2007 GMC Sierra 1500

The GMC Sierra pickup is completely redesigned for 2007, but it is a late entrant in the model year, and so it will be sold alongside the carried-over model, which has been dubbed the 2007 Sierra Classic.

The new vehicles are offered in Regular, Extended and Crew Cab models, in three box lengths of short (5-foot-8), standard (6-foot-6) and long (8-foot). Engine choices are a 4.3-litre V6, 4.8-litre V8, 5.3-litre V8, 6.0-litre V8 and, exclusive to the Denali, a 6.2-litre V8. The 5.3-litre is available in flexible fuel configuration (FFV), allowing it to run on E85 ethanol, although that fuel is not yet widely available in Canada. Trim levels are WT (work truck), SLE and SLT, plus Denali.

The styling is all-new, with tighter tolerances and reduced body gaps, including a 50 per cent tighter gap between the cab and box; a wider and lower stance; a more aerodynamic 57-degree windshield angle; new 17- and 20-inch wheels; and new, 170-degree opening rear access doors on Extended Cab models. Towing capacity ranges up to 4763 kg (10,500 lbs), which GM says is the highest-rated in the light-duty segment, and a maximum payload capacity of 980 kg (2,160 lbs).

The interiors, which tended to look cheap on previous models, have been substantially upgraded, and come in regular or luxury configuration. Both lines use premium materials, lower gloss levels, flush fits and fully-concealed seat hardware.

The new trucks feature stronger and stiffer fully-boxed frames with hydroformed front sections, new coil-over-shock front suspension, new rack-and-pinion steering system, improved brakes with new-generation Bosch ABS system, and new splayed rear shock arrangement for better ride and reduced rear-wheel skitter.

Standard or optional features include StabiliTrak stability control, heated 12-way power-adjustable seats, six-CD stereo, heated windshield washer system, rain-sensing wipers, navigation system, rear-seat entertainment system, power sunroof, power sliding rear window, XM satellite radio and curtain airbags.

The Sierra Denali uses an exclusive 400-hp 6.2-litre V8 with six-speed automatic transmission in 2WD or 4WD, and includes standard StabiliTrak, 18-inch polished aluminum wheels or optional 20-inch chrome wheels, leather interior, woodgrain accents, power-adjustable pedals, curtain airbags, dual-zone climate control, remote starter, rear parking assist, and available heated steering wheel.

Sierra models also offer a new, innovative cargo management system, consisting of three rails that run the length of the box sides and the forward box wall, with upper and lower tracks, that can be fitted with a range of dealer-ordered accessory packages including storage boxes, sliding bed divider and bicycle rack.

Heavy-duty models are available as the 2500HD (3/4-ton) and 3500HD (one-ton) models, in 4x2 or 4x4 configuration, and with optional dual rear wheels. Engine choices are the standard 6.0-litre V8 gasoline engine or optional Duramax 6.6-litre turbodiesel, with 365 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque. For the first time, the new Z71 Off-Road Package is offered on heavy-duty models, along with the retuned Z85 smooth-ride suspension. The heavy-duty models include what GM calls a segment-best gross combined weight rating of 8,392 kg (18,500 lbs) with the 6.0-litre V8, and best conventional trailer maximum weight rating of 5,897 kg (13,000 lbs). The heavy-duty models also come with the “Pure Pickup” or luxury interiors.