During Henderson’s tenure, GM filed for Chapter 11 protection and, 40 days later, emerged from protection with help from the government. On Nov. 16, Henderson announced GM would begin paying back the government’s $6.7 billion loan.

As part of the company’s recovery efforts, GM scaled back to four key brands: Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC. Pontiac is shutting down and GM found a Chinese buyer for Hummer. GM also came close to finding new owners for Saturn and Saab. A deal with Roger Penske for Saturn fell apart, while a deal for Saab with Koenigsegg also fell through. GM also announced today it has “has received expressions of interest in Saab” and will evaluate potential bids before the end of December.

[Source: MSNBC and Associated Press]

Today the sun rose on a New General Motors, a move which will also see the sun set on a lot of people’s careers. GM emerged from bankruptcy protection at 6:30 a.m. Eastern Time with news of a serious corporate restructuring plan that will take effect over the next few months.

Due to leadership (and in some cases arm-twisting) by the Obama Administration, the new GM,  headed by CEO Fritz Henderson, is poised to return to its once-great status after shedding its debt and healthcare obligations by a massive $48 billion. Much of this comes as the UAW made serious concessions in accepting a new contract with the automaker. GM also hopes to significantly reduce its cash-burn after eliminating a third of it’s dealership network. Additionally, the automaker looks to profit from the sale of the Saturn, Saab and Hummer brands, as well as through selling-off much of its stake in its European operations, including Opel to Canadian autoparts manufacturer Magna International.

“Today marks a new beginning for General Motors, one that will allow every employee, including me, to get back to the business of designing, building and selling great cars and trucks and serving the needs of our customers,” CEO Fritz Henderson said in a statement.

Henderson’s plan will see 6,000 (or 20 percent of) white-collar employees lose their jobs by October, with 35 percent of all executives being dismissed. Many executives will be cut from the company’s old Automotive Strategy Board and Automotive Product Board, a complex, multi-tiered system of management which will be axed in favor of a small committee that will meet weekly to make decisions about the future of the company.

Henderson says the move will cut those making the decisions at GM in half as the automaker focuses on its four key brands – Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac.

Sales and Marketing will also no longer be under the leadership of one individual, as that part of the company is split. Sales will report directly to Henderson, who was unclear about what that meant for the current Sales & Marketing boss, Mark LaNeve. GM will also bring back veteran Bob Lutz to manage marketing, as well as design, brands and communications.

This will be a particularly vital role as GM looks to introduce a new line of vehicles into the marketplace to help re-brand the company. In total 10 new vehicles will launch in the U.S. in the next 18 months, with 17 overseas.

[Source: Automotive News]