2002 GMC Sierra

GMC SIERRA DEBUTS TRUCK INDUSTRY'S FIRST FOUR-WHEEL-STEERING SYSTEM

GMC is leading a revolution in handling and control, with the full-size truck industry's first four-wheel-steering (4WS) system. It features Delphi Automotive Systems' revolutionary Quadrasteer 4WS system as standard equipment on the 2002 all-wheel-drive Extended Cab short box pickup Sierra Denali, formerly known as Sierra C3.

Sierra Denali, newly named to reflect its segment-leading performance and control and breakthrough technology, adds Quadrasteer's unparalleled low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability, handling and control to its best-in-class features. The 2002 model Sierra Denali will start production in the fourth quarter of 2001.

'The impact that four-wheel-steering has is enormous; it changes the new Sierra Denali's entire driving dynamics. Full-size truck customers can now get the kind of small-car maneuverability and on-highway control whether trailering or not that has never been offered before, and, that they never thought possible,' said Sam Mancuso, Sierra brand manager. 'As an industry leader in introducing this amazing technology, GMC and Sierra Denali are poised to forever change public perception that big trucks are hard to handle. Sierra Denali clearly delivers on GMC's promise of authentic Professional Grade by exceeding customer expectations through its superior capabilities,' said Mancuso.

Also new for 2002, two purposefully designed Sierra Professional models also join the lineup to provide the ultimate professional grade tool for vocational operators who want more than just transportation. They are available in 1500 Series 2WD/4WD Extended Cab short box configurations (C/K15753).

The 2002 Sierra lineup includes 2WD/4WD 1500HD Crew Cab models (C/K 15743), combining optimum six-passenger roominess with best-in-class power, performance and work capabilities.

Light duty Sierras share standard equipment and equipment package upgrades with their heavy-duty Sierra counterparts. The equipment refinements simplify vehicle ordering and tailor the trucks more closely to customers' wants and needs. (See Sierra HD press information write-up for full details.) Bigger, bolder 'Sierra' badge on the rear tailgate also emphasize the standout professional grade capabilities of the new models.

Revolutionary all-wheel-steer
Sierra Denali's standard Quadrasteer 4WS system marks a milestone in full-size truck handling and control. Úsing conventional front-wheel hydraulic power steering in combination with an electrically powered rear wheel steering system, Quadrasteer adjusts rear-wheel angles, turning them opposite to the front wheels at lower speeds and in the same direction as the front wheels at higher speeds, for astounding maneuverability and control.

At lower speeds, the Quadrasteer 4WS system reduces Sierra Denali's curb-to-curb turning diameter by 21-percent to 37.4 feet, enabling it to turn as tightly as a Saturn Coupe at 37.1 feet. This nimbleness enables the Sierra Denali to slip almost effortlessly in and out of driveways and tight parking spaces. Its improved low-speed steering responsiveness also requires fewer steering wheel movements, increasing driving enjoyment. At highway speeds, Quadrasteer reduces Sierra Denali's 'yaw,' or rotational motion, for dramatically improved stability. It provides safer, more confident lane changes, passing and evasive maneuvers – especially during wet or windy weather.

The increase in trailering control is equally amazing. With Quadrasteer, Sierra Denali and its trailer move down the highway as if they were one. Drivers can change lanes more quickly and safely with hardly any trailer sway – even at speeds of 65 mph and with an 8000-pound trailer.

Off-road, Sierra Denali can jockey easily between boulders and rocks because its rear wheels maintain the same clearance as the front wheels. It also allows drivers to venture into places that would stop a competitive vehicle short, such as a narrow mountain road with a steep cliff wall and hairpin turns.

In the city, Quadrasteer allows Sierra Denali to pull its trailer around a corner, without cutting the corner in the sharp manner of trucks. It also allows Sierra Denali to maneuver its trailer easily in tight spaces, like a boat launching area or at a campsite, or to back the trailer up without the normal right and left gyrations accompanying such a maneuver.

For more details on Quadrasteer, see the 'Applied Technology' section of the 2002 GM Corporate Press Kit.

Chassis enhancements


A higher capacity rear axle and increased GVWR. A larger 9.75-inch rear ring gear is used to increase the rear axle's gross weight rating by 250-pounds (113.4 Kg) to 4000-pounds (1814.1 Kg). Coupled with the extra capacity already available in the Sierra Denali's 51-mm twin-piston caliper front and 45-mm twin-piston caliper rear brakes, the larger rear axle provides a higher 7200-pound GVWR, 400 pounds (1814.1 Kg) more than before. This allows Sierra Denali to provide a 1722-pound (781 Kg) payload carrying capability, nearly the same as before, despite a small increase in weight associated with the Quadrasteer system. As indicated, GCWR has also increased by 2000-pounds (907 Kg); coupled with a new 4.10 axle ratio, it increases trailering capacity by 1300-pounds (589.6 Kg) to 10,000-pounds (4535.1 Kg).

