Whether at home, at work, or away from it all, you have big expectations of what a heavy duty pickup truck should be. At GMC, we set out to not only meet those expectations – but also set a new standard of what a heavy duty pickup can be – with the Next Generation 2020 GMC Sierra Heavy Duty. Available late summer 2019.
Available in ¾-ton 2500, 1-ton 3500 single rear wheel, and 1-ton 3500 dual real wheel configurations, the 2020 Sierra Heavy Duty brings the clever thinking, bold design, and attention to detail expected of a modern GMC to the heavy duty pickup segment – all while providing incredible performance, enhanced trailering capabilities, and a unique, refined, yet distinctly heavy duty personality.
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“We set new standards for smart capability, bold design, and advanced technologies in the half-ton pickup space with the 2019 Sierra 1500,” says Jaclyn McQuaid, Sierra Heavy Duty Chief Engineer. “We wanted to do the very same in the heavy duty space, while simultaneously increasing strength and performance. We were determined to make this truck as driven and capable as our customers.”
POWER BEYOND REPROACH
Sierra has built a reputation for incredible performance, especially when it comes to diesel heavy duty trucks. For 2020, Sierra Heavy Duty not only continues that tradition – it raises it to new levels.
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Sierra Heavy Duty’s available 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V8 delivers 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque Engineers worked to make this already powerful engine perform more efficiently by both increasing cooling capacity by way of a larger radiator and fan, and improving the air induction system. A dual-path intake system draws dense, cool air through both the hood scoop and the front grille in order to optimize performance.
The new Sierra Heavy Duty marks the introduction of an all-new Allison® 10-speed automatic transmission – the first-ever Allison 10-speed automatic transmission offered in the heavy duty pickup segment. The new 10-speed transmission provides closer gear spacing than before, allowing the engine to operate in an optimal range at all times with varying load and terrain conditions.
The Duramax/Allison combination also incorporates an integrated engine exhaust brake, which leverages the engine’s backpressure and the Sierra Heavy Duty’s driveline Components to help control the speed of the truck and trailer while descending, reducing the need to use service brakes on long, steep grades. The exhaust brake is also tied to the cruise control system, allowing a set speed to easily be maintained, even over hilly terrain.
Sierra Heavy Duty’s powertrain innovations extend to its gasoline engine offerings. An all-new 6.6L gasoline V8 engine joins the lineup, and is the only gasoline direct-injected V8 engine in the heavy duty pickup segment (excluding other GM vehicles). Offering 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque, this engine provides an 11 percent increase in horsepower and 22 percent increase in peak torque compared to the previous 6.0L gas engine. The 6.6L gasoline V8 is paired with the 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission. Across the board, rear axles have larger, stronger components than ever before in order to both increase gross axle weight ratings (GAWR) and effectively deliver as much torque to the ground as possible. This upgraded driveline includes new, larger, more robust front and rear axles, a standard 11.5-inch ring gear on 2500HD models, and a massive 12-inch ring gear on 3500HD diesel models. Additionally, the Sierra 3500HD does not need to limit torque in first gear, allowing it to transmit all of its trailer-pulling power to the wheels from a standing start.
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BUILT TO TRAILER
Collectively, these revisions help Sierra Heavy Duty perform like no GMC heavy duty pickup before it, especially when it comes to pulling a conventional, gooseneck, or fifth-wheel trailer. Sierra Heavy Duty’s trailering prowess is what lies at its very core. The 2020 Sierra Heavy Duty is the most capable heavy duty pickup in the segment when it comes to trailering and towing (excluding other GM vehicles), offering a best-in-class maximum gooseneck trailering rating† of up to 35,500 lbs† – 52 percent greater than the outgoing model – and a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 43,500 lbs.†
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