First Look: 2014 GMC Sierra And 2014 Chevrolet Silverado
With a fresh new Ram and F-150 breathing down its neck, GM needed to make a move to keep its share of the full-size truck market from slipping. That move is the new 2014 GMC Sierra and 2014 Chevrolet Silverado.
Power for the 2014 models comes from a choice of three EcoTec3 engines. The base truck is powered by a 4.3-liter V-6, while eight-cylinder buyers have a choice of a 5.3-liter V-8 or a burly 6.2-liter engine. These aren’t your grandpappy’s truck engines, though. All three sport direct injection, cylinder deactivation, and continuously variable valve timing. Further, each engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. While we’re excited by all of this technology, we’ll need to wait a while longer for official power or economy numbers.
Of course, we can’t write about these two trucks without mentioning their in-your-face styling treatments. The Sierra is pretty much a production-friendly version of the All Terrain Concept from the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. It’s got plenty of LEDs as is the fashion, but it’s the trucks overall Tonka Truck style that’s really got us interested. It’s a similar story on the Silverado, which has been graced with a pair of stacked headlamps that draw inspiration from classic Chevy trucks. It’s not the freshest look, but it does give the Silverado a certain degree of toughness.
The interiors have also been refitted on both vehicles. A version of GM’s current crop of infotainment systems (IntelliLink for GMC and MyLink for Chevy) is available through an eight-inch touchscreen. Further information is available in a 4.2-inch screen that sits between the instrument cluster dials.
The GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado will be making their world debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show, at which point we’re hoping to have more details on the powertrains, pricing, and availability.
Please scroll down for the official press release from General Motors.
2014 Silverado: Stronger, Smarter and More Capable
From hood to hitch, the most refined, best engineered Silverado ever
Three new EcoTec3 engines designed for more power, improved efficiency
Engineered for tough truck duties and legendary Chevy truck dependability
DETROIT – Chevrolet today unveiled the all-new 2014 Silverado 1500 full-size pickup. New from hood to hitch, Silverado is engineered to be the strongest, smartest, and most capable Silverado ever.
The new Silverado builds on Chevrolet’s 95 years of truck heritage, while raising the bar for full-size pickups. Among the many updates for 2014 are: a new trio of powerful, efficient EcoTec3 engines; a stronger, quieter, more comfortable cab; revised steering, suspension and brakes; ingenious solutions for managing cargo in the bed; and true truck capability for towing and hauling.
“Our customers rely on their trucks to meet the day-to-day challenges of earning a living, running a business, and taking care of their families,” said Mark Reuss, president, GM North America. “Chevrolet is committed to giving truck customers the most refined, best engineered pickups in the market.”
The 2014 Silverado will become part of Chevrolet’s three-truck portfolio, designed to let customers select precisely the right truck for their individual needs. It joins the Silverado 2500 and 3500 HD pickups, the ultimate tools for towing and hauling, which were new for the 2011 model year. Chevrolet is also developing an all-new Colorado midsize pickup, which will offer proven truck capability in a space- and fuel-efficient package.
Every detail of the 2014 Silverado 1500 was designed and engineered to meet the exacting requirements of full-size truck customers, and to strengthen Chevrolet’s reputation for building the most dependable, longest lasting full-size trucks, trucks with the lowest overall cost of ownership.
“Don’t let the work boots fool you. Truck customers are among the most discerning and demanding in the business,” said Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer for full-size and midsize trucks.
“The designers and engineers who created the new Silverado share this passion for trucks. They have built this truck – and tested it to the extremes – to give these customers the right tools for the tough jobs, and they have created dozens of ingenious solutions to the challenges truck customers encounter every day.”
2014 Silverado 1500 at a glance
For 2014, Silverado 1500 is designed and engineered to deliver the capability – without compromise – that customers have come to expect from Chevrolet pickups.
Silverado’s exterior design blends strong Chevy truck heritage with a refined, modern aesthetic. The new design is more muscular, more functional and more aerodynamic. A twin-port grille, full-width bumper and dual power dome hood create a strong presence, and this carries through with sculpted body sides and fender flares.
