2000 Gmc Sierra Z71 1500 on 2040-cars

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GMC's Denali offerings are going great guns

The Denali trim that GMC uses to denote its top-of-the-line vehicles was introduced back in 1999, partly as a way to challenge the recently introduced Lincoln Navigator. Fifteen years later, and with GMC the tenth-largest US automotive brand by itself Denali has become a sub-brand that keeps the cash registers ringing at the Renaissance Center HQ. While GMC increased sales by 9 percent in 2013, TheDetroitBureau.com reports that that Denali sales rose by 20 percent.
There are currently five Denali models in the GMC line, with the Denali trim available on all but its commercial vans. In 2010, when the now-discontinued Yukon XL Hybrid was also on sale, GMC sold 32,886 units of its top trim. Last year, that number had increased to 75,558, with almost no help from traditional marketing spends. Go to YouTube and search for "GMC Denali commercials" - the few actual commercial results are from years ago. GMC marketing director Roger McCormack tells TheDetroitBureau.com, "It's largely all been organic."
As sales have grown, so has the tide of money GMC rakes in from the additional luxury features on Denali models. The 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe starts at $44,600, yet its 2014 Yukon Denali doppelganger starts at $58,320, pricing that includes additional features like the larger 6.2-liter V8, nicer interior, head-up display and magnetic ride control suspension. The Yukon XL Denali starts at $60,965, but the article says the "average customer" likely to spend "up and above $70,000" to take one home. How does that happen? On a top-trim Tahoe LTZ, the top-tier wheel option is a set of 20-inch chrome wheels for $400; on the 'base' Yukon Denali you can swap for a set of 22-inch chrome alloys for $2,995. Add it up, and an analyst at AutoTrends Consulting said that kind of margin "epitomizes the concept of obscene profitability." We say when it comes to Denali, GMC appears to stand for "Grabbing More Cash."

2015 Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra can tow up to 12,000 pounds

Think back to the launch of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado. At the time, General Motors happily trumpeted that its fullsize pickup could tow up to 11,500 pounds when properly equipped - impressive stuff, no doubt. But now, revised tow rating practices have been put into place, called SAE J2807. And with these new methods of testing, GM can now officially rate both the Silverado and its GMC Sierra twin as being able to tow up to 12,000 pounds.
Of course, not all Silverado and Sierra models are capable of this feat. In fact, because of SAE J2807, most of the truck models have actually had decreases in tow ratings from the 2014 to 2015 model year. For example, a 2014 Silverado Crew Cab with the 5.3-liter V8, 5.7-foot box and 3.73 rear axle was rated at 11,200 pounds in 2014, but has since been reduced to 10,800 in 2015. Same goes for the Sierra.
But for 2015, both the Silverado and Sierra can be had with a more powerful 6.2-liter V8, as well as a Max Trailering Package that includes a 9.76-inch rear axle, heavy-duty rear springs, revised shock tuning, improved cooling and a new trailer brake controller. There are also four- and seven-pin, bumper-mounted connectors, a trailer hitch (duh), and a G80 locking rear differential. This configuration, with either model, is the only way you can actually tow 12,000 pounds.

2023 GMC Sierra Review: Upscale and off-road capable

Pros: Quiet and torque-rich Duramax diesel; premium interior; big touchscreen on most trims; great trailering tech Cons: Worse ride than most rivals; AT4X priced like a Raptor but doesn't go like a Raptor The 2023 GMC Sierra half-ton pickup is a slightly more upscale cousin of the Chevy Silverado, but didn’t always feel like it. After a refresh last year, the Sierra actually delivers on the upscale part, for the most part of the equation with a comfortable, high-quality interior and better technology in most trim levels. ItÂ’s massively configurable, with four available engines and five different cab/box combinations. ItÂ’s also quite capable off-road with that AT4, AT4X and the soon-to-arrive AT4X AEV Edition. WeÂ’re fond of the diversity of tech available in the Sierra, whether itÂ’s the Google-powered infotainment with large, easy-to-use screens, a clear head-up display, numerous camera feeds for trailering and off-roading, or GMÂ’s Super Cruise advanced driver assistance system. We just wish that last one was available on more than just the Denali trims. If youÂ’re looking for a truck whose capability is matched by its livability, the GMC Sierra is worthy of your consideration, though you can find better ride quality in other brands (we enjoyed the ride in the AT4X, however). And while the AT4X has some true off-road capability, if youÂ’re looking for a Baja-blasting supertruck, though, youÂ’ll find better with the Ford F-150 Raptor and Ram Rebel TRX. If you donÂ’t need the nicer interior or extra tech, you might find something more matching your needs and pocketbook with the Ford F-150, Ram 1500 or even GMÂ’s own Chevy Silverado. ItÂ’s hard to go wrong with any of those nameplates. Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Trim Levels   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2023? After some pleasant updates for the 2022 model year, the changes for 2023 are relatively minor. The price went up, unfortunately. The available 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel has been revised for more power and efficiency. Later in the year, the AT4X AEV Edition will add even more off-road capability to this luxurious pickup. There are also some new exterior colors available, a new Graphite Edition for the Pro trim, and new 22-inch ultra-bright wheels for the Denali Ultimate.