The new 2011 Sierra HD - Never send a truck to do a Sierra's job

Mud puddles beware, the next generation Sierra HD pickups are on their way. Here's how they compare to the competition.

An all-new chassis

The 2011 Sierra HD chassis isn't just all-new, it's a reinvention of heavy-duty pickup engineering. Here are the features:

• All-new segment-exclusive high-strength, full-length, fully-boxed steel frame ¹
• Upgraded powertrain and body mounts
• Prepped for plowing
• Four wheel drive
• Asymmetrical leaf spring rear suspension
• Beefed up new independent front torsion bar suspension
• Larger capacity front and rear brakes

Upgraded Powertrain

The latest generation Duramax 6.6L V8 Turbo Diesel and Allison six-speed automatic transmission tandem develops better acceleration than the previous version, while increasing highway fuel efficiency by an impressive 11 percent^^. And the Duramax engine, already known for its quiet operation, also reduces high-load, high-speed noise by 28 percent.^

Put it all together and you get massive payload capabilities, improved ride quality, and increased power and fuel efficiency.

The numbers add up

Just how much better is the new 2011 Sierra HD lineup as compared to its predecessor? How about:

• 500% increase in the frame's torsional rigidity^
• 125% stiffer front frame^
• 14% increase in Gross Vehicle Weight Rating – up to 5,897 kg (13,000 lb.)^
• 25% increase in Front Gross Axle Weight Rating – up to 2,722 kg (6,000 lb.)^
• Gross Combined Weight Rating increases to 13,245 kg (29,200 lb.)^
• 66% heavier steering knuckle^
• 20% wider rear leaf springs^
• 23% higher ball-hitch trailering capacity – up to 7,711 kg (17,000 lb.) ^‡,†
• 12% more power – up to 397 hp^
• 16% more torque – up to 765 lb.-ft.^

And the news keeps getting bigger

You can now get the 2011 Sierra 2500HD as a Denali, which combines Sierra HD's astounding capabilities with the luxury and bold styling of the GMC Denali series. Here are some serious features, designed for serious truckers:

• Sierra Denali HD standard exterior features include a distinctive signature Denali chrome grille, body colour bumpers and chrome door handles
• Sierra Denali HD also comes standard with unique Denali interior trim accents, 12-way power seats, power adjustable pedals and Bose® premium surround audio system
• The Sierra Denali HD Crew Cab is available in 4x4 with either the 6.0L gas or Duramax 6.6L Turbo Diesel engine

Click here to check out the images of the new 2011 Sierra HD.

  ¹ Based on Ward's Large Pickup segmentation, 2011 Model Year competitive data for Ford Super Duty F-350 and 2010 Model Year competitive data for Dodge Ram 3500 Heavy Duty pickup trucks and latest published information available at time of printing. Excludes other GM models.

  ^† Maximum trailer weight ratings are calculated assuming a base vehicle, except for any option(s) necessary to achieve the rating, plus driver. The weight of other optional equipment, passengers and cargo will reduce the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. Refer to your GMC dealer for more information.

  ^‡ Requires Trailering Special Equipment Package with weight-distributing trailer hitch platform.

 ^ Compared to 2010MY Sierra HD.