First Drive: 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD/GMC Sierra HD

August 11, 2010

New for 2011 with Duramax equipped trucks is an exhaust brake. The exhaust brake is turned on or off as desired with a dash mounted switch. The exhaust brake uses the turbine control of the turbocharger and the compression of the engine to generate backpressure, slowing the vehicle without applying the brakes. It is integrated with the cruise control feature, and varies the braking to account for the grade and vehicle load.

2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD. Click image to enlarge

Other safety features that improve trailer towing and cargo hauling include StabiliTrak electronic stability control, trailer sway control and hill start assist on all single-rear-wheel models.

For two days we drove various Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 pickups – but mostly 2500 single-rear-wheel models – through the foothills of Alberta from Calgary to Kananaskis and back again. With sway control and exhaust brake turned on and the vehicle set on cruise control it was easy to forget there was a 4,989 kg (11,000 lbs) loaded trailer behind. The trucks powered up hills without missing a beat and cruised down long steep grades without gaining speed or applying the brakes. They accelerated well, even with heavy loads and braking was sure and uneventful, something we noted when we braked hard after nearly missing a turn.

And our well equipped trucks, some with navigation systems, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, OnStar 9.0 and full leather interiors, were exceedingly comfortable, quiet and easy to drive. GM has made many improvements to reduce noise in the passenger compartment, including the new stiffer frame, new hydraulic body mounts, a quieter Duramax diesel engine and revised steering system with quieter steering pump.

2011 GMC Sierra 3500 HD. Click image to enlarge

For 2011, GMC brings the luxurious Denali trim line to the Sierra HD for the first time. The Denali option is distinguished by a four bar chrome grille with round air inlets, body-colour bumpers, chrome door handles and accents and polished aluminum wheels. On the inside they include Denali-specific brushed aluminum trim, power-adjustable pedals, a Bose premium surround audio system and 12-way power seats. Along with an optional heated steering wheel, heated and cooled leather-appointed seating is available. The Denali option can be selected for 2500 series (3/4-ton), 2WD and 4WD configurations, as well as the 3500 Series (1-ton) 2WD and 4WD in both single-rear-wheel and dually versions. The 3500 series is also available in standard and dually long box versions.

The rest of the Sierra line-up, consisting of eleven 2500 HD models and eight single- and dual-rear-wheel 3500HD models offered in WT, SLE and SLT trim levels, can be identified by their new three bar grille, powertrain-badged louvered hoods, full-width chrome steel front bumpers and a new family of 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheels.

The Chevrolet Silverado is distinguished by a power dome-style hood with a new, louvered design, as well as a new grille and full-width chrome steel front bumper. There are ten 2500 HD models and eight single- and dual-rear-wheel 3500 HD models in WT, LT and LTZ trim levels.

2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD. Click image to enlarge

Pricing for both the Chevrolet and GMC start at $35,600; a 6.0-litre gas engine, carried over from the 2010 models, is standard and the new Duramax diesel option is priced at $9,670. The Sierra Denali HD will start at $59,210, however, according to equipment and pricing information provided, two of the well-equipped vehicles that we drove (leather, satellite radio, 4X4, 20-inch wheels, navigation, full cargo and towing controls) had price-tags of $72,000 and $78,000.

While the price-tag for diesel is steep, it offers many advantages, not the least of which is reduced fuel consumption and increased range. The new Duramax has a selective catalytic reduction after-treatment system using diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) which reduces NOx emissions by 63 per cent over 2010. DEF requires refilling every 8,000 km. The new Duramax is also B20 Biodiesel capable. GM says the new Duramax improves fuel economy by 11 per cent. Combined with a larger fuel tank, range increases to 1,090 km (680 miles).

But most buyers will be looking at the diesel for its power. The standard 6.0-litre gasoline engine offers 360 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.6-litre Duramax adds considerably more – 397 hp and 765 lb-ft of torque – something that will make life on the job a whole lot easier if you routinely tow or haul heavy loads.

GM’s reign as the power king of heavy duty diesel pickups may have been short, but its trucks were built to make the best use of the power available and for the short term at least will retain the title atop the towing and hauling specialists.

In my opinion, buyers shouldn’t get caught up in the numbers game, and should drive all the HD trucks – Chevrolet, GMC, Ford and Dodge – and make their own choices based on their needs for towing, hauling and snowploughing, and their perceptions of the quality and craftsmanship built into each. Leave the numbers game to the marketers.

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