GMC Unveils 1/2-Ton Sierra Short Box Crew Cab

During our recent trip to Southern California for a drive of the Sierra C3, GMC provided the automotive press with a surprise viewing of the 2001 Sierra Short Box Crew Cab.

The Sierra Crew Cab has a 6.5-foot cargo bed, compared to the 5.5 foot box found on Ford’s F-150 SuperCrew. Like the SuperCrew, the 1/2-Ton Sierra also sports four fully independent front opening doors with a 60/40 split bench for rear passengers. Rear seats fold down to provide access to additional storage in the back of the cab.

The 8600 lb.,"heavy", GVWR Sierra 1500 will be available early next year in SLE or SLT trim only.

Rick Asher, from GMC Communications, says the 1/2-Ton Sierra Crew Cab is very similar to the new Heavy Duty crew cab. It's updated Vortec 6000 V8 will produce 300 horsepower and 360 ft-lbs. of torque providing more towing power than most other trucks in the 1/2-ton segment.

GMC is expected to produce 10,000 Sierra Crew Cabs for 2001 though more can be added to production depending on demand.

Chevrolet will also market a 1500 Silverado Crew Cab for 2001 with similar specs to the Sierra.