General Motors has just announced that the GMC Denali line will get a little more diverse starting next year. Buyers will now be able to have their 2011 Sierra Denali HD 2500 in two-wheel drive guise for the first time, and the Sierra Denali HD 3500 will join the ranks as well. Until now, customers haven't been able to get all of the fancy bells and whistles that accompany the luxury package on a 1-ton truck, but GM says that after seeing the warm reception of the Denali HD 2500, the move just made sense.
Both trucks still come standard with the same 6.0-liter V8 and six-speed automatic transmission. For a little extra scratch, GM will be more than happy to plop the beefy Duramax 6.6-liter turbo-diesel engine under the hood, complete with an Allison six-speed automatic gearbox. Yes, that's the same bio-diesel capable mill that boasts a heady 765 lb-ft or torque.
GM also made it clear that starting in 2011, the Sierra Denali HD 3500 will also be available with standard and long-bed options.
Press Release
GMC Adds More Denali Models to the 2011 Sierra Heavy Duty Lineup
2010-05-07
o 3500 series (1-ton) Single Rear Wheel and Dually, 2WD and 4WD
o 2500 series (3/4-ton) 2WD joins already announced 4WD
DETROIT – GMC today announces the new 2011 Sierra Denali HD, the first offering of the exclusive Denali line on a heavy-duty GMC pickup, will now be available in both 2500 (3/4 ton) and 3500 series (1-ton) configurations. The new Sierra Denali HDs lead a comprehensively redesigned lineup of 2011 Sierra heavy duty trucks that go on sale this summer – including the most powerful diesel engine in the segment.
Due to positive responses received from consumers, media and dealers to the recently announced 2011 Sierra Denali HD 2500 series, GMC is adding additional Denali variants to the Sierra full-size pickups. Already announced is the 2500 series (3/4 ton), crew cab, 4WD version. Now, a 2WD version of the Denali HD 2500 series (3/4 ton) will be available as well as Denali HD crew cab versions of the 3500 Series (1-ton) for both single rear wheel and dually versions in 2WD and 4WD applications. The 3500 series is also available in standard (6-foot 6-inches) and dually long box (8-foot) versions.
"Our Denali line sets the premium standard for the industry," said Lisa Hutchinson, GMC product marketing director. "We received such an overwhelming response to the new Sierra Denali 2500HD, that we worked quickly and decided to extend the model into the 3500HD series so those GMC buyers can also benefit from blending capability with premium features and styling."
A Vortec 6.0L gas V-8/six-speed automatic powertrain is standard and the new Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel/Allison 1000 six-speed transmission powertrain is available on all Denali HDs. The workhorse Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel V-8 is more powerful and durable for 2011, delivering segment-best horsepower and torque – 397 horsepower (296 kW) at 3,000 rpm and 765 lb.-ft. of torque (1,037 Nm) at 1,600 rpm – lower emissions and B20 biodiesel capability that promotes a domestically produced renewable fuel.
The iconic Denali four-bar, chrome grille with round air inlets distinguishes the Sierra Denali HDs on the outside, along with body-color bumpers, chrome door handles, chrome accents and 17- (Dually), 18- and 20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels. On the inside they include Denali-specific brushed aluminum trim, power-adjustable pedals, a Bose premium surround audio system and 12-way power seats. Along with an optional heated steering wheel, heated and cooled leather-appointed seating is available. The exterior is offered in three colors: Black, Stealth Gray and White.
All 2011 Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD trucks have the best warranty coverage in America: a five-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, plus roadside assistance, courtesy transportation and other features that provide assurance that GMC backs its trucks for everything the road offers.
