Two models
of Sierra pickup are offered in the 2000 model year, Sierra Classic
and Sierra. The Sierra Classic continues the previous generation
body style and mechanicals and the Sierra continues the vast improvements
made to the recently redesigned GMC Sierra.
Details
Set
to go into production in November, the GMC will sport four
doors on the extended cab models. The fourth door will put
the GMC in the same league as the current Dodge Ram and Ford
F-Series trucks in terms of passenger access and loading capability.
The Sierra will have the largest extended cab rear door openings
in the full-size pickup truck segment. Expect the optional
fourth door too add 56 extra pounds of weight of the vehicle
over the three door model.
The fourth
door's extra weight should be offset by a new plastic bed
option which saves 50 pounds, but this is not set to be offered
until the 2001 model year on the Sierra and its twin the Chevrolet
Silverado.
The standard
Sierra seating continues to be a 40/20/40 bench for three across
seating. The driver and passenger seats feature adjustable head
restraints, forward, and upward tilt adjusters. Seat belts are
mounted on the outboard position of bench seats and on bucket
seats. A standard driver Message Center reports up to 18 vital
vehicle functions and can alert the driver of impending or potential
service conditions. Dual airbags are standard.
Engine improvements
will expand on the capabilities of the Vortec lineup, including
the Vortec 4800 (standard on all 1500 series extended cab models),
5300 and 6000. GMC claims the Vortec V8s are the most fuel efficient
in their class. The Vortec 4800 and 5300 will use a redesigned
camshaft that adds 15 more horsepower, gets better fuel economy,
and adds 10 more ft-lb of torque to the 5300.
Vortec
4800 - 270 hp@5200 rpm and 290 ft-LB of torque@4000 rpm
Vortec
5300 - 285 hp@5200 rpm and 325 ft-LB of torque@4000 rpm
Vortec
6000 - 300 hp@4800 rpm and 355 ft-LB of torque@4000 rpm
The 4300
Vortec V6 (standard on all 1500 series regular cab models) has
been upgraded with new roller rocker arms, a new roller timing
chain, and powdered metal sprocket for improved quality, reliability,
durability, and a quieter engine. The 4300 also adds long life
platinum tipped spark plugs good for 100,000 miles before the
first tune-up; extended life coolant, good for up to five years
or 150,000 miles, and a new oil level sensor that alerts the driver
to low oil conditions.
The improvements
to the engines have also resulted in better trailer towing ratings.
The torque curves of the engines allow for strong, high, flat
curves similar to competitors trucks.
In
the 1999 models, trailer ratings equaled the GCWR - vehicle
weight where vehicle weight is EPA curb weight plus the
driver and one passenger and the rating is rounded down
to the nearest 500 pounds. In the 2000 models, trailer ratings
equal the GCWR - vehicle weight where vehicle weight is
base curb
weight
plus the driver and the rating is rounded down to the nearest
100 pounds. The new rating methodology more accurately reflects
the full extent of the Sierra's towing capabilities - which
have increased by 600 to 900 pounds.
The Sierra
1500 2 wheel drive model with the Vortec 4800 can tow 800 pounds
more than last year's model for a total of 7800 pounds. This
is for models with the 3.73 axle ratio and trailer towing package.
The Sierra
1500 2 wheel drive model with the Vortec 5300 can tow 600 pounds
more that last year's model for a total of 8800 pounds. This
is also for the 3.73 axle ratio models
The Sierra
2500 2 wheel drive model with the Vortec 6000 can tow 700 pounds
more than last year's model for a total of 11,200 pounds. This
is for models with the 4.10 axle rating and trailering package
Invoice
Price Range:
$14,000
- $24,094
Retail
Price Range:
$16,000
- $28,091
Trim
Options:
Sierra
Classic C2500 Crew Cab Extended Cab 4 door
Sierra
Classic C2500 Heavy Duty Regular Cab 2 door
Sierra
Classic C2500 Heavy Duty Extended Cab 2 door
Sierra
Classic C3500 Regular Cab 2 door
Sierra
Classic C3500 Crew Cab Extended Cab 4 door
Sierra
Classic C3500 Extended Cab 2 door
Sierra
Classic K1500 Extended Cab
Sierra
Classic K2500 Crew Cab Extended Cab 4 door
Sierra
Classic K2500 Heavy Duty Regular Cab 2 door
Sierra
Classic K2500 Heavy Duty Extended Cab 2 door
