Yunit: Kind of has an Escalade look to the nose. By: Phil Lienert Date Posted 10-17-2005 At first glance, this 2007 GMC Sierra extended cab might seem like a familiar old friend, but closer observation reveals that this is GMC's next-generation Sierra. The major changes made to this upcoming Sierra will be welcome after a period of stagnation for the model. Most notable will be how GMC is looking to draw a greater distinction between the Sierra and its Chevrolet Silverado twin. GMC seems to have gone in a more butch direction with the truck's revised fascia, as opposed to that of the 2007 GMC Yukon. The only similarities that the two seem to share on their front ends are the new upright headlights and possibly the exaggerated GMC chrome grille that is barely visible beneath the image-concealing tarp. Ground-up alterations to the 2007 Sierra include a major tweak of the vehicle's chassis in order to both improve handling and provide for a quieter ride. On this latter note, GM will also be spraying noise-dampening foam throughout the internal components of the Sierra, Yukon, and all other upcoming large trucks and SUVs built on the GMT 900 platform. The Sierra's interior will be totally revised, with the cabin gaining considerable passenger space in addition to a newfound sophistication — no doubt, to match Ford's recent civilizing touches to its F-Series lineup. Roof-mounted side curtain airbags will go a long way toward the 2007 Sierra's side-impact protection in the event of rollovers, while new four-wheel disc brakes with improved ABS will decrease stopping distances. StabiliTrak will also be offered on the Sierra, as will Generation 6 OnStar, in keeping with GM's recent safety-first philosophy. In terms of its powertrain capabilities, the 2007 Sierra will deliver its customers the twin benefit of improved performance and fuel economy. The two available V8s, a 320-horsepower 5.3-liter and a 350-hp 6.0-liter, improve their horsepower over the 2006 Sierra's standard engines, while both will also incorporate Variable Valve Timing and Displacement on Demand cylinder deactivation for better gas mileage. For further improvements in fuel economy, stay tuned for the Sierra hybrid, which is bound to appear some time after the 2007 model's debut in the fall of 2006.
