GMC Sierra 2500 Natural Gas CNG

During a media campaign event in San Diego for another GMC product, journalists got an up-close and early look at the upgraded and redesigned 2020 Sierra 2500/3500s. The new trucks look bigger and are loaded with more technology; the 2020 Sierra 2500 and 3500 models will arrive in dealerships later this summer, with more detailed pricing and spec information after we get our first drive in them later this year. Here's what we know at this time. GMC's overall redesign strategy should be familiar to everyone; many of the changes seen on the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 carry over to the heavy-duty lineup. Nearly every aspect of the new HDs has been touched by engineers and designers, including an all-new, longer, stronger and lighter chassis; a retuned suspension for each cab and wheel configuration; and a new cab design that provides more space and more distinction between each trim level.

All Sierra HDs benefit from a more robust and massive stance with the taller, wider grille and bulging hood features. The headlights have been re-sculpted to give the trucks the appearance of more height. The AT4 grilles will be dark gray, while the taller Denali will have a new chrome grille with bars. All Sierra HD hoods have a pronounced horizontal air intake slot to provide the extra cool air (cooling as it passes through the hood channels) needed to power the new gas engine

All three cab configurations for Sierra's three-quarter, one-ton pickups - regular, crew and crew - are larger and have been completely redesigned, just like GM's light-duty pickups. Some would argue that these new vans could be more luxurious inside and offer larger touchscreens, but we would add that the HD market is different from the light-duty market and with less need for experimentation when it comes to high-end materials and Tesla-like features. On the other hand, for a vehicle that is likely to be towing expensive toys, livestock trailers or recreational vehicles, perhaps it makes sense to pour as much luxury into a HD truck as possible.

This adaptation maintains the gasoline system, adding the possibility of using compressed natural gas as fuel, having a greater autonomy with NGV than with gasoline. There is no reduction in power or notice a slower speed when driving in either gasoline or CNG mode, on the contrary it is a smoother and more fluid driving

Chevrolet and GMC recently announced that they are partnering with Power Solutions International, Inc. (PSI) to introduce heavy-duty pickup trucks and full-size vans powered by 6.0-liter V-8 engines fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) beginning in the first quarter of 2017. Chevrolet will also offer CNG and LPG versions of its new Low Cab Forward commercial van.

"Expanding choice is the key to helping more commercial and government fleets reduce their fuel consumption, fuel costs and emissions by using alternative fuels and electric vehicles instead of using traditional gasoline," said Ed Peper, GM's vice president of U.S. fleet. "There are no 'one-size-fits-all' solutions for fleet managers."

The integration of the CNG system to the Sierra seems seamless; a buyer ends up with all the very attractive features of the Sierra 2500HD lineup - which are considerable - along with the benefits of CNG, and the additional flexibility that a bi-fuel system provides in terms of range when a refueling infrastructure is still relatively undeveloped. The issue, assuming the buyer has an operational need that will be met by the truck's specifications, is the cost of fuel consumption and how environmentally conscious the owner may be.

• Power: 401 hp
• Fuel: Gasoline + CNG
• Start-Stop technology
• 6.6 L V8
• 6598 cm3
• Warranty up to 2 years
• Length: 6.35 meters
• Length: 6.35 meters
• 5 seats
• Mixed fuel consumption WLTP Gasoline: 11.8 l/100 km
• Mixed Fuel Consumption WLTP CNG: -- Kg/100 km
• Price: From 56000 €