The new Silverado design is about much more than just looks, however. The new front end is engineered to improve sealing for more efficient cooling, and the roof and tailgate spoiler are shaped in the wind tunnel to smooth airflow over the truck. New inlaid doors, which fit into recesses in the bodyside, reduce wind noise for a quieter cab.
Under the hood, the 2014 Silverado 1500 features a family of three all-new EcoTec3 engines, a V-6 and two V-8s, engineered specifically for use in full-size trucks. All three engines incorporate direct fuel injection, cylinder deactivation, and continuously variable valve timing, a combination of advanced technologies not found on any competitors’ trucks. All three switch seamlessly to four-cylinder operation to improve efficiency during light load driving, and all three are engineered provide more power, more torque, and better fuel economy than the previous versions.
The engine family includes a new 4.3L V-6 that will have ample torque to power a crew cab pickup and tow a substantial trailer, and a new 5.3L V-8 designed for more power, more torque, and better efficiency than the current version, which is currently the V-8 fuel economy leader. The new 6.2L V-8 is engineered to be the most capable engine in any light-duty pickup.
SAE certified horsepower and torque ratings and EPA fuel economy estimates for the new Silverado will be final and available beginning early next year.
The all-new interiors of the 2014 Silverado 1500 reflect the same intense focus on form and function. The upright instrument panel, six-gauge instrument cluster and multiple storage options are tailored specifically to the needs of truck customers. Controls are functional, logically placed, and easy to operate with work gloves on. Rear doors on crew cabs are larger, for easier entry and exit, and rear doors on extended cab models are now hinged at the front for easier access, especially in tight spots.
New Chevrolet MyLink provides powerful, easy-to-use connectivity for the job site or the family vacation, with natural voice recognition and enough ports and power outlets to support multiple devices.
The new truck cab is stronger, with nearly 2/3 of the structure made from high-strength steel, for a confident feel and improved safety. Similarly, the main rails and key cross members of the updated frame are high-strength steel, with major elements hydroformed for reduced mass and improved strength.
New shear-style body mounts tune out both up-and-down and side-to-side movement for a quieter, more comfortable ride. Extended- and crew-cab models have a third set of body mounts that are hydraulic to further isolate the cabs. Combined with numerous other acoustic and NVH (noise vibration and harshness) enhancements, the result is a solid, refined feel, with no loss in traditional truck capability.
The pickup box also benefits from this focus on providing Silverado customers with the right tools for the job. The box is made from roll-formed steel for increased strength and reduced mass, compared with the stamped beds used by major competitors, and features a range of smart solutions for everyday life.
Silverado’s CornerStep bumper, combined with handholds built into the new box rail protectors, makes it easier to access the box. The bed is also available with new upper tie-down hooks, under rail LED lighting, and an EZ Lift and Lower tailgate.
Also for the first time, Silverado 1500 crew cabs will be available with a longer 6’6” foot box, in addition to the previous 5’8” box, enabling customers to carry more cargo while still parking in many garages.
The chassis of the 2014 Silverado includes a number of customer-focused updates. A revised front and rear suspension and wider wheels provide a more comfortable ride and more confident handling. Electric power steering improves steering feel and reduces fuel consumption. New four-wheel-disc brakes with Duralife™ rotors improve brake feel and extend rotor life.
Silverado will be available with smart, segment-exclusive safety features like Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning with an Active Safety Seat, and Front and Rear Park Assist. StabiliTrak with Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist is standard on all Silverados.
“We have made significant upgrades in the key areas of the new Silverado, and improved almost every detail of the truck,” said Luke. “We think both Chevrolet loyalists and competitive shoppers are going to find a lot to love about the new Silverado, beginning with the very first time they sit behind the wheel.”
Engineered and validated for demanding customers
Truck customers are among the most discerning and demanding in the business. They know trucks inside out – many have owned trucks for decades. They work their trucks hard, under conditions that would shock many car owners. They have tough tasks to do, and they expect their trucks to do them, without complaint. And they expect their trucks to endure – the average age of a full-size pickup is now more than 10.5 years.
The team that designed the new Silverado went to extremes to design an all-new truck that would exceed the demands of these tough truck customers.
