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Overview
The 2001 Sierra C-Series,
sporting a freshened front end and due this fall, cuts across traditional
load-rating and trim-level classifications to combine a comprehensive
selection of powertrain, chassis, exterior, and interior features in one
fully-equipped, extended-cab, half-ton pickup. Components and systems
that constitute this new GMC product are for the most part without precedent
in the pickup truck world.
The "C" designation
signals a third generation for GMC's full-size pickups following introduction
of the Sierra badge in 1988 and the line's complete reengineering in the
1999 model year.
"GMC has been a
truck innovator for nearly 100 years and the C-Series carries on that
tradition of innovation with a totally exclusive Sierra entry," said Jim
Kornas, Sierra Brand Manager. "Intriguing new technologies and an exclusive
level of on-road control and performance give this vehicle an unprecedented
driver character in the ½-ton extended cab full size pickup segment."
This driving character
is neatly packaged into a concept GMC has coined, "Performance Biased
Driveline." So embedded is this concept of a full-size pickup with the
ultimate in on-road performance and control that the C-Series wheel center
cap have the words, "Performance Biased Driveline," engraved on them.
All Wheel Drive
Pickup trucks have
historically depended on four-wheel drive to dig through deep mud, drifted
snow, or severe off-road terrain. Building on this experience, the C-Series
uses the superior traction provided by four driving wheels to yield a
completely different benefit--the best on-road, wet- or dry-pavement handling
performance ever engineered into a full-size pickup. German luxury-car
makers Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche have long depended on all-wheel-drive
for their top performers, but this is the first introduction of such advanced
technology in a full-size pickup truck.
Driving all four
wheels provides reserve traction, giving the C-Series superior cornering
and accelerating capabilities. Full-time, all-wheel drive is provided
by a special transfer case mounted directly to a heavy-duty 4L60-E automatic
transmission.
The beauty of the
C-Series all-wheel-drive system is that it automatically compensates for
varying traction conditions on the front and rear axle to route drive
torque to those wheels with the grip capable of propelling the vehicle
forward. This system is permanently engaged, always active, and so progressive
that its operation requires no driver activation. There are no transfer-case
levers to throw or buttons to press.
Towing
No extra equipment
is necessary to handle towing assignments up to a towed load of 8800 pounds
(3.99 tons) with a GCWR of 14,000 pounds (6.35 tons) with the Z82 heavy
duty trailering package. The package includes a 12,000-pound (5.44 tons)
weight-distributing platform trailer hitch, a seven-pin trailer harness
connector, transmission temperature gauge and a "plug and go" trailer
brake controller jumper harness.
Interior
Brand manager Jim
Kornas characterizes the Sierra C-Series as "an international class vehicle,
created to be capable yet sophisticated in its on-road mannerisms." He
adds, "This is not your traditional full-size pickup. No one has ventured
quite this far in the realm of performance, control and all-around refinement
in the truck arena.
OnStar Communications
is provided as standard Sierra C-Series equipment. Three control buttons
are positioned at the bottom of the inside rear-view mirror to command
a link to the 24-hour OnStar center where a driver can obtain a variety
of safety and security services. Onboard vehicle electronics and Global
Positioning System satellite technology are the basis for this sophisticated
communications link.
Front bucket seats
have integrated passenger restraints, electrically heated bottom cushions
and backrests, and articulating headrests. Driver and passenger power
adjustments include 6-way position, backrest recline, lumbar support,
and backrest bolsters. A memory system moves the driver's seat to one
of two different settings on command. The front passenger seat has a child
seat top tether anchor and a lower attachment point for snap-in safety
seats. The roomy three-passenger rear seat folds upward to clear the way
for interior cargo. It too is fitted with tether anchors and snap-in child
seat attachments. Striking tone-on-tone leather with a sophisticated sew
pattern covers all seating surfaces.
The C-Series Delco
AM/FM stereo is augmented by a six-disc CD changer mounted in an extension
of the center console. Pressing one button permits loading up to six CDs
in rapid sequence.
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2000 New York Auto
Show
PickupTruck.com
travels to New York City April 19-20 for the 100th Annual New York Auto
Show
New
Trucks Shown
Nissan
Confirms Full Size Truck
2001 GMC
Sierra C-Series
2001
Mazda B-Series
Other Links
2000
North American International Auto Show
2000
Chicago Auto Show
GMC Sierra C-Series
Specifications
"Performance
Biased Driveline" Highlights
- Vortec
6000 6.0L
- 325 peak
horsepower
- Continuous
90 percent of rated 370 lb-ft of peak torque between 1600 and 5200 rpm's
- 4L60-E
4 speed auto transmission with 3.06:1 first gear ratio in conjunction
with a 3.73:1 final drive ratio for crisp launches and smooth accelerations.
- Full-time,
all-wheel drive transfer case which maintains an optimum 38%/62% front-to-rear
torque split under a wide range of dry or wet road surfaces
- Michelin
brand 265/70R seventeen-inch all-season tires and high performance styled
aluminum wheels.
- High capacity
front and rear twin piston caliper 4-wheel disc, anti-lock brakes
- GM Truck's
"Dynamic Brake Proportioning System" which continuously monitors vehicle
wheel speed while braking and balances front-to-rear brake pressure to
ensure effective and predictable braking response, regardless of vehicle
load.
- A standard
heavy duty Z82 trailering package to deliver maximum rated vehicle towing
capability without the need for additional optional equipment.
Photos
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