While we haven’t reached the dawn of flying cars yet, we have grown accustomed to the high expectations we have of today’s car technology. If Siri and Alexa can serve as personal assistants, and Tupac can do Coachella as a hologram, why can’t our cars also live up to our tech-based demands? Automakers have been diligently listening. They scribble notes down on a yellow pad, then clock hours in a research lab, sorting out their new ideas. Drivers looking for a GMC dealer can rest assured that GMC’s dedicated engineers and designers continue to roll the best tech features off the assembly line.
Let’s explore the tech revolutions of two staples in GMC’s lineup. The 2022 Sierra Heavy Duty pickup truck integrates tech for an easier, more comfortable driving experience without compromising on power and durability. Meanwhile, the return of the cult classic Hummer comes back as an EV pickup truck and EV SUV. Launching an EV version of Hummer feels like poetic justice since previous generation Hummers were relentlessly critiqued as behemoth, gas-guzzling polluters. Let’s dive into the details.
The ‘22 Sierra Heavy Duty
The Sierra Heavy Duty has always been a powerful, performance-driven pickup truck and the 2022 model is no different. It still asserts dominance on the road with its 6.6L V8, generating 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, prioritizing output with a six-speed automatic transmission and either rear or all-wheel drive. There is also an option to get the Sierra HD with a Duramax diesel 6.6L V8 engine for an extra boost to 445 horsepower. While engine optimization remains part of the GMC’s game plan, they’re also now embracing the benefits of tech. The new model is stacked with tech-forward features inside and out.
This model is stacked with safety features that are innovative and easy to use. With up to 15 different available camera views, there is no base GMC didn’t cover to help with visibility. On the outside, trailer safety is a must. There is a rear camera mirror to provide you with a wider and less obstructed view behind the truck, or you can switch between the camera view and the traditional rearview mirror.
To further help improve trailer tech, GMC developed the In-Vehicle Trailering App, where you can create custom trailer profiles and trailer statuses, including tire pressure and temperature monitoring. The app is part of the infotainment system, which includes 5 trailer profiles, a phone companion app, the myGMC Mobile App, Trailer Light Sequence, and Maintenance reminders. Those buying for towing capability will be pleased with how intelligent these trailering tools are and how streamlined it makes the process.
Available High-Definition Surround Vision uses multiple cameras working at once to display an image overhead of the area around your truck. It’s available to operate at low speeds to help with off-roading obstacles or even just tight spots in a parking garage. The 15-inch diagonal multi-color Head-Up Display, the first in its class, helps keep your eyes on the road by projecting key stats onto the windshield. It shows speed, tachometer, mobile alerts, navigation, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and more.
The audio also packs a punch. It’s configured to play music outdoors but without leaving the truck running: the 100-watt exterior audio system uses Bluetooth to stream if you’re camping or tailgating and still craving high-quality sound. Speaking of entertainment, Sierra HD is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for use as wired or wireless. Another unique attribute is the available Amazon Alexa built-in, so you can access music, directions, calls, and more hands-free.
The All-Electric Hummer
Originally discontinued in 2010, we thought we would never see a Hummer taking up a comically large amount of space on the roads again. And understandably so, as it was dubbed a gas-guzzler back when a full tank cost less than a fancy dinner. With gas now teetering around $6 a gallon in some states, it’s unimaginable that GMC would return this army tank-sized model as anything close to its previous generation. But alas, GMC took a hard left and built the Hummer as an EV, producing a full-size truck version, as well as the SUV, and vowing that it would become the “world’s first all-electric supertruck.”
Since the name Hummer has classically been known for its not-so-subtle size, making it all-electric and still fun to drive would prove a challenge. So GMC stepped up and employed a vast array of tech to make it a reality. The off-road technology received the royal treatment. First, the Hummer is outfitted with 18-inch wheels, sturdy Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, and a unique, four-corner air suspension system. What makes this suspension system so special is the variable clearance of 15.9 inches of ground clearance in Extract mode or 11.9 inches in Terrain mode.
But easily the coolest feature of the new Hummer EV is the four-wheel steering designed to let the car “crab walk.” With a 10-degree turn of the rear wheels, the CrabWalk allows both the truck and the SUV to drive diagonally at slow speeds, opening up countless off-roading possibilities and bragging rights for the owner. It’s hard to imagine owning this car and not inviting everyone around to “come watch my car drive diagonally!”
Another significant technological advance for the new Hummer is the powerful electric engine itself. It’s estimated the Edition 1 pickup truck will have up to 1,000 horsepower and up to 11,500 lb-ft of torque, while the SUV will likely be around 830 horsepower and 11,500 lb-ft of torque. The approximate 0-60 MPH is only 3 seconds for the truck and 3.5 seconds for the SUV.
Hummer EVs come equipped with GMC’s new Ultium battery-pack technology, delivering an estimated 329 miles of range on a full charge. It’s compatible with the 800-volt electrical architecture and 350-kilowatt fast-charging, which according to GMC, will add 100 miles of range during a 10-minute charge. For drivers who won’t be living near one of the specialized DC charging stations, the Hummer EV is also adaptable to regular public charging terminals that already exist.
GMC has also brought the styling into the future. Standard Hummer EVs will feature transparent sky panels, exclusive interior badging, and an optional Interstellar White Exterior. There’s an option for a Lunar Shadow interior with Jet Black and Taupe accents or Tech Bronze accents. But it’s not just beautiful; it’s practical. The all-weather flooring gives the interior the versatility to handle any situation in style. Available UltraVision means up to 18 cameras on both the pickup and the SUV with the ability to display a digital overhead image of the area around the Hummer when traveling at low speeds. It’s safe to say the new lineup of Hummers seems ready to tackle anything.
Best Foot Forward
GMC really is always trying to push towards the future by releasing models with a bevy of exciting tech features that just keep getting better and better. With all the upgrades being made to the Sierra, fans of this truck can expect to be pleased and impressed. With dozens of safety features and dependable power, it’s the pickup truck for today and tomorrow. As for the upcoming Hummer EV lineup, we imagine the waiting lists will fill up quickly. Orders for Edition 1 are already sold out, and demand can only grow once the news gets out. These are just two examples of vehicles with some of the best tech that GMC currently has to offer.
