GMC is offering a new engine breathing upgrade for the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500, opening up the 6.2L V8 with a Performance Air Intake System. The new factory-installed performance option is tagged with the RPO code K53, and is available for several 2025 GMC Sierra trim levels, including SLT, AT4, Denali, and Denali Ultimate. That said, the new intake is only available on models equipped with naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 engine, and, curiously, requires the optional spray-on bedliner (RPO code CGN).
Although official pricing and other details on the new intake have yet to be announced, it bears to reason that the upgrade should yield slightly improved engine output compared to the standard setup, not to mention the usual induction “whooshing” noises. For reference, the 6.2L V8 L87 engine setup is rated at 420 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 460 pound-feet of torque at 4,100 rpm when equipped with the standard intake system.
The Sierra 1500 previously offered a Cold Air Intake Kit on the pre-refresh 2021 and 2022 Sierra 1500 Limited models. Tagged with RPO code 5W7, the previous intake system was available for SLT, AT4, and Denali trims, and was one of two parts in the Performance Upgrade Package (RPO code PDM). The Performance Upgrade Package also included a Cat-Back Performance Exhaust (RPO code WBC).
Notably, the Performance Upgrade Package offered previously was part of the Off-Road Performance Package (RPO code PCJ) available for the AT4 trim. In addition to the Performance Air Intake and Cat-Back Exhaust, the Off-Road Performance Package also featured LT275/65R18C Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires (RPO code R3O) and 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with dark grey accents (RPO code RT5).
As a reminder, the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 offers four engine options total, including the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine, the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L84 gasoline engine, the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine, and the 3.0L I6 LZ0 turbodiesel Duramax engine. Under the skin, the light-duty Sierra rides on the GM T1 platform, while vehicle assembly takes place at the GM Fort Wayne Assembly plant in Indiana and the GM Silao plant in Mexico.
Comments
I saw a ’24 Denali Ultimate version of this Friday at the grocery store in this same color. Driven by a 70-something dude, used only to shuttle the missus around on errand-running. Bed was spotless. Boy, when the economy takes a hit, GM and Ford are in big trouble.
I think maybe yes, they might be in trouble..but Toyota NOT NECESSARILY will go unscathed, because of their QC and engine troubles…..
after he dropped off the miss’s, he was going for a load of gravel to fix the pot holes in his driveway, than after that, going for a load of firewood.
I forgot to even add that Tundra brochures past 2013 and past 21 seem to be focused on “lifestyle” and “adventure” rather than actual work……..
In Qatar the maximum I have seen is a jet ski or a horse trailer (2-3 years ago)…nothing in the bed.
My ’21 Denali is spotless, and I’ve had know it all jerks make similar comments about mine, clueless to the fact that I’ve had Chevy small blocks and a Ford Boss 429 in the back of it. Also race car tires, boxes of Corvette parts, yard equipment, go karts, and a lot of other things. I also tow with it…..and I’m 70.