The ZX3 Ride Control suspension; this suspension provides driver-selectable shock damping for its 46-mm front and rear shocks. Úsing an instrument panel-mounted switch, the driver can select either Smooth Ride or Control/Trailering.

A 5.0-inch wider rear track. The track width, as measured from the centerline of each tire, increases to 71 inches (1804-mm). Measured from the outside of the rear tires, the vehicle's width increases to 82 inches (2082-mm). With the addition of new rear fenders that flare further out to accommodate the turning requirement of the tires, Sierra Denali's maximum body width with Quadrasteer increases to 83.5 inches (2120.7-mm) at the rear fender.

The wider rear track and new rear fender design also accentuate the truck's increased stability and capabilities. The fenders are composed of a Reinforced Reaction Injection Molding (RRIM) construction, very similar of rear Sportside fenders, with benefits like dent- and corrosion resistance. Because of Sierra's increased width, it also receives new standard safety features, including roof marker lamps and fender-mounted clearance lights. Interior box dimensions remain unchanged.

Sierra Professional models

Two highly focused, purposely-built Sierra Professional models provide the ultimate professional grade tool for those who need more than just transportation. They are custom-designed to expand the work capabilities of contractors, builders and numerous skilled trades people who carry equipment and/or are prone to use their trucks as portable offices. Sierra Professional models are available in 1500 Series 2WD or 4WD Extended Cab short box configurations (C/K15753), with 6200- or 6400-pound GVW ratings. They will be introduced in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2001.

Their interiors feature a full-length, custom-designed console, extending from the instrument panel to the back of the front seats, along with a unique rear under-seat storage container. Both storage facilities lock for full security.

The center console has a front compartment, providing concealed storage for a PDA (personal digital assistant), cell phone and two auxiliary power points to charge them. It also provides a storage tray for smaller items like maps, gloves or CD. In addition, it has an oversized 'Big Gulp'-type cupholder and a second temperature-controlled cupholder that can keep beverages hot or cold, when the ignition is on. The center console also accommodates a seven-quart capacity, thermal electric cooler, provided with the ensemble, which can keep drinks and food cold or warm. The cooler runs directly off the battery and provides power continuously, even with the engine off. It uses a smart switch, which monitors the battery charge level and shuts power off, when necessary, to preserve the battery.

The center console can also be easily converted to provide hanging file folder storage, with two specially designed rails provided for that purpose. The rails slide into the center bin in place of the thermal electric cooler. Additional storage capability in back of the console accommodates items like folders and portfolios. Convenient storage nets on the underside of the lid and on the backside of the console provide additional storage. The console also has two additional power outlets in the rear for charging battery packs for power tools.

The lockable storage container beneath the rear seat is approximately 57 inches wide, 16.5 inches deep and eight inches high, providing a little over two cubic feet of storage space for larger vocational tools like rotary hammers and saws. Inside, it provides another 13.5-inch x 12.5-inch x 5.5-inch storage container for smaller items like electrical components, fasteners or plumbing repair items.

The 2WD Sierra Professional, available in either SLE or SLT trim, has a standard Vortec 4800 V8. The Vortec 5300 V8 is optional. The 4WD model, available only in SLE trim, has a standard Vortec 5300 V8. It provides the option of a Vortec 4800 V8 for credit on the purchase price. Both engines mate to a standard 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

The new models create a striking appearance, which also accommodates personal use. They feature a large, heavy, full-chrome grille; bold, molded-in-color bodyside molding, embossed with 'GMC Sierra Professional' in raised letters; specific 16-inch cast aluminum wheels and LT245/75R-16C tires and wheel flares. They also feature a full standard bedliner and box rail protector covers. Additional options have also been created for them. The trucks are available in all regular 1500 Series Extended Cab colors, except Toreador Red.

Sierra 1500HD

The Sierra 1500HD Crew Cab short box pickup, available in 2WD and 4WD configuration (C/K15743HD), provides optimum six-passenger seating and the quarter-ton segment's highest work capabilities. It is the ideal vehicle for recreational users who tow horse trailers, campers or race cars and provides more performance/work capability than any of the segment's vocational or commercial customer might expect. Its standard Vortec 6000 V8 generates a maximum 300 hp (224 kW) @ 4400 rpm and 360 lb-ft (488 Nm) of torque at 4000 rpm and couples to a standard 4L80-E electronic four-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The Sierra 1500HD can tow trailers weighing up to 10,300-pounds or haul up to 3139-pounds of payload. It has a standard (Z85) handling/trailering suspension that creates a smooth ride and provides good management for vehicle loads. The Sierra 1500HD, available in SLE and SLT trim, also provides all the uplevel features and amenities those packages include, such as standard air conditioning with micron air filter, an AM/FM stereo with seek-scan, digital clock, four speakers and a compact disc player and power programmable door locks and power windows.

All light-duty Sierra models, including the 1500HD Crew Cab, receive a more efficient starter and a more durable steering gear housing.

Source - GMC