GMC Sierra HD Leads the Segment in Towing and Payload Ratings
Sierra HD delivers 21,700 pounds towing and 6,635 pounds payload
2010-05-18
DETROIT GMC announced today that the new 2011 GMC Sierra heavy-duty
pickups have increased towing and payload ratings through ongoing
development and testing, making them the most capable and powerful
heavy-duty pickups in the segment. The ratings have been increased to
21,700 pounds of towing and 6,635 pounds of payload.
When developing the Sierra HD our focus has consistently been to deliver
customers the most capable heavy-duty trucks in the market, along with
premium features and styling that distinguish GMC amongst the
competition, said Rick Spina, GM Full-size Truck global vehicle line
executive. Our first set of capability tests confirmed that the team had
exceeded the payload and towing targets by a significant margin. Ongoing
testing demonstrated a clear opportunity to increase the true capabilities
of these trucks.
The GMC Sierra HD engineering team was able to achieve the increase in
towing capacity to 21,700 by putting the Sierra HD through a wide variety
of tests over various terrains, grades and weather conditions. Extensive
design and lab analysis, climatic wind tunnel testing, and actual on-road
extreme ride and handling testing methods were all used to confirm stable
handling and performance of the powertrain, drivetrain and brake
components at maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR). The GCWR is
increased to 29,200 pounds.
To achieve the increased payload capacity, engineers used higher strength
steel for the cargo box sills. The team conducted a significant amount of
testing where maximum payloads tested the stronger cargo box and rear axle
components. The maximum payload rating has been increased to 6,635 pounds.
We encourage consumers to test drive the Sierra HD against the
competition, said Spina. Based on our test results, we are confident our
HDs will prove to be the best choice for real-world towing and hauling
needs.
For the first time ever, GMC will be offering the exclusive Denali line in
our heavy-duty pickups with the Sierra Denali 2500 and 3500 HDs. The
Denali version is distinguished by its iconic four-bar, chrome grille with
round air inlets, along with body-color bumpers, chrome door handles,
chrome accents and and 17- (Dually), 18- and 20-inch polished forged
aluminum wheels.
The GMC Sierra HD is the segment leader in diesel horsepower and torque
(397hp, 765
lb-ft), conventional towing (17,000 lbs.), 5th-wheel towing (21,700 lbs.),
payload (6,635 lbs.) and maximum GCWR (29,100 lbs.). Production for the
Sierra HD begins next week at Flint Assembly in Flint, MI and customers
can expect to start seeing the heavy-duty trucks on dealer lots shortly
thereafter.
?11 Sierra HD
?10 Ram HD *
? 11 Ford F-350
Max. Horsepower
397 hp.
350 hp.
390 hp.
Max. Torque
765 lb-ft
650 lb-ft
735 lb-ft
Max. Conventional towing
17,000 lbs.
12,000 lbs.
16,000 lbs.
Max. Fifth-wheel towing
21,700 lbs.
18,500 lbs.
21,600 lbs.
Max GCWR
29,200 lbs.
25,400 lbs.
29,100 lbs.
Max. Payload capacity
6,635 lbs.
5,130 lbs.
6,520 lbs.
