’19 GMC Sierra Difference Maker, GM Says

DETROIT – Claiming it will revolutionize the GMC brand and the premium truck market, General Motors unveils the redesigned ’19 GMC Sierra and plush Sierra Denali.

“It’s very sophisticated, very elegant and very businesslike, as well,” says Mark Reuss, vice president-GM Product Development and Supply Chain.

The new Sierra large pickup comes on the heels of January’s reveal of the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado, with which it shares its structural bones. But that’s where the likeness ends, Reuss says.

“Some of the features you find on GMC won’t make their way into a Chevrolet and vice versa,” he tells WardsAuto after the unveiling here. “If you look at the (Sierra) styling, not much is carried over from truck to truck. We made a conscious decision to differentiate them because people will pay for that differentiation.”

GMC trucks represent a $65 billion business to GM, a cash value exceeding some entire car companies and 30% of that business is in the swanky Denali sub-brand. That means Sierra buyers will get exclusive options such as a 6-way-adjustable rear tailgate and an industry-first scratch-proof, dent-proof and corrosion-resistant carbon fiber cargo bed.

The redone Sierra also brings to market a new trailering technology from GM designed to make towing safer, a segment-first multicolor head-up display and a rear camera mirror for a clearer view out the back of the truck.

An adaptive-ride control system will come standard on Denali models, replacing the technically advanced Magnetic Ride Control GM previously offered. Reuss says the new suspension system works as well as MRC with the capability to dampen every two milliseconds, but provides greater isolation.

“It provides the best of both worlds between ride and handling,” Reuss says.

Powertrain options include updated versions of GM’s 6.2L and 5.3L V-8s with the automaker’s latest fuel-saving cylinder deactivation technology. An all-new, 3.0L inline 6-cyl. turbodiesel also will be available. The larger gasoline engine and diesel will get an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission.

'19 Sierra receives segment-first 3 in.-by-7 in. multi-color head-up display.

The new Sierra weighs 360 lbs. (163 kg) less than the previous-generation model. The carbon-fiber bed shaves off another 62 lbs. (28 kg). But the pickup is bigger in every dimension including the cabin, where it receives a higher seating position and Denali models boast leather-appointed seats, authentic open-pore wood trim and dark-finish aluminum décor.

The pickup may make engineering and design leaps over its predecessor, but Reuss says it will not make a corresponding jump in pricing.

“I’m not sure people are willing to pay extra for things they cannot see,” he says, referring to much of the engineering advancement under the Sierra’s skin. “We’ll have a bandwidth and a price-point spread that is very similar to today. It might be up a little bit on some models.”

The Sierra’s introduction occurs on the same day GM reports U.S. sales and deliveries of its current-generation pickups softened in February and the overall market has plateaued. But Reuss warns one month does not make a trend and the truck market show no signs of weakening.

Trucks comprised 67.4% of the market in February, compared with 63.5% in the same period last year.

“The market is still strong,” he says. “People are trading in their luxury cars for pickup trucks. We are seeing softness month to month, but the industry is still very strong.”

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