GMC->ke32 announced its reentry back into the sport truck->ke242 game. However, its submission to the competition is decidedly drab. Now before you run for the pitchforks, let me explain. GMC has some history in the sport->ke506 truck market, namely the 1991 Syclone and 1992 through 1993 Typhoon. Both the Sonoma-based Syclone and Jimmy-based Typhoon used a turbocharged and highly modified version of the 4.3-liter V-6, sported lowered suspensions, bigger brakes, and an all-wheel-drive setup. The Syclone was capable of hitting 60 in a blistering 4.3 seconds on its way to a quarter-mile run of 13.6 seconds. Impressive times still today.

So what’s the Sierra->ke241 Elevation Edition got beneath its murdered-out bodywork? The 580-horsepower, supercharged 6.2-liter LSA V-8 borrowed from the Camaro ZL1? Perhaps the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter LT1 from the Corvette Stingray->ke4603? No and nope.

This "sport truck" sports a bone-stock, 285-horsepower, 4.3-liter, EcoTec3 V-6 found in the base Sierra. Of course, for some extra scratch, customers can upgrade to the 355-horsepower, 5.3-liter, EcoTec3 V-8. The story continues throughout the rest of the truck. Stock brakes, stock tires, and stock suspension.

GMC has included plenty of upgrades in the Elevation Edition, though they consist of purely cosmetic changes. Body-colored grille, bumpers, door handles, mirror caps, side moldings, and wheels replace the chrome bits normally found on the Sierra. Does it look good? Yes. Does its bite match its bark? Sadly, no.

While I hate to dog on GMC for its newest offering, it seems a bit half-hearted. The General Motors' parts bin is a seemingly limitless supply of go-fast goodies just ready to be bolted on. In fact, Chevy->ke199 already teases up with the Cheyenne concept at the 2013 SEMA show.->ke216 If GM wanted to set the bar far above the upcoming Ford F-150 and already-award-winning Ram 1500->ke4684, it could easily do it. Why the trigger isn’t getting pulled, perhaps we’ll never know.

UPDATE 01/21/2015: GMC announced prices for the special edition Sierra Elevation which goes on sale this month. Prices will range from $34,865 for a 2WD model equipped with the standard 4.3L V-6 and up to $39,890 for the 4WD version equipped with the 5.3L V-8 engine.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 GMC Sierra Elevation Edition.

2015 GMC Sierra Elevation Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 GMC Sierra Elevation Edition
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 285
  • Torque: 305
  • Transmission: six-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

While the mechanicals are left severely lacking, GMC nailed the "sport truck" theme with its exterior adornments. A lowered suspension and more purposeful tires are all that’s lacking. The Elevation Edition is only available in the 1500 double-cab form, meaning those interesting in a single cab or crew cab version of out of luck.

The Elevation comes murdered out. Semi-glossy black, 20-inch wheels match the black grille surround, black bumpers, mirror caps, door handles, and other trim pieces. GMC left some bright chrome work on the grille’s center section and plenty of bling in the HID headlights surrounded by LED accent lights. Only the Sierra nameplate remains chrome.

Holistically, the Elevation Edition looks the part, but it could be so much more.

Interior

Like the engine bay, the interior is bone stock. GMC does package a few options in with the Elevation. Those include keyless entry, power mirrors, the LED cargo box lighting package, the 4.2-inch Intellilink color touchscreen, OnStar, and 4G LTE connectivity with in-truck Wi-Fi capabilities for up to seven devices.

Otherwise, the truck enjoys the same redesigned interior found in new 2014 Sierra.

Drivetrain

If you haven’t caught on yet, here’s where things get sad. GMC’s "sport truck" boasts a naturally aspirated, 4.3-liter V-6 putting out 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that helps it earn an EPA-estimated 24 mpg highway.

Of course, if more power is what you’re craving then the optional. 5.3-liter V-8 is available. It produces 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. Like the V-6, the six-speed auto is used. Both engines employ direct fuel injection, variable valve timing, and active fuel management to save on gas while making power conservatively.

Sadly, the powerful, 6.2-liter V-8 offered elsewhere in the Sierra 1500 lineup is absent. Though it produces 420 horses and 460 pound-feet of torque, the engine would be outmatched by the double cab Sierra’s hefty curb weight.

Drivetrain Specifications

Type

4.3-liter EcoTec3 V-6

5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8

Output

285 HP

355 HP

Torque

305 LB-FT

383 LB-FT

Transmission

Six-speed Automatic


Prices

Model

Price

GMC Sierra Elevation 2WD 4.3L V-6

$34,865

GMC Sierra Elevation 4WD 4.3L V-6

$38,795

GMC Sierra Elevation 2WD 5.3L V-8

$35,960

GMC Sierra Elevation 4WD 5.3L V-8

$39,890


Competition

2014 Ford F-150 Tremor

Ford offers the closest thing to a sport truck these days. The F-150 Tremor comes with the attractive FX appearance package, giving it those stripes and black wheels, among other things. While it’s no Ford Lightning, the Tremor’s stats would argue otherwise. The last-generation Lightning that died a decade ago had 380 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque generating from its supercharged 5.4-liter V-8.

The Tremor’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 kicks out an impressive 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. Technology and turbos have changed the game. The Tremor is capable of doing zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, only a tenth slower than the 2004 Lightning. The Tremor likely falls short of the Lightning’s road-holding abilities, as the Lightning had a track-focused suspension and tire selection.

The Tremor only comes in the single cab, short-bed form, but is available with rear- or four-wheel-drive. Pricing starts at $39,740, but supplies are becoming limited as 2014 is its last year.

2015 Ram 1500 R/T

Like the Tremor, the Ram 1500 R/T isn’t as "special" as the Lightning, or the Dodge Ram SRT-10, but the R/T still has the goods to go fast. Available in a mid-trim level grade and in single-cab, short-bed form, the R/T comes powered with the 5.7-liter, HEMI V-8. The engine cranks out 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic does the shifting. Sixty mph comes in just 5.4 seconds, blowing the old Lighting out of the water.

Ram has the looks too. Body colored bumpers, massive chrome wheels, and factory dual exhaust give off a sporty vibe. Unlike the Tremor, the Ram soldiers on through 2015, technically making it the only competition for the GMC Elevation Edition.

Pricing for the Ram 1500 R/T starts at $36,225.

Conclusion

Well, it’s easy to feel like GMC is selling itself short here. It ventures out by calling this a sport truck, yet doesn’t deliver on the promise. While the horsepower wars are raging in full effect on the muscle-car side of things, Ford, Ram (Dodge), and the General have been nearly silent on reviving the muscle-truck genre. Remember the Dodge Ram SRT-10, Ford F-150 Lighting, and Chevy Silverado SS? Yeah, so do I.

Either way, GMC still makes a solid truck worth spending hard-earned money on, but it’s hard not to imagine the possibilities.