While Chevrolet decided to reveal its 2500HD High Country pickup truck before its official debut at next February’s 2019 Chicago Auto Show, GMC still hides its redesigned heavy duty model. Our photographers managed to catch the new testing prototype a few days ago: the vehicle is still totally camouflaged, but regardless of the fact, the thin camo reveals some interesting details of the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 Heavy Duty.
First of all, the Sierra HD will look different from its lighter 1500 sibling. The differences are so obvious, and what’s more important, they make the heavy-duty pickup truck more attractive. Up front, the workhorse gets an extra dose of ruggedness thanks to the new chrome grille and odd-looking headlights. Still, we have to say that the shiny material in the front isn’t going to be available with any kind of the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 Heavy Duty. Instead, we are definitely looking at the topping Denali trim level. In any case, the prototype also reveals all-new bed steps and the special tailgate with GMC-exclusive MultiPro design. The feature offers six individual functions and positions, including an assist handle and a step entry. It’s still unclear whether the model gets a carbon fiber bed or not, but we think that mirrors the Sierra 1500 that got the bed made of the lightweight material.
Speaking of lightweight materials, the new-gen Sierra HD will ride on GM’s lightweight T1XX body-on-frame design. Basically, the architecture is an evolution K2XX chassis, but it cuts around 300 pounds from the truck thanks to a drastically higher level aluminum in the body.
Powertrain wise, the redesigned heavy duty will get a few new options. A new gasoline engine with direct injection mill will definitely be among the options. However, the automaker didn’t provide any further details about it yet. The diesel model will keep a Duramax V-8 turbodiesel, but we still have no idea whether the option gets more from today’s 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque or not. A new 6-speed auto transmission will power the base model, while the powerful oil-burner comes strictly mated to a 10-speed auto gearbox.