For example, GM’s new full-size trucks will undergo more than 6 million miles of durability testing, in the torture chambers at the Milford Proving Grounds, over the desert mountains of Nevada, and across the frozen flats of Kapuskasing, Canada. That’s equivalent to 240 trips around the earth. In addition, the trucks will accumulate real world mileage in excess of 7 million miles during final testing, bringing total test miles to more than 13 million.
The increased power, torque and efficiency of the new EcoTec3 engine family resulted from an unprecedented level of computer analysis, including extensive computational flow dynamics, to optimize the burning of air and fuel in the cylinders. More than 10 million of hours of computational analysis went into the engine program. More than 6 million hours – about 685 years’ worth – of analysis went into the advanced combustion system alone.
Even the basics, like the new inlaid doors, were tested to the extreme, with the doors undergoing nearly 150 truck lives worth of testing.
So while many customers may fall in love with the new Silverado for its dramatic design, refined interior, and powerful engines, they will stay in love because the trucks get the job done, day in and day out, for years to come.
The 2014 Silverado 1500 crew cab will start production in Q2 of 2013, with other cab styles following later in the year.
Pricing will be announced closer to start of sale.
Additional Details – 2014 Silverado 1500
A modern interpretation of iconic Chevrolet design
For the 2014 Silverado, designers sought to strike the ideal balance between Chevrolet’s deep heritage in full-size pickups and a more modern, refined aesthetic. They also sought to give the new Silverado a more dramatic presence, with a heightened stance and more structural, muscular sheet metal, while also improving aerodynamics to make the new Silverado quieter and more efficient.
“Creating the new Silverado while maintaining its heritage was a challenge, but I am confident that we struck the right balance,” said Kevin O’Donnell, manager for the Silverado exterior design. “The 2104 Silverado will definitely stand out, in terms of both appearance and improved aerodynamic performance.”
The classic two-port Chevrolet truck grille, restyled headlamps, and one-piece bumper wrap from fender to fender, giving the truck a wider, stronger stance. The grille of the new Silverado is designed to admit the just right amount of air, and the front is carefully sealed to provide efficient cooling with a minimum of aerodynamic drag.
A modern interpretation of Chevrolet twin-stacked headlamps includes projector beam lamps on LTZ models. A new hood with twin power domes not only enhances visual presence, but it guides air over the windshield wipers for reduced wind noise.
The more aggressive design continues down the body, with sculpted body sides and prominent fender flares. Available wheel-well liners provide a more finished look. Wheels range from 17 to 20 inches in diameter, and all are ½ inch wider than before for reduced tire flex and enhanced cornering and steering. 22 inch wheels will be available as Chevrolet accessories.
Special attention was paid to airflow over the truck, to improve efficiency and reduce wind noise. Most notable are the inlaid doors, which fit into body sides rather than wrapping over the roof. When combined with new triple door seals, the inlaid doors reduce wind noise and turbulence, helping quiet the cab.
Other aerodynamic details include new cab-to-box seals, shields on the chassis to smooth under-vehicle air flow, and deflectors to guide air around the rear tires. Both the roof and the top of the tailgate were precisely shaped to help manage airflow over the back of the pickup.
Also for 2014, rear doors on crew cab models are larger. The b-pillar was moved forward, the rear seat redesigned, and the front seatbacks made thinner, adding about 2 inches to rear legroom and increasing the ease of entry and exit without adding length to the vehicle. On extended cab Silverados, the rear doors now hinge at the front, from the b-pillar, for easier access in parking lot and other tight spots.
Three all-new EcoTec3 engines
The heart of any truck is under its hood, and the 2014 Silverado 1500 offers three new EcoTec3 engines developed specifically for the demands of truck duty cycles. All feature a trio of state-of-the-art technologies – direct injection, cylinder deactivation and continuously variable valve timing – that optimize power, torque and efficiency across a broad range of operating conditions.
The new trio of engines is designed to match the needs of truck customers, and to provide more horsepower, more torque, and better fuel economy than previous Silverado engines.
All three engines feature an advanced combustion system for more efficiently turning fuel into work, and all three are designed to seamlessly switch to four-cylinder mode to improve efficiency during light load driving.
“We believe these engines are the most technologically advanced engines ever offered in light-duty pickups, and they are specifically designed for the way customers use trucks in the real world,” said Jordan Lee, Small Block chief engineer and program manager.
“EcoTec3 engines offer technology no other truck maker can match, and we offer it in every one of our engines, for every one of our customers,” said Lee. “It is not an extra cost feature. You get our best and most advanced technology regardless of trim level.”
To provide the dependability and low cost of ownership that truck customers count on, all three engines feature a work-tested, race-proven overhead valve design that is light and compact, and has inherently low friction for improved fuel efficiency. All three feature aluminum blocks and heads for reduced mass. (For more details, see the accompanying EcoTec3 Engines release.)
The new engine family includes:
A new standard 4.3L V-6. The new V-6 engine’s large displacement gives it the torque to power a crew cab and pull a substantial trailer, yet it can seamlessly shift into four-cylinder mode under light loads for improved efficiency.
A new 5.3L V-8. Silverado’s new 5.3L V-8 is engineered to provide more horsepower, more torque and better fuel economy that the current 5.3L V-8, making it an excellent choice for mainstream customers.
A new 6.2L V-8. The new 6.2L V-8 is engineered to be the most capable engine in any light-duty pickup. Like the other two engines in the family, it can seamlessly switch to four-cylinder mode under light load conditions for improved efficiency in daily driving.
The 2014 Silverado 1500 is engineered to further improve efficiency by enabling the engines to operate in four-cylinder mode more of the time. For example, transmission and exhaust mounts tuned out vibration that can occur when the engines are in four-cylinder mode, and an active exhaust system fine tunes backpressure and the exhaust note for smoother, quieter operation.
Models with the 6.2L V-8 also will have active noise cancellation to further quiet the cabin during four-cylinder mode.
All three engines feature a 6-speed automatic transmission with gear ratios and shift schedules optimized for performance and efficiency. The transmissions feature Cruise Grade Braking, which downshifts on downgrades to help reduce brake wear. Due to the added torque of the new V-8 engines, new 9.5- or 9.76-inch rear axles are used.
“Not only did we work to improve the horsepower, torque and EPA fuel economy estimates of all three EcoTec3 engines, but we worked hard to improve real-world efficiency as well, especially when towing and hauling,” said Lee. “We look forward to journalists and other third parties having the opportunity to test our trucks head-to-head with the competition in real world conditions.”
More comfortable, more functional interior
With crew cabs now accounting for more than two-thirds of light-duty sales industry-wide, pickups are increasingly becoming multi-purpose tools, used to run a business or earn a living during the day, then transporting friends and family during the time off. So Silverado designers sought to craft an interior that was quieter, roomier, more comfortable and more functional, without making it look like the interior of a car or crossover.
The result: an all new interior that sets a benchmarks for full-size trucks.
“Changes to the exterior of the 2014 Silverado can be described as evolutionary, but the updates to the interior are dramatic,” said Helen Emsley, Silverado design director. “The meticulous attention to detail, and the steps we took to ensure optimal driver and passenger comfort and convenience, are reflected in the fact that the new interiors rated off the charts in customer clinics.”
The upright instrument panel with its six-gauge instrument cluster is tailored specifically to the needs of truck customers, and most models also include a 4.2-inch color Driver Information Center displaying vehicle and infotainment data.
Controls were located with the use of reach curves, and important controls were place closest to the driver and grouped functionally.
Knobs, buttons and interfaces are large, easy-to-read, and easy to operate, even with gloves on.
For example, Silverado retained the traditional column shifter, with tap-up/tap-down and tow-haul functions integrated into the lever, because it clears space in the console and is easy to operate, even with heavy work gloves. Similarly, the available integrated trailer brake control is mounted high and to the left of the steering wheel, where the driver can more naturally reach for it.
The result is a simple, well designed instrument panel, one in keeping with the way customers use their full-size trucks.
Silverado’s available MyLink infotainment system is designed to be easy-to-use, highly customizable and capable of linking up to 10 devices.
It features natural language voice recognition that allows customers to place calls, enter destinations, browse media, play music and control other functions simply by telling the vehicle what to do. There are no key phrases to remember and no need to look at a screen.
MyLink also can be operated via large, clearly labeled knobs, through integrated steering wheel controls, or through the touch screen on models with the 8-inch screen.
The system also can store up to 60 favorites including radio stations (AM/FM/XM), contacts, destinations, music and other media – a convenient feature for small businesses or those who travel frequently.
All models also have extensive interior storage, tailored to the way customers use their trucks. Multiple USB ports, and 12-volt and110-volt power outlets, help connect multiple devices.
A new high-wear seat cloth that is more durable and easier to clean is available, and the front seats have more durable dual-density foam for improved comfort and longer life.
The goal, in each case, was to create a level of comfort and convenience usually associated with upscale cars, but tailored to the way customers use actually use their trucks.
Strengthened cabs and frames
Truck customers have the highest expectations when it comes to durability and capability – they need to know that one of the most important tools in their toolbox is going to withstand the daily punishment of their work and their active lifestyles. And they expect their trucks to last—the average truck on the road is now more than 10.5 years old.
To ensure that the new Silverado is up to the challenge, key elements of the updated frame, including the main rails and major cross members, are made from high-strength steel, and hydroforming is used to improve strength and reduce mass of the front of the frame.
The cab structures are all new, and incorporate high strength steel in the A-pillars, B-pillars, roof rails and rocker panels. Ultra high-strength steel is used in areas of the rocker panels and underbody in anticipation of new shallow-offset crash tests. All total, about two-thirds of the cab structure is made from high strength steels, for a quieter ride, a more confident feel, and enhanced performance on new, tougher government and industry crash tests.
The mounts that isolate the cab from frame have a major impact on both noise and vibration in the passenger compartment.
All Silverado models now have shear-style mounts, which isolate both up-and-down and side-to-side movements, and extended- and crew-cab models have additional hydraulic mounts to provide further isolation. The result is a truck that feels much quieter, more refined, and more solid than previous models.
The 2014 Silverado 1500 also features a roll-formed steel pickup box, which is lighter, stronger and more durable than traditional stamped steel boxes used by major competitors.
The use of high strength steels and other lighter materials such as aluminum hoods, engine blocks and suspension helped offset the mass of new features such as stronger cabs, wider wheels, larger battery and larger rear axles for V-8 Silverados.
The 2014 Silverado continues to be lighter than comparable models from a key competitor.
More confident ride, handling and braking
The suspension, steering and brakes of the 2014 Silverado 1500 have been extensively updated to for a quieter, more refined ride and confident handling and braking.
The coil-over-shock front suspension features aluminum upper and lower control arms on many models that are both lighter and stiffer than previous components, and front springs are 25 to 30 percent stiffer than those on current models for more confident handling.
The rear suspension continues to use two-stage multi-leaf springs, for an optimum balance between a smooth ride and load carrying capability.
The spring bushings have been revised for an improved ride, and both front and rear shocks are a twin-tube design with new valving to improved damping at low speeds for a smoother, more controlled ride. Z71 models use monotube Rancho shocks for enhanced off-road capability.
The 2014 Silverado 1500 features new all-electric variable-assist power steering, which improves overall vehicle handling and reduces steering effort at low speeds. Because there is no engine-driven pump, electric power steering also reduces fuel consumption, and eliminates the maintenance associated with hydraulic power steering.
Four-wheel disc brakes with Duralife™ rotors are standard. The rotors feature a hardened and strengthened surface that resists rusting, potentially doubling the life of the rotors and improving vehicle appearance. Brake pedal feel has been improved as well.
Silverado also features Auto Grade Braking, which uses the engine and transmission controls to slow the vehicle on a long downgrade, helping maintain vehicle speed and reducing the need for the driver to use the brakes.
Smarter pickup box
For 2014, Silverado even makes the pickup box smarter. A CornerStep bumper and built-in hand grip pockets in the new bed rail protectors make it easier to step up into the bed and access items.
The tailgate features an internal torsion bar that reduces the effort to raise and lower the tailgate, while a rotary damper allows for a controlled and more gradual lowering motion when opening the tailgate. A locking tailgate, two-tier loading, and a box lamp are standard. Available features include upper tie-down hooks that make it easier to secure cargo, and LED lamps under the bed rails that make it easier to see items in the bed.
The pickup box is available in three lengths – 5’8”, 6’6”and 8’. Crew cab models add the 6’6” box as a new option in addition to the 5’8” box. Extended cab models are available with both the 5’8” and 6’6” boxes. All three box lengths are available on regular cab models.
Customers who tow will appreciate the 4- and 7-pin trailer connector conveniently located in the rear bumper.
Z71 for off-road capability
For owners whose work or recreation takes them off road, Z71 returns as a unique model, available in both LT and LTZ trims. For 2014, Z71 includes monotube Rancho shocks, front tow hooks, a transfer case skid plate, and unique 18- or 20-inch all-terrain tires. The Z71 package also includes Hill Descent Control. Engaged by the driver using a button on the instrument panel, it uses the anti-lock braking system to enable a smooth and controlled descent in rough terrain.
Z71 also includes unique 18-inch wheels (standard on LTZ, optional on LT), and unique interior components, including brushed metal sill plates, a technical finish on the interior trim pieces, and Z71 graphics on the instrument cluster.
Standard on Z71, and available on other Silverados, is a GM-exclusive automatic locking rear differential, which reacts in milliseconds in low-traction situations to improve safety and confidence on wet, snowy or muddy surfaces.
Advanced safety features
As mentioned above, the 2014 Silverado 1500 has an all-new cab, with approximately two-thirds of the structure built from high strength steels. This will help better protect occupants in the event of the crash, and enhance performance on new, tougher government and industry crash tests.
Silverado continues to offer a comprehensive suite of standard safety technologies, including StabiliTrak electronic stability control with Trailer Sway Control and Hill Start Assist, head curtain side airbags with rollover protection, and OnStar.
New for 2014, Silverado will offer several segment-leading features. Lane Departure Warning alerts the driver if the vehicle starts to drift into another lane, via an audible warning or the available Safety Alert Seat. Also available is Forward Collision Alert, which monitors the space in front of the vehicle via a camera, and warns the drive if he or she is getting too close to the vehicle ahead.
Other available safety features include front and rear park assist, a rear vision camera mounted in the tailgate, and spotter mirrors that make it easier for drivers to see objects in the blinds spots.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
2014 Sierra Brings Bold Refinement to Fullsize Trucks
Next-generation pickups feature advanced powertrains, design and technology
DETROIT – The all-new 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 fullsize pickup is the most powerful, most advanced and most refined truck in the brand’s 110-year history. Sierra’s bold new exterior houses one of three all-new EcoTec3 engines, a fully updated cabin with available next-generation IntelliLink connectivity and other features designed for the most discerning truck owners.
“Our engineers and designers left nothing on the table when developing this latest Sierra pickup,” said Tony DiSalle, vice president of GMC Marketing. “These trucks have all the power and capability that’s expected in today’s market, excellent fuel efficiency, plus a lot of unexpected, purposeful features developed with truck owners in mind.”
In addition to all-new design and technology, the 2014 Sierra boasts the longest list of standard features ever for a full-size GMC pickup. From connectivity solutions, to a standard tie-down system in the rear, to the segment’s only standard projector beam headlamps, many premium features are found on each and every all-new Sierra.
New EcoTec3 engines
Sierra’s engine portfolio is updated for 2014 with the goal of increased in power, torque and fuel efficiency across the board. There will be a 4.3L V-6, a 5.3L V-8 and a 6.2L V-8 offered, all from a shared EcoTec3 engine family. Each engine features standard direct injection, continuously variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management, which means they seamlessly switch to run on four cylinders during light-load driving to save fuel.
The increased power and efficiency of the new engines are the result of more than 10 million hours of sophisticated computer modeling, more than half of which were used to make the best of the combustion process.
The new 4.3L V-6 EcoTec3 engine will offer improved torque and towing capacity for the six in 10 truck owners who tow something.
“Rather than adapting a V-6 intended for use in passenger cars, we built a new engine from the ground up based on the unique demands of a truck,” said Jordan Lee, powertrain chief engineer. “Sierra’s 4.3L shares its basic design architecture with the latest iterations of the V-8 engines that GMC owners have trusted for generations.”
Today’s Sierra offers the best V-8 fuel economy in the industry, and the new 5.3L EcoTec3 engine features significant updates intended to make it even more efficient. The available 6.2L V-8 EcoTec3 is engineered to provide outstanding capability.
