GMC, known for its expertise in work trucks, took the new 2011 Sierra Denali 2500 HD back to the weight room in the off season and decided that it needed a little more muscle. Unnamed sources are saying that some growth hormones may have been injected as well. Hey, I wasn’t there, and since I don’t operate on hearsay, I have no comment. However, when I test drove the 2011 Sierra Denali 2500 HD in the pre-season, I immediately knew that it had been in the gym bulking up for this upcoming season. While many manufacturers are worried more about the exterior aesthetics, GMC is all about business and performance when it comes to their trucks.
The exterior of the 2011 Sierra 2500 HD differs little from the exterior of the 2010 model. Only a GMC aficionado would recognize the new louvered hood, a change in the grill and a new chrome front bumper, which are the more noticeable changes across the board this year. The model I drove was the 2011 Sierra Denali 2500 HD 4WD, which is also new this year and is only available in a crew cab. Chrome accents, body colored bumpers and chrome wheels, are elements of the exterior that separates the Denali from other Sierra 2500 HD models.
The interior of the 2011 Sierra 2500 HD also changed very little from the 2010 model. This interior has all the necessary gauges and options and even though they are functional, since the Sierra is a work truck, they are still very basic. However, the Denali package has an upgraded interior with heated and cooled leather seats, signature Denali brushed chrome trim and top-of- the-line Bose sound system with surround sound.
Now, let’s talk about how the Sierra HD’s off-season workout has strengthened this vehicle. One of the 2011 Sierra’s personal trainers, Jeff Luke, GM’s chief engineer for full-size pickup trucks, said it best. “This truck has five times more torsional strength [how much it twists when carrying a load], over 90 percent better bending stiffness [how much it bends when carrying a load [and 20 percent better beaming stiffness [how much the frame will flex in the middle as it’s loaded],” explained Luke.
Now that the Sierra HD has all of the necessary frame upgrades, you also have the option of a more powerful 397 horsepower, 6.6 liter “Duramax” turbo diesel engine. When partnered with the Allison six-speed transmission, the 2011 Sierra Denali 2500 HD AWD can effortlessly tow whatever, wherever, whenever.
Whether you are the owner of a company in the construction industry, a farmer or rancher that needs to move equipment and supplies or that super dad taking the boat to the lake for a family outing, this truck gets the job done. With various models ranging in price from $28,000 to $46,000, I’m sure you can find the right Sierra for your hauling needs. The 2011 Sierra Denali 2500 HD is anxious to show you how it performs, after its off-season workout regimen.
–al weems
