The GMC Sierra Classic is offered in a diverse array of configurations, including regular, extended or Crew Cab body styles; standard 6-foot 6-inch (2m), extended 8-foot (2.4m) cargo boxes and 5-foot 8-inch (1.76m) short box. Half-ton, three-quarter-ton and one-ton models deliver tremendous payload and towing capability for almost any need.

Sierra Classic models are available with 2WD, 4WD and, with the unique 1500 Sierra Denali Classic, full-time all-wheel drive. The Sierra Hybrid Classic also is available for the ’07 model year. And because Sierra Classic customers do more than haul construction equipment, premium features including 20-inch chrome wheels are available on light duty trucks; while 16-inch chrome wheels are available on 2500HD models and chrome-clad 16-inch wheels are available for the 4WD 3500 Crew Cab long box/single rear wheel models.

Diverse range of capabilities

An impressive array of Vortec engines is offered in 1500 models: a 4.3L V-6; 4.8L V-8; three models of the Vortec 5.3L V-8 – including an E85-capable FlexFuel version; and the powerful Vortec 6.0L V-8. Engine output ranges from 195 hp (145 kW) all the way up to 345 hp (257 kW) in the Sierra Denali Classic. The workhorse Vortec 8.1L V-8 and Duramax Diesel 6.6L engines pull more than their weight in heavy duty models.

All Sierra Classic models with the Vortec 4.3L V-6, and those sold in California with the Vortec 4.8L or Vortec 5.3L V-8, have a robust catalytic converter system that meets Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards. Light duty Sierra Classic models with the Vortec 5.3L V-8 offer an option that enables owners to operate them on E85, a renewable fuel made of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. GM vehicles with E85 capability can run on 100 percent gasoline or on E85 or any combination of the two.

Sierra 1500 Classic also can be equipped to meet any personal requirement or professional demand when it comes to hauling or towing. Payload capacities range from 1,216 pounds (552 kg) on the 1500 Classic 4WD extended cab long box model all the way to 3,129 pounds (1,419 kg) for 1500HD models.

Sierra Classic Heavy Duty pickups offer a wide selection of weight ratings, body styles and powertrain combinations, including diesel. At the top of the gasoline engine range is the available Vortec 8.1L V-8, rated at 330 hp (246 kW) and 450 lb.-ft. (610 Nm) of torque. The available Duramax Diesel engine was enhanced during the ’06 model year with improved performance, smoothness and quietness. Output is rated at 360 horsepower (268 kW) and 650 lb.-ft. of torque (881 Nm). Peak torque is achieved at 1,800 rpm.

With impressive power, tough frames, advanced suspensions and high-capacity brakes, the Sierra Classic 2500HD/3500 Series provides outstanding payload capacities as well as outstanding hauling and towing capabilities. The 2500 HD models have a GVWR of as much as 9,200 pounds (4,173 kg), and payloads of up 4,058 pounds (1,841 kg). The 3500 Series pickup models have a GVWR of up to 11,400 pounds (5,171 kg) and payloads of up to 5,511 pounds (2,500 kg), when equipped with dual rear wheels.

For chassis cab models, Sierra Classic HD has an 11,400-pound (5,171-kg) GVWR for 2WD versions and a 12,000-pound (5,443 kg) GVWR when equipped with 4WD. Chassis cabs provide payloads up to 6,226 pounds (2,824 kg).

VortecMAX Performance Package

The VortecMAX performance package with enhanced Heavy Duty towing is designed to increase the towing capability of 4WD models of the Sierra Classic 1500 extended cab/standard-length box and Sierra Classic 1500 Crew Cab. The package includes a high-output Vortec 6.0L engine rated at 345 horsepower (257 kW) and 380 lb.-ft. of torque (515 Nm), 17-inch wheels, a heavy-duty trailering package, 9.5-inch rear axle, automatic locking differential, VortecMAX door badging and engine cover.

The high-output 6.0L engine and heavy duty 9.5-inch axle help give Sierra Classic improved towing capability. The package enables a 10,400-pound towing capacity on the extended cab 2WD extended cab model and up to 10,100 pounds with the 2WD Crew Cab.

