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44 OCTOBER 2014 ARBOR AGE www.arborage.com TRUCKS 2015 GMC SIERRA HD The new 2015 GMC Sierra HD lineup includes 2500HD and 3500HD models, and the Sierra Denali HD. Bold styling and an all-new, more comfortable and technology-infused interior are carried forward from the 2014 Sierra 1500, including new double cab and revised crew cab body styles. Larger rear doors on each, along with new seat designs, enable easier entry and exit from the rear seat and two inches of additional legroom on crew cabs. The new interior is also designed to help drivers and passengers with easier-to-reach, more intuitively located controls, more storage compartments, more plug-ins for electronic devices and the latest-generation GMC IntelliLink infotainment system — with an eight- inch-diagonal color touch screen. Additional new and enhanced features for the 2015 Sierra HD lineup: CornerStep rear bumper, EZ Lift and Lower tailgate, standard upper tie-downs and other features that make cargo handling easier. Standard StabiliTrak with Trailer Sway Control on all models, including 3500HD dually. Integrated cruise control, auto grade braking and diesel exhaust braking (diesel models), for greater driving control and reduced brake wear on grades. Enhanced cooling airflow, which enables the Duramax turbo diesel and 6.0L gas engine to better maintain full power, even under heavy loads and high ambient temperatures. Latest-generation IntelliLink infotainment system, which offers a variety of connectivity options for devices of all types and available navigation. The distinctive Sierra Denali HD features a signature Denali chrome grille, unique interior decorative trim, a polished stainless-steel exhaust outlet (gas models) and body-color front and rear bumpers. Complementing the soft-touch instrument panel trim and aluminum trim are Denali-specific interior details, including script on the bright door sills and embossed into the front seats. Like the 2014 Sierra 1500, a new double cab body replaces the previous extended cab. It features longer, front-hinged rear doors with outside pull handles at the rear, providing improved access in tight parking spaces. New structural B-pillars were added to add to a solid feel. Unlike trucks with rear-hinged doors, Sierra's double cab design allows rear passengers to enter and exit the vehicle with the front doors remaining closed. Crew cabs feature resized doors, too, including longer rear doors, which also make it easier to climb in and out of the rear seat. Approximately 67 percent of each cab is constructed with high-strength and ultra-high- strength steels, used in the A-pillars, B-pillars, rockers and roof rails, as well strategic sections on the interior structure. Ultra-high- strength steel is used in areas of the rocker panels and underbody to help improve performance in crashes. Sierra HD models are available with 6'6" and 8' box lengths that are stronger and more durable, easier to use and offer greater cargo flexibility. The new CornerStep rear bumper — introduced on Sierra 1500 — is standard. It features integrated steps at each corner designed to accommodate large boots, with textured pads for sure-footed grip. Sierra HD's boxes also feature four integrated cargo tie-down provisions built into the lower corners and new, standard upper tie-downs. The patented upper hooks — each rated at 250 pounds — can be placed in several locations around the upper bed rails, providing flexibility for securing loads of all shapes and sizes. The EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate is standard on SLE, SLT and Denali models. An internal torsion bar in the tailgate reduces the effort to raise and lower it, while a rotary damper allows for a controlled and more gradual lowering motion when opening. The tailgate is also easily removable without tools. A wide range of utility-enhancing accessories offered through GMC dealers makes Sierra HD cargo boxes more functional. They include tool boxes, bed liners, bed mats, box nets, ladder racks and more. All Sierra HD models feature fully boxed frame assemblies — 18 different assemblies that accommodate more than 150 possible vehicle configurations across the lineup. A Vortec 6.0L gas V-8 with variable valve timing is matched with the Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission as the standard powertrain across the Sierra HD model range. This combination is engineered to deliver excellent performance and efficiency, especially at low RPM. It is rated at 360 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque in 2500HD models and 322 horsepower and 380 lb-ft in 3500HD. The 6.0L engine is also available in a bi-fuel model that features special hardened valves and valve seats that enables it to run on compressed natural gas or gasoline.