2011 Gmc Sierra 2500hd 4wd Crew Cab 153" Sle on 2040-cars

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2020 GMC Sierra HD offers loads of tech

The 2020 GMC Sierra HD has finally been revealed, and it's a heck of a lot more subtle than the Silverado HD. Whereas the Chevy went with a wildly exaggerated version of the split grille and headlights the truck is known for, the Sierra simply builds on the 1500 model's design with an expanded grille that doesn't appear to be as tall or wide as the Chevy's. That's not to say it looks unimpressive, though. It's still got a massive fascia, it's just not as extreme as the one with a bowtie on it. With the Sierra's unveiling, we get more details about the powertrains available on the heavy duty GM trucks. The 6.6-liter turbocharged Duramax V8 makes 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque. That's the exact same output as the engine in the old models. But this time, the engine will be mated to an Allison-branded heavy duty version of the GM 10-speed transmission. A gas engine will also be available, but GMC hasn't revealed details on it yet. The new Sierra boasts a range of new features, some that are unique to it, and some shared with the Silverado. A shared feature is the new steps in the bed sides that are standard on all Sierra HD models. Unique to the brand is the MultiPro tailgate with fancy drop-out step. This tailgate will be available on all trims, and it's standard starting with the mid-level SLT. There are some useful visibility features being shown on the new Sierra, too, such as an available trailer camera system with 15 possible viewpoints, and it can virtually show the rear view on the screen as if there wasn't a trailer in the way. GM's rear-view mirror screen also makes an appearance. An AT4 off-road trim will be available on the new Sierra HD. It has slightly different styling with dark grilles and trim. Off-road upgrades include reworked springs and shocks, skid plates, standard all-terrain tires and a locking rear differential. Pricing has not yet been announced, but the truck goes on sale this summer. Details on prices as well as further specifications will likely be announced near the on-sale date. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

GM warning 800,000 owners that their cars may need oil changes more frequently than they say

The days of changing your engine oil every 3,000 miles are long gone thanks to most cars having automatic oil monitoring systems, but about 800,000 General Motors vehicles apparently have incorrect monitoring software that is leading to premature engine component wear. According to Autoweek, certain 2010-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain models equipped with 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines could be going too long in between oil changes resulting in a higher-than-normal number of warranty claims for the engine's balance chain. The balance chain links the balance shaft to the crankshaft, and a worn one can produce higher noise levels.
As a fix, GM dealers will be reprogramming the software for the monitors in an effort to reduce the interval between oil changes, which varies based on driving habits and conditions. Through February 2015, the software update will be done at no cost to vehicle owners, but since this is not a recall, after that point, it will be up to the discretion of dealers as to whether or not they will charge for the service. What isn't immediately clear is whether GM plans on giving assistance to out-of-warranty customers who are experiencing engine issues from the worn chain.

GM exploring ways to raise half-ton Duramax diesel tow rating

Lots of truck owners cheered when GM announced fuel economy numbers for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado with the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel inline-six. Even after Ram let loose its EPA mileage ratings for the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, the Chevy oil-burner still took the trophy. The victory was years in the making, GM engineers spending an entire four-year development cycle refining the LM2 Duramax to increase mileage. The tradeoff, as well all know by now, is towing; the Duramax in half-ton duty pulls a maximum 9,300 pounds in the Silverado. Rivals across town can do more, the Ford F-150 PowerStroke rated at 11,500, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel game to pull 12,560. GM engineer John Barta told Muscle Cars & Trucks that more hauling chops could be on the way, explaining, "We’re actually looking at upgrading some of the materials around (the engine bay) to see if we can maybe raise our tow rating." Engine bay materials are at issue due to thermal complexities underhood. John Barta, GM's assistant chief engineer of diesel engine controls, said the Duramax's inline-six configuration allowed engineers to get emissions hardware like the combined selective catalytic reduction, diesel oxidation catalysts, and diesel particulate filter unit closer to the engine, where it heats up quicker, getting emissions down quicker. But that filter puts another heat source in those confines, enforcing a cap on the tow rating to keep the engine and other systems from overheating. "If you look under the hood," he said, "youÂ’ll see a significant amount of silver ‘moon tapeÂ’ around to make sure things arenÂ’t getting overheatedÂ… if we were to go up in higher towing, which we can, we start impacting the possibility of deteriorating some of the components.” There isn't much space for more grille, so swapping for a better grade of "moon tape" or a different kind of material could reduce engine bay heat, extracting a higher tow rating in the process.  It's important to note a point Barta's been making for months about the Duramax figures, though. "Even though itÂ’s nice to brag about big numbers, in reality, light duty customers are not towing that large with their trucks," and, "We do know that (95 percent) of our light duty customers donÂ’t tow over 9,000 pounds." On our First Drive of the 2020 Silverado diesel we called out the tow rating, but emphasized that the Chevy and GMC have more important challenges to overcome.