GMC Sierra pickup truck. 4th generation 2018
The fourth-generation GMC Sierra was unveiled in Detroit on March 1, 2018 as a more expensive and slightly more advanced version of the similar Chevrolet Silverado 1500. This generation appears in many sources, such as the fifth, due to the fact that the Sierra is updated in parallel with a similar pickup truck, Silverado, and the generation counting is often uses it as a reference point. But the Sierra started being produced earlier and, in fact, the fourth-generation Sierra is really the fifth.
Interior and exterior
The Sierra pickup of the 2018th model year, with its various modifications, has a wheelbase of 3023 to 4242 mm, a platform length of 1761 to 2483 mm, a width of 1296 mm, a tailgate height of 536 mm and a ground clearance of more than 20 cm. The basic model 1500 has a load capacity of 800 to 950 kg and can tow a trailer of up to 5.4 tons, depending on the version.
The new Sierra, for the first time in the pickup truck segment, received a carbon fiber interior, making it as strong and lightweight as possible. The exterior of the body is made of a steel alloy that is more durable than the previous generation.
A special feature of the GMC Sierra 2018/2019 is the MultiPro multi-function tailgate, which can take up to 6 positions - in addition to the standard closing/opening, the upper half of the gate can be folded down for the transport of large loads, the lower half can be converted into a step for climbing into the body. And also the gate can be placed as a table, for work or entertainment.
The Sierra was the first in the jumbo van segment to achieve a 5 cm by 18 cm multicolor projection screen that displays key information on the windshield in front of the driver. For the first time, a rear-view mirror with an HD camera was also installed. A wide range of infotainment options are available as standard - Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, hands-free Bluetooth, A2DP wireless audio streaming.
Some of the most useful options include power windows and door locks, air conditioning, GPS, Wi-Fi, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, high-tech driver assistance systems and many other features. The van was equipped with a full range of standard safety systems for modern cars: collision prevention, pedestrian detection, multi-purpose cameras, etc. The van was equipped with a full range of standard safety systems for modern cars.
Engines and chassis
Sierra’s fourth-generation powertrains are upgraded versions of the 5.3 and 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 gasoline engines, an upgraded I6 diesel engine with 3.0-liter turbocharged capacity from Duramax. The base engine is a 4.3-liter V6 with 285 hp coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The engine line-up also includes a new 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 310 hp coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission. And there are two additional V8 engines - a 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 hp with a six- or eight-speed automatic transmission and a 6.2-liter V8 mated to a ten-speed 420 hp automatic transmission.
The front suspension is independent double wishbone, the rear suspension depends on leaf springs that provide the required lift capacity. The Sierra is based on a high-strength steel beam chassis, which can tow a trailer weighing up to 13.6 tons, while the previous generation could tow a trailer weighing up to 10.6 tons.
GMC Sierra HD
The robust versions of the Sierra HD (2500HD and 3500HD) are wider and longer in wheelbase, higher and more spacious thanks to the 76 mm increase in space between rows of seats. At the same time, the floor height of the cargo box has been reduced by 25 mm for easier loading.
On heavy pickup trucks, as well as on basic vans, they allowed the installation of a MultiPro tailgate with an integrated folding section. All exterior lights on the fifth-generation Sierras became diodes, including the parking lights on the cab.
The interior of the GMC Sierra HD 2019/2020 is conventional, but the HD is the first among heavy-duty pickup trucks to feature a 15-inch projection screen, a rear-view mirror with a display mode that displays a camera image that completely replaces the usual reflected view from the rear. The optional ProGrade towing system allows you to connect up to 15 external cameras to the multimedia complex for towing large trailers.
For the fourth generation of the heavy Sierra was updated 6.6 liter V8 turbocharged Duramax diesel V8, it became more economical, but the power of 451 hp was maintained. But the six-speed automatic transmission was replaced by a ten-speed automatic transmission, which was also aimed at reducing fuel consumption. Despite the fact that the HD pickup truck in the base version is incredibly durable and strong, an additional set of off-road options was also developed for it, including a reinforced suspension, improved tires, a locking rear differential and electronic driving assistant modes.
In total
The latest generation GMC Sierra and its ‘twin brother’ Chevrolet Silverado are among General Motors' most popular models. Among the benefits of these pickups are a very wide range of body modifications and configurations, and the presence of simplified, mid-size, expensive and luxurious versions. It’s interesting to note that Sierra pickup buyers are more often choosing not the most powerful HD, but the most luxurious Denali package from the base 1500 version - the Silverado doesn’t have such a luxurious model.
