2011 GMC Sierra HD Priced From $27,965; Denali Models From $45,865

GMC has just released pricing for its new line of 2011 Sierra HD models, starting from $27,965, while those wanting the Duramax diesel and Allison transmission combo will have to spend $36,360 – a jump of $8,395. That price is, however, the exact same number as last year’s model, which is impressive considering the improvements made for the all-new 2011 truck. As for the new Sierra Denali HD (a 2500HD 4WD crew cab), it’s set at $45,865.

With an all-new frame, the 2011 Sierra comes standard with 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.

Diesel models get a new 6.6-liter Duamax engine and 6-speed Allison transmission with a best-in-class power of 397-hp at 3000 rpm and best-in-class torque of 765 ft-lbs at 1600 rpm. 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.

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.

All Sierra HD models will be built at GM’s Flint Assembly Plant, with retails sales beginning in June.

GMC Announces Pricing on 2011 Sierra Heavy Duty Pickups
Starting at $27,965

o Pricing unchanged for the proven Duramax diesel engine and Allison transmission combination
o Sierra HD offers segment-leading diesel horsepower and torque
o New Denali version starts at $45,865
o Sierra HD models arrive in GMC dealerships this summer

DETROIT – GMC announced today that the all-new 2011 Sierra HD will have a starting price of $27,965, which excludes a $995 destination charge for the 2500 regular cab 2WD model. The Sierra Denali HD, the first offering of the exclusive Denali line on a heavy-duty GMC pickup, will start at $45,865, excluding destination. The new Sierra HDs produced at the Flint Assembly Facility will begin arriving in dealerships in June.

The Sierra HD delivers best-in-class diesel horsepower and torque with the proven and reliable Duramax diesel powertrain and Allison transmission at carryover pricing from 2010 models of $8,395 despite the significant improvements in fuel economy, quietness, emissions and performance. Customers will also benefit from increased towing capability (up to 20,000 lbs./9,072 kg) and payload (up to 6,335 lbs./2,873 kg) that is supported by an all-new fully-boxed, high-strength steel frame for maximum utility and exceptional ride characteristics. The Sierra HD also offers the latest technology in driver confidence and control features such as trailer sway control, a ‘smart’ exhaust brake, hill start assist and more.

“The all-new 2011 Sierra Denali HD blends capability with premium features and styling.” said Lisa Hutchinson, GMC product marketing director. “With its powerful, best-in-class diesel engine, the new Sierra HD models have increased towing and hauling capabilities, a key consideration for people who use them for work or for recreation such as towing a large boat or trailer.”

The Sierra Denali HD is a 2500HD 4WD crew cab. The iconic Denali four-bar, chrome grille with round air inlets distinguishes it on the outside, along with body-color bumpers, chrome door handles, chrome accents and 18- and 20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels.

The 2011Sierra HD lineup has expanded to include eleven 2500HD models and eight single- and dual-rear-wheel 3500HD models offered in WT, SLE and SLT trim levels. A new and larger 36-gallon (136 L) fuel tank is standard on all models. Combined with highway fuel economy improvements up to 11 percent over the previous model, GM testing indicates that the Sierra HD’s equipped with the Duramax diesel can have a highway range up to 680 miles, and new B20 biodiesel capability. The truck also offers the best warranty coverage in America with a five-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.