First quarter of next year, General Motors says that heavy duty versions of its new-generation full-sized pickups will go on sale as 2015 models. Usually diesel-powered, heavy-duty pickups have a large array of customers. Some need simple work trucks that can do more than standard half-ton pickups, while others tow large loads - up to nine or ten tons - for long distances, and want a truck that can keep them comfortable with luxury and technological options while they do it. Currently, heavy duty pickups are around 25 percent of Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra sales. Among these, the 2500, or three-quarter ton models, make up 75 - 80 percent, while the remaining percentage is made up of the 3500, one-ton models.
Introduced at the Texas State Fair on September 26th, GM says these models will tow the highest payload at 7,374 pounds, and they have the highest conventional trailering rating at 19,600 pounds. "Conventional" in this case refers to towing from the bumper with a hitch -- in this case, a special frame-mounted reinforced unit. Chevrolet claims to have given its Silverado HD a more muscular look and better aerodynamics to help improve highway mileage. Both the Chevy and GMC heavy-duty models should resemble the redesigned standard duty models which were introduced for the 2014 model year and which went on sale in June. Most models will feature the 397 horsepower 6.6 liter Duramax turbodiesel engine, with 765 pound-feet of torque and an Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission. The heavy-duties will also feature an improved double-cab body that replaces the previous extended cab with longer, front-hinged rear doors with outside pull handles.