Big tick for a big truck
Electric cars and big American trucks can both bring a little anxiety, but for different reasons.
Chevy specialists Bunce Motor Company is selling the full 2015 range of GMC and Chevrolet pickups, including the 1500 series right through to the bid-daddy 3500 series complete with dual rear tyres and tow rating of about 10 tonnes.
The two trucks pictured here, the GMC Sierra Denali 2500 and the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, with the Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel V8 are the models Bunce Motor’s sales manager Rod Bunce expects Kiwi buyers will be most interested in – the main attraction being best-in-class towing capacity.
US website The Fast Lane Truck was not alone when it rated the GM trucks ahead of the competition on towing ability and on downhill engine braking over the truck-killing Ike Gauntlet in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado.
The factory tow rating for the 2500 with the diesel engine and bullet-proof 6-speed Allison transmission is just under 6 tonnes on a conventional tow bar and just over 7.5 tonnes for fifth-wheel towing.
That’s not the new bit though; the 2015 line-up is largely unchanged mechanically, whether you’re opting for the diesel or the petrol engines (5.3L and 6.2L V8s available).
There are big changes to the sheet-metal though, with an even more aggressive set of teeth up front. A useful feature is the step built into each corner of the rear bumper, making it easier to climb onto the tray.
And the new range is lighter and stronger thanks to increased use of high-strength steel in the body and chassis.
The interiors of the GMC and Chevy trucks are much improved in design and functionality. A new touch screen information centre with 4G connectivity takes centre-stage inside. It’s similar to the MyLink system found in the new Holden Colorado.
Price varies according to the model and specification, but Rod Bunce says a high-spec 2500 model as pictured here, converted by them to right-hand drive, will cost between NZ$140,000-150,000.
Tel. 09 443 7454
