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The GMC Sierra All Terrain HD Concept debuted at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. It's an off-road version of the brand's heavy duty truck that would compete with the Ford Raptor and Ram 2500 Power Wagon. However, while the Ford is designed for speed and the Ram for rock crawling, the Terrain HD is aimed somewhere in the middle, providing decent all around performance and towing capability.
The biggest difference between the Terrain and a regular Sierra is its suspension. The HD's stock A arms have been replaced by a double wishbone front suspension which expands the front track just over four inches in width. The truck uses Fox Racing shocks like the Raptor, but the oil reservoirs are remotely mounted in the Terrain's wheel wells for better cooling.
The Terrain also has an electronic front stabilizer bar like the Power Wagon: While in place the bar limits body roll while driving on pavement, but it can be disengaged for better articulation off-road. Traction is handled by a set of massive 35" BFGoodrich mud tires mounted on 20" rims. A crew cab with a short bed keeps the rear overhang short for better departure angles. Underneath, traditional front and rear skid plates are paired with a composite pan to give total protection to the undercarriage.
Inside, the concept gets the Denali's interior along with a new stereo headunit equipped with an 80gb hard drive. Instead of a traditional light bar, the Terrain has a line of LED lights across the top of the windshield. A pair of step rails on each side of the truck provide easier access to the cab and the sides of the truck bed. These are motorized, sliding into the body while not in use. The bed is equipped with a power outlet, compressed air outlet. LED lighting, and Ram Box-style compartments above the wheel wells.
The powertrain is less impressive: Despite using ram air scoops. the 6.6l Duramax Turbo Diesel engine retains its stock power output of 397 hp and 765 ft-lbs. torque. The engine is connected to the HD's existing six speed Allison transmission. However, the truck still has an impressive tow rating of 15,600 lbs.
Will the GMC Sierra All Terrain HD Concept make it to production?
Parts of the truck have been confirmed: The Iridium Metallic paint color will be offered exclusively on GMC models in a couple years, as will the dark anodized satin finish used for the concept's window trim. It's rumored that the styling will carry over to the next GMC 1500, which will reach the market as a 2013 model.
Although GM has yet to say whether the Sierra All Terrain HD Concept will see production, it seems like a no-brainer: Similar trucks have sold very well, and most of the truck could be built using off-the-shelf parts.