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GMC introduced the world to its all-new, next-generation Sierra Denali and SLT pickup truck complete with an insane six-way MultiPro tailgate.
The division of General Motors revealed the truck back on March 1 in Detroit. Some of its highlights include the six-way configurable tailgate, the world's first carbon fiber pickup box, ProGrade Trailering System, multi-color head-up display and the segment's first rear camera mirror.
"GMC ignited the premium truck segment 17 years ago with the original launch of the Sierra Denali," Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Global, said in a news release.
"The next generation 2019 Sierra Denali established a new benchmark in capability and refinement. It exemplifies precision in every detail."
Not only does the truck bed of the Sierra come with the industry's first carbon fiber one, but it features the aforementioned six-way adjustable tailgate.
The feature comes standard on the SLT and Denali models, and includes a standing workstation mode, offers easier access to items in the bed, and adds improved second-tier loading and load-stop solutions, according to GMC.
Jalopnik posted an extremely helpful article showing how exactly the new Sierra's tailgate works with the help of GMC engineer Derek Patterson. The configurations revolve around the regular tailgate, the inner tailgate and its load stop which are operated by using two buttons above the GMC badge on the back.
"This multifunctional tailgate offers proven strength and durability, having undergone more testing and validation than any tailgate in GM's history," the automaker describes.
"Sierra is the first and only truck to offer the MultiPro Tailgate, providing premium truck customers the ultimate flexibility."
Check out their video and GMC's demonstrating the innovative tailgate below:
The first carbon fiber bed will come as an offered option later on in the year, GMC says, which aims to increase durability and functionality. Instead of steel panels on the inside and floor, GMC replaced it with the lightweight carbon fiber "that offers best-in-class dent, scratch and corrosion resistance."
Aldred added in the release that the use of carbon fiber makes this its toughest and most durable pickup box in the automaker's 116-year history.
GMC is also touting the fact that the material switch helped it cut 62 pounds from its pickup truck bed. It's not just carbon fiber in the bed that helped reduce the truck's weight year-over-year by 360 pounds, as a more strategic material use such as aluminum on the doors, hood and tailgate, and steel in the fenders, roof and standard cargo box also helped in that department.
GMC reports that the Sierra is the first in the full-size truck segment to offer a multi-color head-up display and rear camera mirror. Vehicle information will pop-up on the windshield in the driver's point of view to keep their "head-up" and the rear camera mirror will offer an improved field of vision as it comes with a reported higher resolution and ability to zoom in on objects.
The ProGrade Trailering System comes standard on the Denali and SLT models, which comes with an all-new trailer app that a includes pre-departure checklist, a light test, any maintenance reminders, diagnostics system, and a trailer tire pressure and temperature monitoring system.
GMC goes into great detail explaining the new connectivity and safety features that matters most to those who use their trucks for work or hauling.
"The next generation Sierra also offers Hitch Guidance with Hitch View and Auto Electric Park Brake to help with perfect positioning when hitching," GMC explains in the release. "The available side view cameras and a trailer-mounted HD camera provide additional assistance when driving down the road or in reverse.
"With exclusive Trailer Theft Detection, owners can receive text and mobile alerts from OnStar when the trailer has been detached from the truck without permission."
The 2019 GMC Sierra comes with updated versions of its 6.2-liter, 5.3-liter V8, and an all-new 3.0-liter six-turbo diesel engine.
Both the 5.3- and 6.2-liter options come with stop/start functionality and GMC's new dynamic fuel management system that lets the engine operate on as few as one to as many as eight cylinders depending on what's necessary.
The automaker reports that the new six turbo-diesel option and 6.2-liter engines come with the 10-speed auto transmission.
"Sierra Denali features an exclusive Adaptive Ride Control suspension system designed to provide premium driving refinement with exceptional responsiveness," GMC says of its performance.
"It employs sophisticated sensors to monitor road conditions and chassis responses in real time, enabling adjustments to active dampers every 2 milliseconds."
The next-generation Sierra will go on sale in the fall of this year, and GMC reports that additional details regarding fuel economy and specific metrics will be announced "closer to the start of production."
The 2019 GMC Sierra pickup truck comes with an impressive six-way multi-function tailgate. MLive Trending News Reporter Benjamin Raven breaks it down and offers a closer look at the neat new addition.