Detroit – General Motors Corporation at a Dec. 14, 1999, press event unveiled the latest enhancements to its full-size pickup truck lineup that will be arriving in dealerships in fall 2001.
To be marketed as the Chevy Silverado HD and the GMC Sierra HD, these heavy-duty vehicles will come in 3/4 and 1 ton versions and will be powered by an enhanced standard Vortec 6000 or by the available new Duramax diesel 6600 or Vortec 8100 V8 engines.
"Besides a bolder, more aggressive appearance, including an additional 2 inches in height, these trucks have more powerful hauling, towing and payload capabilities and automatic grade breaking, so they downshift automatically on the downhill," explained Jim Kornas, brand manager of the GMC Sierra.
A Gross Combination Vehicle Weight Rating of 22,000 pounds puts Silverado HD and Sierra HD at the head of their class, Kornas pointed out, and Gross Vehicle Weight numbers are 9,200 pounds for the 2500HD models and up to 12,000 pounds for the 3500 Series.
According to Gary White, GM expects the heavy-duty pick-up trucks to sell in excess of $250,000 per year.
"Customers want affordability and enhanced towing and hauling capabilities with a powerful engine," White said. "With these trucks, I hope we can give customers what they want."