2015 Chevy Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD Star at State Fair of Texas

With ESPN analyst Mike Tirico making the call, GM recently introduced the stars of its new heavy-duty truck roster—the 2015 Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD—at the State Fair of Texas.

“The new Silverado and Sierra light-duty trucks already are on the road, and now the folks at Chevrolet and GMC are unveiling these all-new heavy duty pickups that, like the record-setting athletes of today, raise the bar with their performance and capabilities,” said Tirico. “They are truly All-Pros.”

They’re also all-new, with each brand’s HD entries showing a heavy-duty evolution of the new design language from their light-duty counterparts. This includes sheet metal that’s been specifically massaged for improved airflow to ensure optimum power under heavy-duty loads.

“It is one thing to generate big power numbers in cool weather, and quite another to maintain power and torque when towing up a long grade on a blistering summer day,” said Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer with GM. “We think customers will appreciate all of the work that went into the cooling … when they get a chance to really put it to the test.”

Also likely to earn straight A’s will be the towing capability of the 2015 Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD. Not only do they offer the segment’s highest conventional tow rating—of 19,600 lbs.—but they also boast features like Trailer Sway Control and Auto Grade Braking that work with the trucks’ cruise control for easy long-distance pulling (with diesel models getting an assist from Diesel Exhaust Brake technology).

“The customer sets the desired speed, and the truck will do the rest—increasing or decreasing power, downshifting to increase engine braking, and engaging the exhaust brake on the diesel engine,” explained Luke. “You feel much more confident and in control, because you aren’t constantly working to stay a step ahead of the truck and trailer.”

2015 Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD: Premium Power and Amenities

Of course, the heart of the matter in terms of hauling can be found under the hood of the 2015 Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD. That’s where customers can choose from either a 6.0-liter V8 engine that makes 366 hp and 380 lb.-ft. of torque while also being capable of running on CNG, or a V8 Duramax turbodiesel that gets 397 hp and 765 lb.-ft. of torque from its 6.6 liters of displacement.

But along with their heavy-duty capabilities, the new pickups also will work to meet the surging demand for more lux trucks that’s even reached into the HD segments (as evidenced, for example, by the Texas introduction of the new 2015 Ford Super Duty King Ranch model).

Thus, the cabins of the 2015 Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD get the same upgrades found on the light-duty versions, and that includes the latest Chevrolet MyLink media/connectivity system as well as segment-exclusive safety measures like forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, front and rear park assist, and GM’s Active Safety Seat, which vibrates to indicate the direction from which a potential road hazard has been detected. And for those who want the ultimate premium pickup, the 2015 GMC Sierra HD will be offered in the brand’s trademark “Denali” trim line.

It brings exclusive style cues for both the cabin and the exterior of the truck, complemented by features like:

• Premium Bose audio
• Front bucket seats, in leather, with heat and ventilation
• Enhanced lighting, with LED daytime running lamps that are integrated within the truck’s headlamp housings
• Heated steering wheel
• Power-sliding rear window with defogger
• Eight-inch customizable driver display
• Eight-inch Color Touch navigation radio with IntelliLink and five USB ports
• Soft-touch cabin appointments with aluminum trim

Further details about the 2015 Chevy Silverado HD and GMC HD will be provided at a later date, with the trucks expected to go on sale next year.