Jim Hudson GMC is thrilled to introduce you to the all-new 2011 GMC Sierra Heavy Duty. While much of the exterior and practically all of the interior carries over from the 2010 model, GMC knows why Columbia shoppers choose a heavy-duty pickup truck: for the capabilities beneath. The frame and underpinnings of the 2011 Sierra Heavy Duty have been completely reworked to provide class-leading capabilities whether you choose the 6.0L Vortec V8 or the popular 6.6L Duramax with the matching Allison 6-speed transmission–the same brand of transmission used in an M-1 tank!
GMC Sierra Heavy Duty Frame Improvements
For the best strength-to-weight balance, the new Sierra HD frame is built up from three individual sections. This design made it possible to optimize each section for its task, from mounting the engine and transmission in the front section, to supporting the cab in the center section, to providing a solid platform for a segment-leading maximum payload and efficient fifth-wheel installation in the rear section. Together, these sections form a frame with almost twice the resistance to bending as the previous model. For maximum strength, the new Sierra HD frame features a hydroformed front frame section. This metal-forming process preserves uniform steel thickness throughout. To create the fully boxed frame rails, two C-channel sections are overlapped—essentially, welding a frame inside a frame—to form a box that resists sagging and bending. The sturdy boxed frame also allowed through-rail mounting for the tubular chassis cross-members. This mounting gives maximum support and resistance to twisting on uneven road surfaces.
No other HD pickup offers more capacity in more models than Sierra. The 3500HD Regular Cab 2WD Dual-Rear-Wheel (DRW) model has maximum payload capacity of 6635 lbs. And GMC Sierra HD offers 2500- and 3500- Series capacity on Single-Rear-Wheel (SRW) models as well, with maximum payloads of 4192 lbs on 2500 models, and 4632 lbs on 3500 models.
Sierra HD Fuel Economy Improved for Columbia SC Drivers
The available new Duramax Diesel 6.6L V-8 turbo and Allison 1000 Series 6-speed automatic transmission are engineered to achieve a goal that most assumed to be impossible: improving power and mileage, together. Advanced diesel direct-injection technology and an adaptive transmission controller help Duramax to run at peak efficiency, and provide you with a highway mileage range of up to 680 highway miles, 11 percent better highway fuel economy in GMC’s testing compared to the 2010 model.
The Duramax Diesel engine also provides near-gas-like ability to start quickly in any weather. It’s all in a cold day’s work for the Duramax Diesel 6.6L v-8 turbo. With an advanced Direct- Injection (DI) fuel system, the Duramax injectors pressurize fuel up to 30,000 psi. that helps to turn cold, heavy diesel fuel into an ultra-fine mist that burns quickly and easily, to give you fast starts, quieter operation and lower emissions than the previous model. To help reduce carbon dioxide emissions even further, the Duramax Diesel 6.6L V-8 turbo can run on B20 biodiesel, a mixture of 20 percent biodiesel produced from domestic renewable resources, and 80 percent petroleum diesel.
Columbia Truck Shoppers Receive Improved Towing Options
The new Sierra HD is built with the power and capacity to give you significantly improved trailering capability. Virtually every aspect was rethought or reinforced for heavy loads and high Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWRs). More important is the sense of control that comes from knowing GMC has already anticipated your task and built accordingly. To help you choose the fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch that works best for your needs, our engineers consulted with leading aftermarket hitch manufacturers. Based on their input, we added new access holes to the rear frame section to accept a wider variety of hitches. These holes also help to preserve frame strength and save installation time.
Standard on all Sierra HD SRW models, Sierra HD trailer sway control uses the built-in Stabilitrak sensors to look for changes in ride motion that could indicate trailer sway, and then applies braking as needed to bringthe trailer back in line. A fully integrated trailer brake controller is also available to give you greater control of trailer braking force.
GMC Sierra HD Improves Braking Performance
South Carolina truck shoppers will notice Sierra HD’s braking system is much more than a pedal. It is a system of control engineered to help keep you on your intended path, and maintain your cool no matter how challenging the situation. Because, with a heavy load behind you, you need to be ready for what’s ahead of you.
A new innovative feature for Duramax Diesel-equipped models is a diesel exhaust brake . Unlike the traditional “on/off” diesel exhaust brakes, the driver- electable “smart” brake varies negative torque needed, based on the truck load and grade. This helps reduce brake fade, extends brake life and gives drivers plenty of confidence when hauling heavy loads downhill. Automatic Grade braking monitors vehicle speed, acceleration, engine torque and brake pedal usage. Using this information, it detects when the truck is on a downhill grade and the driver desires to slow the vehicle. Then if necessary, the transmission downshifts to help hold the desired speed.
GMC Sierra Denali HD Now Available In Columbia SC
Also new for the 2011 Sierra Heavy Duty range is the availability of the exclusive Denali trim. From leather-appointed seating surfaces to the polished wood tones and brushed metal accents, the first-ever Denali gives the Sierra HD series a new and even more refined meaning. With its extensive list of standard features, Denali HD gives you the luxury of the boardroom with the power to match. Sierra Denali HD is engineered to minimize noise and vibration for a quiet, refined atmosphere. These advanced acoustics also help you to enjoy the Bose® Centerpoint® Sound System. It delivers five independent channels from stereo recordings to give you a surround listening experience from your existing music library. SurroundStage® processing lets the driver and occupants feel as if they are center stage, while AudioPilot® compensates for changing ambient noise levels.
Denali HD’s 12-way power seats are available with their own climate control system. They warm you with built-in heating elements, or cool you with air that flows through the perforated leather seat inserts. A heated steering wheel, exclusive to Denali, is a welcome option in cold climates.
To help you stay in touch at all times, Bluetooth capability is standard in Denali and SLT models to let you connect your wireless phone or PDA to the standard hands-free calling system. This allows you to control your device with the phone and audio system controls located on the steering wheel.
Shop Jim Hudson GMC for your new Sierra Heavy Duty!
Jim Hudson GMC is the premier GMC dealership in South Carolina, serving Columbia, Newberry, Sumter, Orangeburg, and beyond. With nearly 30 years of experience serving GMC truck customers, Jim Hudson knows what South Carolina truck owners want and need in a professional grade truck or SUV. Jim Hudson GMC is the longest-running member of Jim Hudson Automotive Group, which is a ten-time winner of The State’s Readers’ Choice for Best New Car Dealership. To view our in-stock inventory of GMC Sierra Heavy Duty trucks, visit these links: