[PTA SC] GMC Sierra Denali @ 781 kg payload

De OP
2003 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Quadrasteer - A Nimble, Civilized Mannered Workhorse

If you don't include the SUV cum pick-up truck hybrid EXT, Cadillac doesn't really make a true dirt hauler. Those who need the interior space of a 5-occupant SUV combined with the multi-use capability of a full-size pick-up truck but still desire the pampering and prestige of a luxury car need only to look over at the GMC lot at the new Sierra 1500 Denali.

The regular Sierra 1500 is nearly identical to the Chevy Silverado 1500, except for its front end design and some trim. With upscale Denali trim, as first seen on GMC's full-size Yukon SUV, the Sierra takes on a distinct look of its own, further enhanced for 2003. The chrome laden front grille surround stays the same but the grille itself goes from matte black to yet more chrome, just like its SUV relative. Just barely noticeable but decidedly cleaner in execution, the side molding has been shortened to only cover the doors of the cab instead of extending further rearward across the boxes side panel. The rest of the truck stays the same despite the base Sierra's freshly restyled front fascia - that ironically now incorporates more chrome than the top-line model.

Staying the same has actually helped set the Denali further apart from its working class roots. Despite being chrome, its ovoid grille doesn't incorporate the sharper edged lines of the new Sierra 1500, nor the newly revised truck's headlamps, turn signals or shaped front bumper. The front half of the Denali's profile mirrors all Sierras while its box comes directly from the 1500HD Crew Cab Quadrasteer.


Quadrasteer? That's GM speak for four-wheel steering. 4WS was introduced to last year's truck line-up and concurrently won the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada's (AJAC) annual award for "Best New Technology". Basically the system increases high-speed stability while allowing for much easier low-speed maneuverability - especially while parking. It's uncanny really. I found myself purposely pulling into supermarket parking lots - something I don't usually enjoy - and zipping into tight parking spaces just for fun. OK, obviously it was a slow week for entertainment. Quadrasteer gives the large truck the manageability of a much smaller vehicle, reducing the turning circle by 21% to 11.4 m (37.4 ft). Out on the highway it not only feels safer in all weather conditions but gives the big truck sportier handling characteristics.

How does it work? It uses the Sierra's conventional front-wheel hydraulic power steering in tandem with an electrical rear-wheel steering system, changing the angle of the rear wheels. For lower speeds it turns them opposite to the front wheels while for highway speeds the wheels turn in the same direction.

Though I didn't test its trailer towing capability specifically, it's easy to surmise that it should improve. To paraphrase, GM states that highway speed lane changes are quicker and safer with virtually no trailer 'fishtailing'. It also benefits city driving, allowing less need to overcompensate for the turn by pulling wide into the adjacent lane.

With towing in mind, GM's Hydra-Matic 4-speed automatic uses a tow/haul mode selector to delay up-shifts, reducing the transmissions normal desire to search up and down for the optimal gear while on uphill grades. Anyone who has towed a trailer knows that the 'grunt' of a large-displacement V8 is paramount for scaling a steep hill at a respectable speed. To that end the Denali's 325-hp 6.0-L OHV V8 puts out an ample 370 lb-ft of torque. The low-emission, LEV rated engine puts power down to the road through a permanent all-wheel drive system.


The Denali's 4,535 kg (10,000 lb) towing capacity and 781 kg (1,722 lb) payload are possible because of its high capacity rear axle and 51 mm (2.0 in) front and 45 mm (1.8 in) rear twin-piston brake calipers, aided by standard ABS enhanced 4-wheel disc brakes. Smoother stops are complimented by the Denali's ZX3 ride control suspension. It consists of 46 mm (1.8 in) shocks all-round, allowing the driver to flick a switch on the dash for either a firm or smooth ride.

Smooth riding suspensions are usually associated with luxury cars, not trucks. Well, as stated in the beginning of this road test, the Denali isn't your average truck. It hardly holds back when it comes to pampering its occupants, with two-tone leather covered seats and door trim, power windows, mirrors and locks with keyless entry, to name just a few luxury features. The front seats are 6-way power actuated with driver's side power lumbar support and memory seating position functionality. The leather wrapped steering wheel includes cruise and audio controls, the latter connecting to an AM/FM stereo with a 6-disc in-dash CD changer, cassette player and rear seat audio controls. Gadgets include an electrochromic inside rearview mirror with compass and temperature readout plus a trip computer (or driver information center as GM likes to call it) incorporating fuel economy info, a personal trip computer, business trip computer, 15-day vehicle history, programmable door locks, language selection, fuel remaining range and annual cumulated mileage. GM's OnStar communication system comes standard as well.

Clearly GMC has answered the question as to whether a buyer exists for a pick-up truck with a $55,000 plus price tag. Is it worth it? To many it is. When it comes down to it the Sierra Denali offers the versatility of two, three or maybe even four vehicles. It's a load hauling pick-up with an SUV's passenger space, economy car maneuverability and luxury car appointments. That sounds like a pretty good combination.


Specifications:

* Price Range (MSRP): $55,795 - $57,760
* Body Type: 2-door pick-up, 4-door pick-up, ladder frame
* Layout: Front engine, AWD
* Engine: 325 hp, 370 lb-ft, 6.0-L, OHV V8
* Transmission: 4-spd auto with Tow-Haul mode
* Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
* Curb Weight: 1,794 kg (3,956 lb)
* Bed Length: 2.0 m (78.7 in) - 2.5 m (97.6 in)
* Ground Clearance: 193 - 223 mm (7.6 - 8.8 in)
* Towing Capacity: 4,535 kg (10,000 lb)
* Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 18.9 / 14.3 L/100 km






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quote:

Op maandag 30 januari 2006 11:33 schreef Klonk het volgende:
ik bedoel het had ook over:

[afbeelding]

kunnen gaan

't kan altijd erger ja.
dat ding in de OP heeft wel 4WS en 4WD

quote:

Op maandag 30 januari 2006 11:42 schreef PeuRac het volgende:
To that end the Denali's 325-hp 6.0-L OHV V8 puts out an ample 370 lb-ft of torque. The low-emission, LEV rated engine puts power down to the road through a permanent all-wheel drive system.
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 18.9 / 14.3 L/100 km

Durven ze ook nog een lage emissie uitstoot de claimen Ding loopt 1 op 5.3 tot 1 op 7

Amerikanen he en 1 op 7 met een 6.0l V8 is best netjes toch?

* is ff onbijten