SAE certified horsepower and torque ratings and EPA fuel economy estimates for the new Sierra are not yet available, but are expected to be finalized early next year.
With the new engine designs and additional developments, customers should expect Sierra’s second-generation Active Fuel Management to be more seamless and capable of operating longer in four-cylinder mode.
All three engines use lightweight aluminum blocks and heads and are mated with durable six-speed automatic transmissions. A “cruise grade braking” feature down-shifts the transmission on downgrades, which is intended to reduce brake wear. V-8 models use new, larger 9.5- and 9.76-inch rear axles with the strength to accommodate higher power output. Final power, torque, and EPA estimated fuel economy numbers will be announced later.
DuraLife brake rotors and electric power steering
Strong brakes are important for stopping trucks, whether they’re full of people, payload or both. The 2014 Sierra features four-wheel disc brakes with DuraLife brake rotors, which feature a hardened and strengthened surface to reduce corrosion. DuraLife rotors – a GM exclusive technology – are expected to have up to twice the life of conventional rotors, and to provide quieter braking with less vibration.
The 2014 Sierra also uses electric power steering. The use of an electric motor in place of an engine-driven hydraulic pump saves fuel and allows for tuning that’s expected to result in a more consistent, crisp steering feel and plenty of assist for parking maneuvers.
The new standard in truck interiors
Premium materials, attention to detail and purposeful technology define Sierra’s all-new cabin. New soft-touch materials and available aluminum trim line an interior that’s focused on usable and productive space.
“Truck owners want a well-crafted cabin, but also one that still feels like a truck,” said Helen Emsley, Sierra interior design director. “They want a purposeful interior, not one that’s flowing like you’d find in a car or crossover.”
Sierra has an upright instrument panel designed for visibility and accessibility. Knobs and buttons are large, legible and within reach. All knobs are coated using a rubber over-mold technology, so they’re easy to grip even through gloves.
A new instrument cluster on all models features six gauges with an available centrally-located, 4.2-inch color Driver Information Center with vehicle status information, a trip computer, and other information, like radio and navigation.
A second, high-mounted glove box with a flat floor joins the traditional box below. Each of Sierra’s doors has storage crafted to hold most beverage containers and other personal items. Along the center stack and center console are additional cupholders, discreet compartments large enough for most laptop computers, and connectivity options. Sierra is available with a 110-volt outlet, up to five USB ports, four 12-volt outlets and an SD card slot.
“Sierra sets a new standard for what’s expected of a pickup truck interior,” said DiSalle. “Our customers told us how they use their trucks and we listened. The combination of comfort, safety, space and technology is unprecedented in the segment.”
Available IntelliLink connectivity uses an available high-definition, fully reconfigurable 8-inch color touchscreen with an intuitive layout and easy-to-read icons that control audio features, a Pandora app, Bluetooth phone features, and available navigation with all-new map displays. Many of the system’s features can be controlled by voice command, allowing the driver to keep eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
Sierra’s seats use dual-density foam designed to stay comfortable over long hours and continue to look great after years of use. Leather and cloth will be offered, and Sierra’s new high-wear cloth is designed to last longer and resist staining. A spilled drink will bead on the fabric, not soak in. Heated seats are available with cloth seats and standard with leather.
New door and bed configurations
For the first time on Extended Cab models, the 2014 Sierra has new front-hinged rear doors with outside pull handles at the rear, providing improved access in tight parking spaces. Unlike trucks with rear-hinged doors, Sierra’s layout allows rear passengers to enter and exit the vehicle with the front doors remaining closed.
Crew Cab customers, who represent more than 60 percent of retail Sierra customers, can choose between two bed lengths; in addition to the current 5-foot, 8-inch box, a new 6-foot, 6-inch box is available. Regular cabs continue to be available with either 6-foot, 6-inch or 8-foot box lengths, while the extended cab will only come with a 6-foot, 6-inch box.
