The Silverado “HD” (which doesn’t stand for high definition) and future Sierra includes a 92% stiffer frame, and a sub-frame that is 125% stiffer then previous years. Sierra/Silverado has a 36 gallon fuel tank and a range of 680 miles, leaving around 18.8 MPG on the highway – an 11% improvement over the current truck. Rear suspension has been upgraded, giving more spring behind the axle. It reportedly has between 3000 – 4000 lbs greater (of a towing cap. that is) then Ford’s F-150, 250 & 350 models.

But GM’s mighty truck also has style: “…chrome on the front bumper, a slightly revised hood and “Duramax” hood badge, the end of 16″ wheels at the bottom in favor or 17-inchers and the addition of 20″ wheels at the top. It also gets hydraulic cabin mounts in the back…” Though pickup drivers are not really interested in looking too flashy.

Expect to drop around $20,000 – 28,000 on an all new 2011 Chevy Silverado / GMC Sierra before taxes and expenses.

The Source: Jalopnik

If brought to market, the Granite would be the smallest GMC ever – but has been optimized to feel much larger. Its length is a full 2 feet (0.6 m) shorter than the new Terrain compact crossover, but its open interior was designed to be spacious and flexible to fit the needs of active people. Generous cargo space and unique flipping/folding seats, for example, enable a mountain bike to be loaded completely inside with the tailgate closed.

“Granite was conceived as a new type of vehicle from GMC – one that could stretch people’s ideas of what a GMC can be,” said Lisa Hutchinson, product marketing director for GMC. “We call it an ‘urban utility vehicle’ and our goal was redefining what the GMC name could mean to a new generation of customers looking for both bold design and functionality.”

Like GMC’s current lineup of trucks, SUVs and crossovers, the Granite delivers style and capability, with advanced features, high-quality materials and exceptional attention to detail. An industrial-influenced exterior is combined with a spacious interior that features precise instruments and leading-edge technology. The climate system, navigation and infotainment technologies, for example, are viewed via an extra-wide, next-generation organic light-emitting diode technology that is more dynamic than the conventional screens used in most production vehicles.

“We think of the Granite as the automotive equivalent of an urban loft apartment,” said Dave Lyon, executive director of North American Interior and Global Cross-Brand Design. “The exterior has an unmistakable industrial look, but the interior is warm and personalized.”

Power for the Granite concept comes from a 1.4L turbocharged engine that is part of GM’s new family of small-displacement, highly efficient four-cylinder engines. It is matched with a six-speed transmission.

via //ryanokeefe

GMC DENALI XT HYBRID CONCEPT TRUCK DELIVERS 50-PERCENT FUEL ECONOMY IMPROVEMENT

* New, robust design form serves as a test well for GMC’s future design direction
* First combination of GM’s two-mode hybrid system with E85 ethanol-capable engine
* Height-adjustable suspension and cargo space-enhancing Midgate®

CHICAGO – GMC unveiled the Denali XT concept at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. It offers a 50-percent increase in combined fuel economy over comparable small pickup trucks when running on gasoline, and it incorporates a new, muscular form in a performance-styled, hybrid sport-utility truck (SUT).

The Denali XT has a unibody architecture and rear-wheel drive, enabling its distinctive design and efficient performance. It builds on the equity of the Denali line and its reputation for advanced engineering and refinement, including the first combination of GM’s two-mode hybrid system with an E85 ethanol-capable engine. Denali XT’s new, more efficient 4.9L version of GM’s small-block V-8 features fuel-saving technologies such as direct-injection technology and Active Fuel Management.

The engine is matched with GM’s unique two-mode hybrid propulsion system, giving the powerful SUT exceptional fuel economy and uncompromising capability – including all-electric drive at low speeds. It is a powertrain combination that makes the Denali XT perfectly suited to a variety of active lifestyle activities, such as hauling skis and snowboards to the mountain or towing a sport jet boat to the lake.

“Like all GMCs, the Denali XT is functional and capable, but it blends those traits with a more efficient, sporty driving experience,” said Jim Bunnell, GMC general manager. “It is a vehicle that exemplifies GMC’s engineering excellence, as well as GM’s commitment to hybrid and advanced technologies.”

With its unibody structure, the Denali XT is lighter than conventional body-on-frame trucks, with great ride-and-handling characteristics. This design enhances fuel economy while giving the vehicle a sporty driving experience. True to its GMC Professional Grade heritage, the Denali XT is filled with technologies and features that maximize its flexibility, including a cargo space-enhancing Midgate® and height-adjustable suspension.

The Denali XT’s proportions are framed around a high cowl and 123.4-inch (3,134 mm) wheelbase. This enhances the vehicle’s truck functionality, but packages it in an efficient, unibody architecture.

Design and construction were spearheaded by Holden Design, within the Australian arm of GM’s global design and engineering network.

