Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Autos: GMC Sierra takes on building 2-story house

3:31 PM, Aug 29, 2012

General Motors employs 3,600 workers at its Fort Wayne plant, manufacturing truck models such as this 2500HD Denali. According to GMC, it offers Cadillac luxury and big-truck performance.

Sierrahouse

"GMC's latest advertising campaign shows its new trucks and crossovers in front of a construction site while George Jones and Tammy Wynette sing "Two Story House" in the background.

I love the song by George and Tammy, and the ad is brilliant marketing.

Music aside, the point is that GMC's professional-grade trucks are ready to build a two-story house, pull an RV and carry large loads. Whatever you want. For the biggest projects, you might want to check out the new Fort Wayne-built Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD.

If you're just looking for a weekend home improvement companion, the HD series probably is overkill.

The 1500 series is a great truck for that. To prove the point, a 2500HD can carry a payload of more than 4,200 pounds. The 3500HD, with a fifth-wheel, moves 23,100 pounds. That's more than 11.5 tons, and if you're moving that, you're probably building something larger than a standard two-story.

Serious capability begins with fully boxed high-strength steel frames, 36-gallon fuel tank and available 17-inch dually rear wheels. Owners can go through a long options list to balance ride and capability through available suspension, axle and torsion bar ratings.

Four-wheel antilock disc brakes can halt any load. A choice of powertrains gets it moving again.

The standard engine is a 6.0-liter gas V8 that delivers 360 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque -- all routed to the road through a Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission. New for 2013 is a bi-fuel version of the engine that can run on compressed natural gas. Real men and women will step up to the Duramax 6.6-liter diesel that produces 397 horsepower and 765 lb.-ft. of torque and is paired with an Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission. Exhaust braking enables drivers to slow the vehicle on downhill grades without over-heating the brakes. Four-wheel-drive is available on all models to get through the worst winter weather or muddiest jobsite.

Beyond a competent chassis and powerful engines that can handle nearly anything, Sierra is equipped with an array of equipment to keep passengers safe.

Electronic stability control is standard on non-dually models, as is trailer sway control and hill start assist. Trailer sway control uses the electronic stability system to counteract oscillating trailers while hill start assist holds the vehicle momentarily while the driver lifts from brake to throttle. Head curtain side airbags, seat-mounted side airbags and dual front airbags stand by for emergencies.

A couple of country superstars would feel right at home in the Sierra's cabin.

Depending on trim level, one can get dual-zone automatic climate control, DVD player, heated leather seats, power-adjustable pedals and remote vehicle starter. Navigation, USB port for MP3 players and SiriusXM Satellite Radio keep you entertained and heading in the right direction.

Denali models add cooled seats and a heated steering wheel as well as Cadillac-grade trim. Bluetooth hands-free calling and dealer-installed WiFi connect passengers on the road or construction zone.

Designers clearly are spending their time finishing up an all-new Sierra that will be with us in about a year, but to carry the truck through until then, they put a new chrome grille on a handsome face.

Whether you choose regular, extended or crew cabs, the GMC Sierra HD is one smooth hauler. Go ahead and build that two-story house, barn or lake cabin. GMC is ready.

Competitors include the Ram 2500/3500, Ford F-250/F-350 and similar Chevy Silverado 2500HD/3500HD. Price start just under $30,000, but can pass $60,000 loaded with equipment and chrome."

 

http://indy.st/OWw1mG

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