1994 Gmc Sierra Gt, Pickup, Auto, Not 4x4 on 2040-cars

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GM readying aluminum-body fullsize pickups

Ford's extensive use of aluminum in its 2015 F-150 is a big deal. A really big deal. Big enough, in fact, that General Motors is reportedly changing its fullsize pickup strategy. According to The Wall Street Journal, The General has locked in partnerships with Alcoa Inc. and Novelis Inc. - companies that will supply aluminum for the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks.
"Ford's introduction of the 2015 F-150 pickup truck was a game changer, and it's the first, not the last, conversion of this type," Novelis spokesperson Charles Belbin told the Journal. The switch to aluminum has allowed Ford to shave roughly 700 pounds off its fullsize truck's curb weight. And while official mileage ratings have not been announced, the weight loss should go a long way for improving efficiency, especially when combined other efficiency-minded improvements including better aerodynamics and new, turbocharged V6 engines.
Of course, aluminum-bodied cars are nothing new. But extensive use of aluminum in a major, best-selling product like the Ford F-150 is expected to kick off widespread use of this weight-saving material as availability rises and cost decreases. The WSJ reports that GM had originally explored the idea of moving to aluminum pickups back in 2008, but abandoned the idea due to cost concerns amid economic woes.

2023 GMC Sierra AT4X new AEV Edition's spirit animal is the Bison

GMC's newly redesigned 2023 Sierra is getting some equipment that might sound familiar to fans of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 formula that inspired it. Don't call it a "Bison," but the new Sierra AT4X AEV (American Expedition Vehicles) Edition sounds an awful lot like everybody's favorite bovine-themed midsize off-road pickup, and GMC says it will be its most off-road capable factory Sierra 1500 ever. If you're not familiar with the AT4X formula, it's already pretty robust. The GMC twin to the new Silverado ZR2 boasts Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers, improved ground clearance and approach/departure/breakover angles compared to the "standard" AT4, plus front and rear electronic locking differentials. The AEV Edition looks to the margins for additional improvement.  "The Sierra 1500 AT4X is an incredibly formidable platform when it comes to on- and off-road performance and capability,” said AEV CEO & founder Dave Harriton. “We took our signature approach to help elevate this truckÂ’s inherent off-road capability to the next level. We are confident customers will love the result." The standard AT4X already offers plenty of ground clearance (10.8 inches) and an approach angle of 25.5 degrees, departure angle of 23 degrees and breakover angle of 22.7 degrees. The AEV Edition bumps the ground clearance to 11.2 inches and its AEV-sourced stamped steel bumpers improve the approach angle to 32.5 degrees, departure angle to 23.4 degrees (compared to 23 degrees) and the breakover angle improves to 23 degrees.  "Our customers want an uncompromising combination of on-road technology and off-road capability," GMC boss Duncan Aldred said in the company's announcement. "Leveraging GMCÂ’s unwavering dedication to providing premium trucks and AEVÂ’s expertise in engineering and integrating performance-driven parts and accessories, this truck provides extreme capability, technology and comfort." The AEV Edition will ride on 33" mud-terrain tires wrapped around unique 18-inch AEV "Salta" wheels finished in gloss black. The front end was restyled to accommodate the AEV Edition's wheel and tire package (it was too big for the existing wheel wells, apparently) and front bumper.

GM follows U.S. trademark for AT4X with application in Mexico

Looks like GM is preparing to return the GMC Sierra 1500 All Terrain X to the marketplace, but with a new name. GM Authority found a trademark application filed in May this year in Mexico for the AT4X moniker. This comes three years after GM filed an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the same alphanumeric in February 2016. When GMC introduced the all-new 2019 Sierra, it changed the previous All Terrain trim name to AT4, as seen on the Sierra AT4 we called "offroad overkill." The patent filings lend credence to the idea that the previous All Terrain X trim will soon be introduced by a Sierra 1500 AT4X model.  The erstwhile All Terrain X, introduced for the 2016 model year, took the former All Terrain further into the frame of serious-looking off-roader. On top of the Z71 suspension with a two-inch lift, Rancho monotube shocks, and a locking rear differential, the X added a sport bar for offroad lights, side steps, more dirt-friendly 18-inch wheels in 265/65 mud-terrains instead of 20-inchers on 275/65 all-terrains, a performance exhaust, and a lot more black and body-colored trim. At launch, we said it was "no Raptor threat," and even though GMC launched a 2500HD version in 2017 (pictured), it likely never worried the Ram Power Wagon. We wouldn't expect the equation to change with a possible AT4X, which is a shame, since hardcore OEM offroaders are becoming bro dozers for the mature, moneyed set.