“Denali XT is about working hard, playing hard and enjoying an active lifestyle,” said Bunnell. “It is the same philosophy that has helped make the GMC Acadia crossover a huge hit with consumers.”

Dramatic design statement

A muscular form and wide, firmly planted stance give the Denali XT a confidently capable road presence. Minimal overhangs, large wheels, sleek headlamps and a low roof profile deliver an aggressive, performance-oriented appearance.

“It is a robust yet tailored design statement that is unlike anything else on the road,” said Ed Welburn, vice president, Global Design. “It has the youthful look of a custom automobile that incorporates the capability customers expect from a truck.”

The Denali XT’s design includes a new take on GMC’s iconic grille, with a prominent, four-bar element in addition to the large, red GMC logo and signature Denali background. Flared fenders accentuate the wide road stance. The stance is also enhanced when the Denali XT is lowered on its air-adjustable suspension, which creates a sleeker appearance that simultaneously improves aerodynamics. Large, bold 23-inch wheels and custom Kuhmo tires complement the Denali XT’s stance.

Inside, the Denali XT blends mechanical functionality with leather-trimmed comfort.

Billet-metal surrounds, controls and instruments convey the cold precision of an aircraft cockpit. This is balanced by the warmth of bespoke saddle-leather trimmed seats and other contact surfaces.

“The form language is smooth and structured to characterize GMC’s power. The details have a deliberately contrasting mechanical aesthetic to mark GMC’s engineering sophistication,” said Warrack Leach, lead designer.

The interior features innovative instrumentation with “floating” red-illuminated numerals backed by surface chaplets in the clusters and a large integrated vehicle interface screen. The interior illumination was supplied by Osram.

The Denali XT seats four. The high-cowl vehicle architecture enables higher seating positions, allowing the couple distance between front and rear occupants to be reduced without compromising knee room. This packaging efficiency creates generous interior and cargo bed dimensions within a more compact package.

With 2011 coming up fast GMC had to step up with an all new Acadia Denali; contrary to our first reaction of “really guys?!” it’s pretty fancy looking. So what makes 2011’s Acadia Denali-worthy? Pricing for one, materials too. SLT-2 models start at $38,490 in FWD form and $40,490 for “off-road.” Who is really going off-roading in an Acadia? There’s a lot of faux-wood, leather and 20″ rims on both versions oh and that nice “Denali” badge. Acadia is not all might – there’s still an EPA estimated 24 MPG on this puppy.

Don’t worry fellas – there’s still brawn in Denali – “Acadia Denali is powered by a 3.6L direct injection V-6 engine with VVT that optimizes performance and fuel economy, while also reducing emissions – including a 25-percent reduction in cold-start emissions. Engine performance is enhanced by the advanced six-speed automatic transmission. The maximum towing capacity is a class-leading 5,200 pounds (2,364 kg).”

Press Release: ” DETROIT – Today GMC unveiled the 2011 Acadia Denali in Detroit. The first Denali was launched in 1999 on the Yukon brand and helped define the luxury SUV segment. With nearly half of all Yukon sales being Denali models, expanding the Denali line to include the Acadia was a logical extension. Acadia Denali will provide GMC customers with all the amenities the Denali is known for in a fuel-efficient crossover.

“The GMC Denali models have come to stand for luxury and exclusivity, and that’s just what customers will get in the new Acadia Denali,” said Lisa Hutchinson, GMC product marketing director. “The decision to develop an Acadia Denali was made quickly within the new GM in response to customer and dealer demand for a Denali version ever since the launch and success of the Acadia.”

The Acadia launched in 2007 as the first crossover from GMC, with segment-leading fuel economy and innovative features. An exclusive SmartSlide System allows easy access to an adult-sized third row with available seven- or eight- passenger seating configurations. Fold-flat second- and third-row seats allow flexible passenger and cargo configurations of the best-in-class interior space. Acadia’s refined styling, impressive fuel efficiency, and confidence-inspiring safety features made it an immediate success and ideal platform to build upon for a Denali model.

The 2011 Acadia Denali goes on sale in the third quarter of 2010. It is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models, as well as seven- and eight-passenger configurations. The standard 3.6L direct injected V-6 contributes to an EPA highway rating of 24 mpg with FWD models.

The Acadia Denali will stand out with its signature Denali design cues highlighted by the mono-color exterior and chrome honeycomb grille, a feature on all GMC Denali models. It also wears a number of specific exterior design cues, including:

* Unique lower front and rear fascias
* High-intensity discharge headlamps
* Body-color lower cladding and rocker moldings
* Body-color rear fascia and fender flares
* Unique body-side moldings with chrome accents and Denali badges
* Dual chrome exhaust tips

Further distinction comes with 20-inch, two-tone chrome-clad wheels. The six-spoke wheels feature black chrome spoke inserts set against bright chrome.

