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Akerson Touts 2014 Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra 1500 Launches As Smoothest Ever

General Motors took steps to ensure the launch of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 full-size pickup trucks went off without a hitch, and it seems that the efforts have paid off… at least according to GM CEO Dan Akerson, who told Reuters that the launch of the trucks counts as the smoothest in the company’s history.

A successful launch of these new truck lines is imperative for GM, as each model sold is expected to coin an average of $12,000 in profits. Considering that the Silverado is GM’s best selling vehicle in the United States, it’s pretty clear what its success means for the company.

In total, GM’s full-size trucks and SUV models make up 60 percent of all profits globally. And with all-new SUV models (2015 Tahoe, 2015 Syburban, 2015 Escalade, 2015 Yukon) on the horizon, things could really be looking up for The General.

Former staff.

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Comments

  1. I drove a blue Sierra SLE Z-71 Crew Cab 4×4 today with the 5.3 liter engine ($43,350). I came away very impressed with how quiet the truck is at speed, and both the Silverado and Sierra look way better in person than in pictures. The interior of the Sierra is looks and feels better with the soft touch dash. All of the switches have a good weight to them, and the insulation in the and weatherstripping around the doors is well integrated and looks high quality. There were no squeaks nor rattles in the truck, even on bumpy roads, and the tail end of the truck didn’t bounce around on those rough roads either. The only complaint I have regarding the truck is the throttle response. I think it could be tuned to be more responsive as I had to push the pedal down farther than I needed to get the truck to propel itself forward. Overall, I give the truck a solid A.

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  2. I noticed a difference in the pedal feel as well, but I think if I drove it all the time I would get used to it. Also, very impressed with the ride over a very choppy road in the ’14 LTZ Z71 that I drove. I have an LTZ Avalanche with the auto-ride shocks, so I have a really good ride for reference…

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  3. I would just like to know if both of these trucks do have rear air vents?

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    1. I can officially report that there is an air vent that blows towards the rear seat from underneath the front seats. You can’t see it, but it is there.

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      1. Kind of like the ones from the terrain?

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        1. Yep

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  4. Throttle response is most likely dulled by the engineers due to the fact that so many people lack the foot control to maintain speed or they tend to “pulse” the pedal. All these factors are considered when every last bit of fuel mileage is crucial. Not to mention it helps some of the inexperienced trailer backers too lol.

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  5. Who cares? Are we getting a ZR2 or do I just go buy a Raptor or Ramrunner or just announced today by Ford the new “Tremor” edition. Step up and announce somethig Gm or lose another sale!

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    1. The Tremor is not an focused off-road model. It’s meant to just have sportier looks.

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  6. I couldn’t agree with Ryan any more. I’ve been waiting very patiently for a Raptor fighter for years and so have some of my friends. What’s up GM? We need a more aggressive off-road truck than the “fea-fea” Z-71. If it doesn’t get built soon we’ll be driving Raptors! You make some of the finest economical vehicles in the world and the Corvette is on top of it’s game. It’s time to” bust a move” with the Silverado!!!!!

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  7. Yes I am aware that the tremor is more for street oriented performance over off road. Just merely pointing out that the other big 2 are trying to cater enthusiasts and not just deeper pockets I.E. “high country”. GM is always a decade or more behind civic=cruze,king ranch=high country
    So I guess in 2020 we will get a ZR2 or Bushwacker or whatever they wanna name it then. Probably something stupid like The Great Lake! Lol

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    1. Just remember that Ford didn’t come out with all those models immediately after a redesign. They were phased in over the next few years to keep things fresh. Demanding GM to have all kinds of different models ready for the start of production of a new model is crazy. How about they just make sure the standard trucks work right before they start distracting themselves with that. Trucks sales are still about volume #1.

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  8. I know it was stated that they are going to continue to update the truck and add trims during its life cycle if I am not mistaking it was an article on this site. But what I really want to know is if they will finally bring the 4.5 Duramax, because if not I would be losing my patience with them for a diesel halfton. It makes perfect sense to me.. If they don’t really offer anything different over the years it begins to lose its appeal.. I just hope for the best from GM

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    1. Please don’t bring up the 4.5 Duramax. The project as we knew it is dead. It’s gone. It’s not coming. Ever.

      However, there might be some OTHER diesel engine in the works for the half-ton models.

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    2. Dodge is offering a diesel for it’s half ton series trucks in 2014.

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  9. Well I just saw what the new Ford is supposed to look like and It makes me more happy with the conservative Chevy face.

    Ford is finding more ways to over do a truck front end.

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    1. Ford always over do’s everything. The ugly new Explorer with rounded as well as squared off edges (no pun intended with The Ford Edge), The new Escape with horrible build quality, the new Focus S/T or whatever it’s called. The Ford Flex with the different colored roof, the new Taurus with the super high beltline and ugly front fascias and a bubble butt rear end. Why Ford??

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  10. SCREW the GAY raptor!!! All you fickle faggots (w/ a gay voice tone) “if gm doesn’t build a raptor fighter, me and my gay bed-buddies will be driving a raptor” Go buy that weak-frame POS then! I’d rather buy a stock Silvi or Sierra, level it w/ a Fox, Icon, or King coilovers, put better UCAs, test it, and if I see I need more I’d probably just go w/ a mid/long travel kit from a company like Mazzulla. But it would be nice to see something like the ZR2 or the All Terrain HD concept (sans the heavy diesel (imo it would be too nose-heavy)) go into production from GM, that has been torture tested and with factory warranty. I have to admit that I really like the FEATURES the raptor has (FOX suspension, hill ascend/descend assist, diff-locker, etc.) It’s a nice package BUT on that truck, to me it’s like a turd trying to be Gold.

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    1. “To me it’s like a turd trying to be Gold.” – isn’t that what Ford is always like?

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  11. Ram announces diesel 1500 today another step ahead if the general!

    Please fine tune the new 1500 then give us a 450ft/lb Diesel ZR2 that gets 30mpg and ill never consider a Ford again!

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    1. I think the bottom fell out of the 4.5 liter diesel, however the market for diesel power has not…….

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  12. When is GM putting 8,9 or 10 speed transmissions in their trucks? GMA said that GM and Ford were working together to create 9 and 10 speeds. I think GM should put 9 speeds in the 4.3L V6 and 5.3L V8 and a 10 speed in the 6.2L. . . But that’s my opinion.

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