GMC is one of the most respectable brands in the auto industry; it has been manufacturing trucks since 1902. Innovation and engineering excellence are known to be infused into all GMC vehicles. ‘Professional Grade’ has been its catchword. GMC recently upped the ante when it unveiled a refreshed 2014 GMC Sierra. It extended the scope of its mantra and came up with a vehicle which is arguably the most attractive truck in its line-up; one which features an upgraded cabin, better performing powertrains and a host of new infotainment and active-safety features.
Over the last few years, the needs of the truck-using professionals have changed quite a bit. They want more refinement, improved technology, and better gas mileage than they did in the past. According to Helen Emsley, Sierra interior design director, modern truck users want a truck with well-crafted cabin (with a long list of niceties), but also one that will still retain all the truck-like qualities found in the old models. Not only that, GM also realised that the truck was in need of a refresh. The truck had not been significantly refreshed since the 2007 model year. All these added up and led GM to substantially refresh its full-size trucks for the 2014 model year.
Styling
Talking about the styling, GM promised to differentiate the 2014 Sierra 1500 from the Silverado. Did it succeed? I will leave that for you to answer. Although the Sierra that was unveiled did not have a huge stylistic break from the outgoing model, it looks more attractive. It features a new grille, projector headlights and chrome touches.
Other styling updates in the new truck include a stronger frame, a rolled steel bed box for greater durability, a new electric power-steering unit, an upgraded DuraLife four-wheel-brake setup, and a new crew-cab wheelbase that will allow for a 6.5-foot bed, something only the Ford F-150 before and the 2013 Ram 1500 will now offer.
The biggest styling update announced by GM for the new Sierra is the redesigned interior. With the new truck, GM has created a standard for interior décor; just a look at the interior will convince the harshest critic. It is stylishly designed to deliver comfort to drivers even as the vehicle performs difficult tasks. The interior gives a new definition to convenience and take refinement to a higher level. The soft-touch finishes and/or aluminum trims gives it a luxury living room look.
2014 GMC sierra spec and feature
This full size 2014 GMC sierra will be offered in 3 body styles: regular, extended and crew cab. Some options that were not available in the Sierra line-up will be offered in the model year.
The Sierra Crew Cab 2014 models now offer a 6.6-foot bed length in addition to the 5-foot, 8-inch unit offered last year, regular-cab models offer both 6.6- and 8-foot beds and the extended-cab versions offer only a 6.6-foot bed length. The extended-cab models get front-hinged rear doors and the Crew Cab models will get longer doors for the 2014 model year.
An All-Terrain package is available in the SLE and SLT trim levels. It includes an off-road Z71 suspension tuning with Rancho monotube shocks, a transfer case skid plate, automatic-locking rear differential, and 18- or 20-inch aluminum wheels equipped with all-terrain tires which improves balance. The package also includes a hill-descent control system, painted grille, front tow hooks, reduced exterior chrome, brushed metal doorsill plates, and unique interior trim.
In addition to the new design language used, the new GMC Sierra boasts of a long list of standard features. In fact, it has the longest list of standard features found in any full-size GMC pickup. The standard premium features range from the connectivity solutions, to a standard tie-down system in the rear, and to the standard projector beam headlamps.
Optional features for the new 2014 Sierra include an IntelliLink technology, LED bed lighting system, EZ Lift and Lower tailgate, trailer brake controller, heated seats, 22-inch aluminum wheels and many others.
The GMC’s IntelliLink connectivity system consists of the voice-command Bluetooth connectivity with Bluetooth audio streaming, a Pandora app, and navigation system with an eight-inch touch screen display.
Safety
Standard safety features across the board include a 4-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes, hill-start assist, OnStar telematics, traction control, and stability control system with trailer sway control.
Optional safety features include a lane-departure warning system, forward-collision alert system, Active Safety Seat system, reversing camera, front and rear park-assist sensors, standard StabiliTrak stability control system with Hill Start Assist, a driver alert seat which vibrate on either side to alert the driver quickly of roadway dangers, and side mirrors equipped with glass that allows the driver to see in the truck’s blind spots.
Powertrain
GM updated the engine portfolio for 2014 model year. Its goal is not just to offer attractively designed trucks to its customers but to also release high performing trucks with more torque and better fuel economy. The completely redesigned 2014 GMC sierra 1500 pickup truck comes with a choice of three all-new engines: a base 4.3-liter V-6, a 5.3-liter V-8 and a 6.2-liter V-8 engine. The three engines are from an EcoTec3 engine family; the engines feature direct injection, continuously variable valve timing, Active Fuel Management, aluminum blocks and heads, and have standard second-gen cylinder deactivation system. (None of the previous engines used by GM has ever offered direct injection and only some of them had variable valve timing).
All the three engines are mated with standard six-speed automatic transmissions, and they can be teamed with either a rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. According to GM, the new 4.3-liter V-6 engine is the base model, designed for the budget-conscious, while the 5.3-liter V-8 engine will deliver more horsepower and torque, with an improved fuel economy. The premium engine model is the 6.2-liter V-8 and it is the most capable engine.
The exact power ratings and fuel-economy numbers of the engines have not been released, but the details should be available early next year. According to some GMC representatives, these engines are expected to be segment leaders when they reach the market.
Price and Release Date
Pricing information will be announced early next year before its release date in mid-2014.
Competitors
The 2014 GMC sierra 1500 competes with the Ford F-Series, Ram 1500, Nissan Titan and the Toyota Tundra.
With a quieter, more comfortable, and dramatically improved interior, plus an improved ride, smoother handling and an improved aerodynamics, we expect the 2014 GMC sierra to be a big hit when it hits the showrooms sometimes next year.
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