The Acadia Denali is offered in five exterior colors: Quicksilver Metallic, Summit White, Carbon Black, Red Jewel Tintcoat and White Diamond Tricoat.

Luxury amenities

Acadia Denali delivers all the luxury and refinement that are hallmarks of the Denali line. It includes a number of exclusive design, comfort and convenience features including:

* Premium acoustics – laminated glass, triple door seals, and liquid applied sound deadeners
* Perforated leather seats with matching leather door panel trim
* Heated and cooled driver and passenger seats
* Leather-wrapped steering wheel with mahogany wood inserts
* Complementary wood grain finish on the instrument panel and center stack
* Enhanced accent lighting in the footwells
* Chrome, lighted sill plates with the Denali logo
* Dual SkyScape sunroof system, with sliding front sunroof and fixed rear section
* Head-up display (HUD)

Additional content includes:

* Tri-zone automatic climate control
* Navigation system including XM NavTraffic (available)
* Bluetooth connectivity
* OnStar
* Rear-seat DVD entertainment system, with roof-mounted flip-down screen (available)
* Premium audio system with USB port and Bose 10-speaker sound system
* XM Satellite Radio
* Rearview camera system
* Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory
* Remote vehicle start

GMC capability

Acadia Denali is powered by a 3.6L direct injection V-6 engine with VVT that optimizes performance and fuel economy, while also reducing emissions – including a 25-percent reduction in cold-start emissions. Engine performance is enhanced by the advanced six-speed automatic transmission. The maximum towing capacity is a class-leading 5,200 pounds (2,364 kg).

A long, 118.9-inch (3,021 mm) wheelbase and wide 67.28-inch (1,709 mm) front/rear tracks give it a lower center of gravity and enable smooth, stable ride and handling for driving comfort. Independent front and rear suspensions enhance smoothness and deliver a more responsive driving experience. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar and aluminum knuckles, while the rear suspension uses a compact, state-of-the-art linked “H” design. Isolated mounting points help reduce noise and vibration.

The suspension is tuned specifically for the Acadia Denali’s 20-inch wheels and the available AWD system enhances dry-road handling and provides increased traction on wet, snow and ice-covered roads. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard, as are the following features:

* StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology
* Traction control system
* Tire pressure monitoring system

Acadia Denali is covered by GM’s five-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty and three-year/36,000-mile Bumper-to-Bumper warranty – the best coverage in America.”

What happens when you take a 2WD GMC regular cab, an eight-foot truck bed and 3000 Christmas Lights and put em all together? You get a Christmas Truck. According to legend, Kris Marshall was hauling a generator and a few strands of Christmas lights to his church in a $50 used truck. He simply combined the two and The Christmas Truck was born.

Marshall, who happens to be GMC truck salesman in Iowa, not only brings Christmas cheer to the residents of his neighborhood, but it also makes a great sales tool! He’s received a few tickets for illegal use of lights, and when Marshall Jr. goes to pick up a lady in the Christmas Truck it tends to be “a dealbreaker.”

Here’s the lighting math: 50-70 strings with a mixture of 50 and 100 lights each, about 3,000 lights in all. They are the cheap $0.89 ones, though he’d like to add some to take pressure off the taxed generator.

Great find via Jalopnik

Photo: Brenda Priddy & Company

There’s a new three-bar perforated grille, which shares styling with the 2010 GMC Terrain crossover. Feel free to drool over the un-camouflaged 2011 GMC Sierra 3500 dually, including a new hood that features reverse-power-dome styling with prominent center mounted louvers. It says “Duramax 6.6-liter” on the louver sides, along with the logo for the Duramax’s six-speed Allison transmission.
The Sierra HD, along with its GM corporate twin, the Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty, will also feature an all-new chassis and a next-generation 6.6-liter “LML” Duramax V-8 clean diesel engine.
Duramax diesel. The new DI gas engine could arrive by 2013.

Thanks news.pickuptrucks.com

Bradley Cooper as Faceman, UFC champ Rampage Jackson as B.A. Baracus, Sharlto Copley as Howling Mad Murdock & Liam Neeson as Col. Hannibal Smith – we introduce to you, The A-Team. 2010’s Version of A-Team is a little less gritty then the 80’s counterparts – but one thing we can’t wait to see is the early 80’s GMC Van, making it’s first big screen appearance. 2010 can’t come soon enough!

Next we have a hot (controlled, sadly) car chase featuring the little known but very popular GMC Syclone pickup. One and a half laps at the 2004 Road America event:

And finally we have another drag strip appearance of a GMC Syclone, running up against a CHevy Camaro. Have a look to see who wins:

spyshot via cinemaspy.com

The film, currently filming and starring Quinton Jackson as BA, Liam Neeson as Hannibal and Jessica Biel as some random piece of ass, tells the story of Vietnam Iraq veterans framed for a crime they didn’t commit, Whatever the back story, we can’t wait to see that GMC Van on the big screen!