2009 GMC Sierra Denali: unmatched luxury and performance in unique harmony

The 2009 Sierra Denali is truly distinct, with features that elevate its performance and design, such as a 6.2-litre, all-aluminium V8 engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT), pumping out 441 hp, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This luxury pick up will be on display at the Abu Dhabi International Motor Show this December.

The Sierra Denali also offers a unique combination of interior style and luxury, including standard nuance-leather covered front and rear seats, with heated and cooled, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, as well as leather trim throughout. A Denali-exclusive leather-wrapped steering wheel, which features a wood trim and a host of auxiliary controls, is standard. Denali models also feature a unique centre console, enhanced interior brightwork and detailed, highly finished embossed sill plates that greet passengers when they open any of the Denali's 4 doors.

The unique centre console has wood grain trim that conceals the lid and cup holder pockets, continuing the interior's refined appearance. In addition to a full complement of standard features, the Denali offers amenities such as an available heated steering wheel and heated and cooled seats. Interior colours include all-Ebony and an exclusive Cocoa/Light Cashmere combination.

Standard features include Bluetooth phone connectivity; rollover-capable head curtain air bags, power-adjustable pedals, electrochromic (auto-dimming) inside mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing automatic windscreen wipers, a segment exclusive remote starting system, EZ Lift Tailgate and Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist.

In terms of entertainment, the model comes standard with an AM/FM MP3-capable stereo with a six-disc in-dash CD changer, Bose premium speaker sound system, rear-seat audio, power-sliding rear window, navigation radio system, power sunroof and an available DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system.

The Sierra Denali was designed with a strong and refined appearance befitting GMC's professional grade philosophy, including muscular character lines and a bold stance. The front-end appearance is unique. A "centre-focused" bonnet, which flows outward to meet the front fenders and stamped-in rear-wheel flares, enhances this rugged look.

The Sierra Denali is offered in all-wheel drive configurations, powered by a 6.2-litre V8 engine, rated at 441 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 454Nm @ 4,400 rpm. This engine is paired with the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission. This gearbox has a wide overall ratio, including two overdrive gears, that helps deliver an excellent balance of performance and fuel efficiency. In fact, the Denali boasts efficiency that is best in its segment.

Also, the 6L80 has Driver Shift Control, a "tap up/tap down" capability that allows the driver to manually select upshifts and downshifts. Not only does this provide a smoother drive in the Sierra Denali, but it gives excellent fuel efficiency that belies a pick up of its size and features.

The Denali also features a 9.5-inch rear axle for two-wheel drive models, and an 8.6-inch rear axle for all-wheel drive models, with 3.42 gears and a locking rear differential. The specially tuned Z60 suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, StabiliTrak, skid plates and tow hooks are standard.

The Sierra Denali delivers stability and driving confidence from a boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. Five suspension systems are available, each tailored to suit specific driving. GM's sophisticated StabiliTrak electronic stability control system comes as standard and helps mitigate the occurrence of rollover events, and is another segment exclusive. Paired with an improved, high-capacity brake system and four-channel, four-sensor electronic brake controls, the system provides more precise, controlled ABS stops, as well as enhanced traction/yaw stability.

20-inch factory-installed chrome-finish aluminium wheels come standard and feature a design that is unique to the Denali.

GMC's DNA is evident with the distinctive, Denali-specific front end, with its unique chrome grille, which is complemented by large, jewelled-appearance headlamps. The look of the front end, bumpers, lamps and rear box design are unique to the GMC brand. Other exterior features include a colour-keyed front air dam, chrome bodyside mouldings and power heated and auto-dimming wing mirrors.