I’ll be in San Diego, California, at the end of January to cover the launch and do a first drive of the 2019 GMC Sierra AT4 edition for Auto123.com. We’ve been made to understand there will be a short off-road excursion as part of the event.
This, for an automotive journalist, is always a welcome event, because it gives us the chance to test a vehicle of this type in the kind of environment it was designed for. Plus we’ll get to discover all of the additions given the model for 2019. This week we’ve learned this will also include a new Off-Road Performance package that, among other things, allows for more power from the model’s V8.
This 6.2L engine here gets performance air intakes and a revised exhaust system, resulting in a gain of 15 hp and 9 lb-ft of torque for totals of 435 hp and 469 lb-ft.
The package also brings with its 18-inch alloy wheels draped in Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires.
The AT4 already comes equipped with a package that raises the suspension by two inches, as well as a locking rear differential, skid plates, Rancho shocks adjusted for extreme conditions and multitude of chrome elements.
This is music to the ears of off-roading enthusiasts. We’ll be delving into the model and its capabilities in more detail once we’ve had a few hours behind the wheel in January. Stay tuned!