NEW FOR 2013:
– Powertrain grade braking now included in all six-speed automatic transmissions.
For 2013, the GMC Sierra gets powertrain grade braking, like many other truck-based models in the General Motors fleet.
The GMC Sierra is also sold as the Chevrolet Silverado. The 1500 is available as the WT (Work Truck), SLE, SLT and as a Hybrid model, and is offered in Regular, Extended and Crew Cab models, with short box (5-foot-8), standard box (6-foot-6) and long box (8-foot), and in two- or four-wheel drive. There is also a top-line Denali that is Crew Cable only with 6.2-litre V8 and full-time all-wheel drive.
The Sierra HD (heavy-duty) 2500 and 3500 models are covered in a separate section.
Engine choices in the 1500 are a 4.3-litre V6 or 4.8-litre V8 with four-speed automatic, and 5.3-litre V8 and 6.2-litre V8, both with six-speed automatic. The Hybrid uses a 6.0-litre V8 with Active Fuel Management and Auto Stop mode, regenerative braking, and a two-mode continuous electric ratio hybrid transmission, for a fuel economy improvement of up to 32 per cent when compared to a conventional Silverado. The system can launch the truck on battery power and run solely on electricity at speeds of up to 48 km/h, and keeps the engine in its fuel-saving Active Fuel Management mode for longer periods of time.
Features on the WT (Work Truck) include 17-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, manual black mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, overhead console, rubberized vinyl floor covering, standard instrument panel with upper and lower glove boxes, cruise control, tire pressure monitoring system, driver information centre, tilt steering wheel, 40/20/40 front bench seat with cloth or vinyl trim, centre fold-down armrest, AM/FM stereo, automatic headlamps, and OnStar.
The SLE adds 17-inch chrome-style wheels, chrome grille surround, front chrome bumper with body-colour top cap, privacy glass, compass, exterior temperature display, heated power mirrors, keyless entry, cloth 40/20/40 split-bench seat with fold-down centre armrest, power windows, carpet floor with vinyl mats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input.
The SLE adds 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, heavy-duty trailering equipment, fog lights, locking differential, remote starter, premium instrument panel, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, upgraded driver information centre, power-folding mirrors with integrated turn signals, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth connectivity, electric rear window defogger, XM satellite radio, USB port, Bose premium sound system, and heated leather seats with driver’s side memory.
The Denali adds 20-inch chrome-clad wheels, high-performance suspension, colour-keyed fascia, full chrome grille, power-folding mirrors with driver’s auto-dimming and integrated turn signals, rearview camera, front recovery hooks, skid plates, colour-keyed carpeting with carpeted floor mats, power-adjustable pedals, heated wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, garage door opener, heated and cooled seats, rear park assist, and premium six-CD stereo.
The Hybrid comes as a Crew Cab only. It is equipped similarly to the LT but adds 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, locking rear differential, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, XM satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity.
