Here’s Why GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate Trucks Still Have Chrome
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One thing that stands out about the GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate lineup – both on the 1500 (Light Duty / LD) and Heavy Duty (HD) models – is the exclusive Vader Chrome treatment, which is intended to provide the pickups with a more sinister, darker-themed demeanor. However, despite the exclusivity of Vader Chrome, the range-topping Sierra trim still receives a healthy amount of “regular” shiny chrome. We set out to understand why.
GM Authority’s Executive Editor Alex Luft, known as The Authority within the Motrolix offices, recently asked GMC designers why they choose to not give the Vader Chrome treatment to some exterior elements of the Sierra Denali Ultimate models
“We don’t typically change all of that because it gets so complex,” explained the designers. “Because it’s so petit, we feel it’s ok to have a few accents like the tow hooks [finished in regular chrome].”
As it were, there are several pieces that GMC designers could apply the Vader Chrome treatment too for both the LD and HD Denali Ultimate trucks, as we have broken out below.
Sierra Denali Ultimate 1500:
- Lower front fascia trim piece
- Tow / recovery hooks
- Side-view mirror caps
- Door handles
- Daylight opening (DLO) / window surround trim
- Denali hard badge on tailgate
- Sierra hard badge on tailgate
- Exhaust tips
Sierra Denali Ultimate HD:
- Tow / recovery hooks
- Side-view mirror caps
- Door handles
- Wheels
- Daylight opening (DLO) / window surround trim
- Denali hard badge on tailgate
- Sierra hard badge on tailgate
As we have heard from several owners of Denali Ultimate trucks, giving the items listed above the Vader Chrome treatment – which is noticeably darker than regular chrome – would complete the darker theme of GMC’s flagship trucks.
As a reminder, the Denali Ultimate is positioned as the range-topping trim level for both 1500 and HD pickup trucks, being introduced in conjunction with the 2022.5 model year refresh for the Sierra 1500 and the 2024 model year refresh for the Sierra HD. Denali Ultimate models receive exclusive exterior accents and interior treatments, as well as the range-topping engines available in each truck.
Pricing for the 2023 Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate starts at $82,940, while GMC has yet to announce pricing for the 2024 Sierra HD Denali Ultimate.
What are your thoughts on GMC’s decision to not treat all shiny chrome with Vader Chrome on the Denali Ultimates? Vote in the poll and sound off in the comments section below.
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Brandon now that you have climbed out your mom’s basement your eyes will adjust to the glare from the sun just be patient. Sorry you were picked on in high school but your 100,000 dollar truck still won’t change that or get you women or probably guys in your case, maybe you and nate can hook up and finally have a date, now back to work.
Poor boomer. Couldn’t get anything previously correct, so they make more ignorant assumptions. You should really get help for your anger issues.
So the last post is correct?
Yeah, you nailed it, genius. I hope you got a pension, because clearly intellect didn’t make you money.
Wow I hit a sore spot because you are angry! When you get off of work research when glass becomes a mirror. Yes I do have a pension from a aerospace company and also have investments along with properties so living comfortably since I retired at the age of 55. Back to work.
Funny I found this post because I’m looking to swap out the chrome on my Denali Ultimate because I don’t like how it looks with the Vader chrome. Don’t get me wrong it still looks good, just don’t love the regular chrome and Vader mixed. Will probably just get it wrapped if I end up selling to one of you old timers years from now.
I’d rather not have someone else deciding for me what color options I can have. For that price I’d better get it exactly how I want it, chrome or not. And I wish there were more leather interior options also. And if they haven’t already, get rid of damn Bose ffs.
“Because it’s so petit, we feel it’s ok to have a few accents like the tow hooks [finished in regular chrome].”
Who tf is this guy? First off if you referred to your truck as petit, get a cute little hybrid car instead. Trucks shouldn’t be petit. I shouldn’t have to even say that.
2nd off, “we feel”? Your ass isn’t buying my truck so who are you to tell me what “we feel” about options I don’t want that also don’t match and stick out badly. We feel lol. What a dingus.
complex,” explained the designers. How? Get it right or don’t do it….. I sure don’t like the mix.