Sierra Denali Classic

Sierra Denali Classic is all about comfort and style, while maintaining GMC’s professional grade reputation. It is offered in the Crew Cab body style, with a distinctive front-end appearance, including a chrome grille, projector-beam headlamps and unique front fascia with fog lamps. Premium exterior cues also include body color door handles, body side moldings, tailgate handle, outside mirrors, rear bumper and tonneau cover. Chrome assist steps with integral mud guards further distinguish the Sierra Denali Classic from other Sierra models.

Inside, Sierra Denali Classic exudes style and comfort. There is a Denali-specific instrument cluster and center console, an available power-operated sunroof, tone-on-tone leather seating and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Segment-leading audio and entertainment choices include an AM/FM stereo with cassette and single-disc CD player as well as a console-mounted six-disc CD. A Bose luxury speaker system with enhanced performance application, Audio Pilot noise reduction feature and seven speakers (including a subwoofer) is standard.

Rear-seat passengers can enjoy watching a movie on the optional DVD player. The system includes a flip-down, seven-inch (178-mm) screen and also can play both CD-audio and DVD-format discs. Two sets of wireless (infrared) headphones with independent volume control, a wireless remote control and three sets of auxiliary video/audio inputs are included.

Sierra Denali Classic is powered by the 6.0L high-output V-8, rated at 345 horsepower (257 kW) and 380 lb.-ft. of torque (515 Nm).

Sierra Hybrid Classic

The fuel-saving Sierra 1500 Hybrid Classic is available nationally. The Sierra Hybrid Classic delivers up to 10 percent fuel economy improvement through its ability to automatically stop and restart the engine under different operating circumstances. Instead of a conventional starter motor and alternator, the hybrid pickup use a compact, 14 kW electric induction motor or starter generator integrated in a patented, space-efficient manner between the engine and transmission. The starter generator provides fast, quiet starting power and allows automatic engine stops/starts to conserve fuel. It also smoothes out any driveline surges; generates electrical current to charge the batteries and run auxiliary power outlets; and provides coast-down regenerative braking, to improve fuel economy.

The standard Vortec 5.3L V-8 engine delivers 295 horsepower (220 kW) and 335 lb.-ft. (463 Nm) of torque – the same as its non-hybrid counterpart – along with the capability of acting as a mobile power-generating station, including four 120-volt/20-amp electrical auxiliary power outlets (APO). The power outlets are located under the rear seat of the cab and in the pickup bed. Customers can conveniently operate power equipment without taking up the bed space typical portable generators would use.

Sierra Classic Performance Edition

For SLE/SLT Extended Cab 2WD models, the Sierra Classic Performance Edition pairs the VortecMAX high-output Vortec 6.0L powertrain with 20-inch chrome wheels, which combine to create a powerful and road-ready Sierra Classic. This package also includes a VortecMAX door badge and engine cover, 3.73 rear axle, high-performance suspension, HD automatic transmission, HD trailering, HD oil cooler, automatic locking differential, engine oil cooling system and traction control.

Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel

An all-new version of the Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel V-8 engine was introduced during the ’06 model year and paired with a new, Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission. In this configuration the engine delivers 360 hp (268 kW) at 3200 rpm and 650 lb.-ft. of torque (881 Nm) – more power with lower emissions than the previous diesel engine.

The Duramax 6.6L’s horsepower and torque increase and emissions reduction are enabled by a strengthened iron cylinder block and a lower compression ratio. The lower compression reduces stress on the engine by reducing the peak cylinder firing pressure. This, in turn, allows more fuel to be burned – more fuel means more power – while the lower compression helps reduce NOx emissions. Lower compression also helps reduce noise and vibration, making it a quieter and smoother engine.

A revised variable-geometry turbocharger also enhances the driving experience of the Duramax 6.6L. Aerodynamic changes to the turbo’s impellers help tailor controlled application of turbo power for seamless and immediate response at full throttle. The turbo, which spins at up to 120,000 rpm, is high-speed-balanced, reducing vibration and resonance – and contributing to the engine’s overall smoothness and refinement. The revised turbo also helps reduce emissions, while maximum boost remains at 20 psi.