Cargo box innovations
Sierra’s rear bumper features standard corner steps that make climbing into the bed very easy, regardless of whether the tailgate is up or down. The steps are paired with grips formed into the top of each bed side. Four movable upper tie downs are also standard. They can be placed in nine different locations and can bear a 500-lb. load. Available LED cargo lights integrated beneath the bed rails will illuminate the bed when a tonneau cover is in place. The available EZ Lift and Lower tailgate uses an integrated torsion bar and damper to ease lifting and lowering.
Driver Alert Technology
A suite of active safety features will be optional for the 2014 Sierra, including Forward Collision Alert (FCA), which uses a forward-facing camera to notify the driver of an imminent collision, and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), which uses the same camera to track the truck’s position in relation to a road’s lane markers.
The camera technology was recently named “Top Ten Tech Breakthrough of 2012” by Popular Mechanics.
Paired with FCA and LDW is GMC’s first-ever Driver Alert Seat, which generates vibrating pulse patterns on the left and/or right side of the lower seat cushion bolster to alert the driver of potential dangers, such as an unsignaled lane change or approaching another vehicle too quickly. According to GM research, the seat’s vibrations may direct driver attention to the location of a potential collision more quickly and accurately than audible alerts. Drivers have the option of selecting either audible or vibrating alerts.
Quieter, stronger, more aerodynamic
Quietness doesn’t only come from factors within the cabin. The 2014 Sierra features new aerodynamic measures that benefit fuel efficiency and reduce wind noise. Updated mirrors that reduce wind turbulence, triple-sealed inlaid doors, as well as roof and tailgate design features all help air flow smoothly quietly over the Sierra. Additional sealing around the grille, headlights and space between the cab and box are also designed to lower drag for the new trucks, along with new aerodynamic spats located in front of the rear wheels
Updates to Sierra’s body and chassis improve ride and handling, comfort and capability. The fully boxed frame uses high-strength steel and hydroforming to provide more strength and rigidity with less weight. New cab structures incorporate high-strength steel in the A-pillars, B-pillars, roof rails and rocker panels, while ultra-high-strength steel segments of the rocker panels provide added protection for shallow offset crashes.
Like its new engine blocks, Sierra’s hood is aluminum, saving approximately 17 pounds versus a steel component. At the rear, a roll-formed box is stronger, lighter and more durable than a traditional stamped steel box.
Sierra uses aluminum for some suspension components for additional rigidity and weight saving, and new lightweight wheels are paired with low rolling resistance tires in most applications. The tires, along with new shear-style and redesigned hydraulic cab mounts, are designed to help reduce noise and vibration in the cabin.
“Pickups aren’t just a tool for GMC owners – they’re part of their everyday lives, and Sierra needs to be useful on the way to the movies as it is on the way to a job site,” said DiSalle. “The most important thing about the engineering behind this new truck is that it benefits owners in so many different ways.”
Attention to detail
GMC designers approached the exterior of the 2014 Sierra with respect for its predecessors, evolving its familiar shape while adding distinctive details like standard projector headlamps, available LED signature accent lighting and detailed new grilles. All Sierra models have chrome grille surrounds and premium black wheel arch moldings. Different trim levels feature chrome belt moldings, mirror caps and door handles, as well as unique wheel designs and grille details.
Other new features include available front Park Assist, in addition to the rear Park Assist already available, and a sliding rear window with a defroster.
Distinctive All-Terrain model
Sierra All-Terrain has all-new styling for 2014. All Terrain includes a unique exterior appearance with a painted grille and less chrome, and is available as an extended cab or crew cab in a limited number of colors.
Standard equipment for Sierra All-Terrain includes Z71 off-road suspension with monotube Rancho shocks, hill descent control, front recovery hooks, a transfer case shield, and unique wheels and tires, along with an automatic locking rear differential that reacts in milliseconds in low-traction situations to improve safety and confidence on wet, snowy or muddy surfaces.
Sierra All Terrain is available exclusively with an ebony interior and with front bucket seats on SLE models. A carbon fiber-look seat accent is standard on SLT models.
GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, and is one of the industry’s healthiest brands. Innovation and engineering excellence is built into all GMC vehicles and the brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC is the only manufacturer to offer three full-size hybrid trucks with the Yukon, Yukon DenaliSUVs and the Sierra pickup. The Sierra Heavy Duty pickups are the most capable and powerful trucks in the market. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.
Shop
Most Popular
