GM clearly didn’t take the introduction of the 2015 Ford Super Duty lightly, and promptly responded to its cross-town rival’s introduction with a cross-State Fair of Texas unveiling of its own. The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD are scheduled for early-2014 debuts. All-new exterior styling and improved payload and tow ratings show that these big trucks are more than ready to work hard.
The redesigned HD trucks share some of the innovations of the new light-duty Silverado and Sierra, including the corner steps in the rear bumper, and the EZ Lift and Lower tailgate. The new design is tough, essentially the same as that of the light-duty Silverado and Sierra but with more beef and bulk. Like the new Tahoe and Yukon, the doors are now “inlaid” for reduced wind resistance. The tweaked aerodynamics have been designed to improve fuel efficiency and engine cooling, as well as wind noise. Larger cabs provide more interior room, and a choice of six and a half or eight-foot beds is offered. The new GMC Sierra Denali HD also bowed, and promises to be the flagship of GMC’s truck lineup. A massive chrome grille and monochromatic paint set the Sierra Denali apart, and the Denali package is now available on a crew cab dually as well.
Mechanical upgrades include standard StabiliTrak with Trailer Sway control across the board, an integrated cruise control, auto grade braking and exhaust braking (in diesels only). Engine choices include the 6.6 liter Duramax turbodiesel with 397 horsepower and 765 pound-feet of torque, the 6.0 liter gasoline V8 that makes 360 horses and 380 pound feet of torque, and a compressed natural gas (CNG) option is available on 2500 and 3500 models. GM says that payload is up to 7374 pounds, and maximum towing capacity for conventional trailers is 19,600 pounds. Fifth-wheel towing is up to 23,200 pounds.
The new trucks will also feature some driver aids borrowed from luxury cars, including a lane departure warning system, Forward Collision Warning and front- and rear-park assist.
