First 2024 Duramax On The Dyno!

Buckle up and prepare for an exhilarating journey as we dive headfirst into the incredible world of the all-new GMC Sierra Denali 3500 HD. This beast of a machine boasts a roaring 470 horsepower and a jaw-dropping 975 pound-feet of torque. But the question that looms is, how much of this raw power actually makes its way to the road? Well, dear reader, fasten your seatbelts because we're about to find out!

A Symphony of Power and Luxury

Behold, the pinnacle of GMC's truck craftsmanship – the ultimate truck cesso, and it's an absolute marvel. At the time of this recording, there are only two of these beauties in all of California. Let's take a stroll through the treasure trove of features this monster offers.

Up front, you're greeted with newly redesigned LED headlamps that light up your path like a supernova. But that's just the beginning. With a whopping 14 cameras strategically placed around the truck, you can see right through your trailer. It's like having a superpower for towing!

And let's not forget the little details that make a big difference. The retractable steps, complete with LED lighting, add a touch of elegance and practicality to this powerhouse.

Now, let's talk about the auditory experience. This truck features a 12-speaker Bose sound system that rocks your world. It's not just music; it's a symphony of power. And the wood trim inside? It's not your run-of-the-mill wood. It's Paul bow wood, likely hailing from some exotic corner of the world like New Guinea. But what truly catches your eye is the unexpected artwork machined into the glovebox door. It's these subtle touches that make the Denali stand out.

Inside, you're greeted by not one but two screens. A 12.5-inch driver information center and a massive 13.5-inch infotainment center. It's like having your personal command center on wheels.

But the real magic happens at the back with the famous multi-pro tailgate. It's an engineering marvel that adds a layer of functionality you didn't even know you needed. And if that wasn't enough, the Sierra Denali offers 16-way power front massaging seats. Yes, you read that right. Your comfort is a top priority here.

Unveiling the 2024 Duramax L5P Engine

Now, let's dive under the hood and talk about the heart of this beast – the 2024 Duramax L5P engine. We've already taken it apart and compared it to its 2023 counterpart. Here's a quick rundown of what makes it special.

The 2024 L5P engine introduces a host of improvements. There's a new turbo and vein actuator, new Pistons with tapered bolts for more thorough combustion, and new cylinder heads with improved water jackets. The fuel system sees upgrades too, with higher pressure fuel injectors and new fuel rails to handle the increased pressure. The glow plugs have been improved, the engine braking is better thanks to upgraded valve springs, and there's a brand new engine control module featuring Global B architecture with hardened encryption.

But now, it's time to unleash this beast and see what it's truly made of.

Unleashing the Beast on the Dyno

We've talked about the power on paper, but it's time to see how it translates to the road. And for that, we turn to the chassis dyno. This is where the rubber meets the road, quite literally.

Our unique setup, known as the Banks Wind Machine, simulates real-world airflow. It's like driving at 60 miles per hour with 40,000 CFM of air blasting into the nose of the vehicle. The heat load under the hood has to be realistic because, well, we don't test with a hood up and a house fan in front of the vehicle. That's just not how you get accurate results.

The beauty of the chassis dyno is that it eliminates variables like headwinds, tailwinds, and traffic patterns. It's all about the raw power that reaches the road. No more guesswork, just pure, unadulterated data.

But here's a little secret for you. If you're running an aftermarket air intake system with an open element air filter under the hood, you might be letting your engine inhale hot air. And hot air is the enemy of power. Under-hood air on an 80-degree day can be a scorching 180 degrees. You don't want that. So, every detail matters.

Now, what about that big bag of sand in the back? Well, we're not here to do donuts. We want to keep those tires cool and firmly planted on the rollers. It's all about accuracy and ensuring that we get precise measurements.

The Unveiling of Raw Power

After running three tests, we have some jaw-dropping results. At 2,800 RPM, right around the horsepower peak, we were generating a staggering 420 horsepower. But the real star of the show is the torque. The torque at the horsepower peak was a formidable 788 pound-feet.

As we pulled it down, right around 2,150 RPM, the rear wheel horsepower was 368, and the torque? A remarkable 898 pound-feet. That's almost 900 pounds of torque at the back shift point.

But here's the key takeaway – it's not just about the peak torque at 1,600 RPM. You'll never truly experience that because the truck backshifts before you get there. What matters is the torque rise, and it's an impressive 14% increase. This is the kind of power you need when you're hauling a heavy load up a steep grade.

So, there you have it. The GMC Sierra Denali 3500 HD is not just a truck; it's a force of nature. It's a blend of power, luxury, and precision engineering that leaves you in awe. And for those who think torque peak is everything, it's time to start talking about torque rise – a metric that truly defines a truck's lugging ability.

In conclusion, this truck is not just about what's under the hood but also the artistry in its design and the innovation that makes it a class apart. So, whether you're a long-haul trucker or an enthusiast seeking the best of the best, the Sierra Denali is a symphony of power and luxury that deserves every accolade it gets. Buckle up, and let's hit the road with this beast of a machine!