GMC->ke32 expanded today the Sierra lineup with the addition of a new 1500 Denali version. The new model will join the previously launched Sierra 1500 and Sierra Regular Cab and will be put on sale this fall.

When compared to the standard Sierra->ke241 1500 the new Devali version will add a signature Denali chrome grille, body-colored front and rear bumpers, a new set of unique 20-inch chrome wheels and a polished stainless steel exhaust outlet. For the interior it received a few additional Denali-specific details, like a script on the bright door sills and embossed into the front seats and real aluminum trim.

The new 1500 Denali will be offered with a standard 5.3 liter EcoTec3 V-8 engine with 355 horsepower or an optional 6.2 liter EcoTec3 V-8 engine that will produce an estimated 420 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque.

As standard features the model is offering an eight-inch Color Touch navigation radio with Intellilink, projector-style headlamps with LED signature daytime running lights, a Bose audio system, heated and cooled leather front bucket seats, a heated steering wheel, front and rear park assist and a power sliding rear window with defogger.

Customers can further customize their Denali models with two additional packages: a Z71 Off-Road Package that adds monotube Rancho shocks, Hill Descent Control and transfer case shield, and a Driver Alert Package that includes Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert and patented Safety Alert Seat Technology.

UPDATE: 6/27/2014 GMC announced Magnetic Ride Control will become standard equipment on the 2015 Sierra Denali. This marks the first time GM has used Magnetic Ride Control on a pickup truck application. More details are below the jump.

Click past the jump to read more about the standard GMC Sierra 1500.

2014 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 420
  • Torque: 450
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

GMC Sierra 1500

For the 2014 model year the GMC Sierra received a new exterior look, improved interior and three “all-new” EcoTec3 engines. GMC also worked on making it more aerodynamic and, thanks to the addition of new features like the aluminum hood, it is now lighter than its predecessor.

The standard Sierra 1500 will be offered with a choice of three engines: a 4.3-liter V-6, a 5.3-liter V-8 and a 6.2-liter V-8. All of them feature standard direct injection, continuously variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management, and they bear a new name of EcoTec3 — no more Vortec.

The model is on sale at a starting price of $25,085.

Magnetic Ride Control

General Motors announced this week that it will be adding its Magnetic Ride control to the luxurious GMC Sierra Denali. This isn’t only the first time such a complex suspension has been used on a truck, but also the first implementation of Magnetic Ride onto a conventional leaf-spring suspension system.

Normally found in vehicles like the Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac sedans, Magnetic Ride Control offers the instantiations adaptation of suspension firmness to the changing road conditions. However, this system is found on the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali, but it employs a five-link, live rear axle fitted with coil springs.

“With magnetic ride control, the 2015 Sierra Denali delivers a smoother, more confident driving experience without sacrificing the capabilities customers expect from a GMC truck,” said Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer. “The responsiveness of the system makes this full-size truck feel and drive like a luxury vehicle – and one that’s more comfortable on long trips, especially when trailering.”

Speaking of trailering, the addition of Magnetic Ride Control does not effect the Sierra’s ability to haul or tow, therefore it retains its current ratings of 1,940 pounds of cargo capacity and 8,400 pounds of conventional towing capacity.

Unlike the Corvette and Cadillacs, the Sierra Denali’s (and Yukon Denali’s as well) Magnetic Ride Control doesn’t offer changeable ride settings, but is programmed to offer the most compliant ride when not pushed hard, while instantly changing to a more firm, responsive ride when cornering aggressively.

Magnetic Ride Control works by sending electrical current into the magnetic fluid-filled shock absorbers. The tiny iron particles suspended in the fluid instantaneously change the viscosity of the fluid, thereby changing the dampening characteristics of the shock absorbers.

For the Sierra Denali, the Magnetic Ride Control shocks are a bolt-in replacement for the conventional shocks in place during 2014. Each unit is electronically controlled by the main computer and responds to road conditions in as little as five milliseconds. The computer does this by ‘reading’ the road every millisecond through the inputs coming though the shocks.