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Article Comments - 2007 GMC Sierra Denali Full Test

130 messages,  Last post on Sep 17, 2011 at 10:04 PM

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Article comments for Full Test: 2007 GMC Sierra Denali - The 2007 GMC Sierra Denali is GM's top-of-the-line luxury pickup, but it emphasizes the truck part of the equation as much as the luxury part. (more)

Messages Page 1 of 13

#1 of 130 Article Comments - 2007 GMC Sierra Denali Full Test by KarenS HOST

May 15, 2007 (9:28 am)

Take a look at our full test of this "luxury pickup". Tell us what you think.
 
Full Test: 2007 GMC Sierra Denali

#2 of 130 Re: Article Comments - 2007 GMC Sierra Denali Full Test [KarenS] by skytop1

May 15, 2007 (9:41 am)

Replying to: KarenS (May 15, 2007 9:28 am)
Very comprehensive and readible test. Also, loved the accompanying video! Learned a lot. Thanks.

#3 of 130 Re: Article Comments - 2007 GMC Sierra Denali Full Test [skytop1] by jbstx

May 15, 2007 (6:15 pm)

Replying to: skytop1 (May 15, 2007 9:41 am)
Did I read that the 2007 demali was only offered in AWD and that the 2008 model will be either 2wd or 4wd ??
no more AWD ??

#4 of 130 Re: Article Comments - 2007 GMC Sierra Denali Full Test by snapdave

May 16, 2007 (12:30 am)

You compare the 2wd Denali to a 4wd Tundra and wonder why it accelerates a little slower? It’s a matter of traction. Come on guys, you should know this already.
 
Speaking of things you should know, last time I checked the Denali had an available power rear window opening. It’s not nearly as nice as Tundra Crew Max’s vertically sliding window though.

#5 of 130 2007 GMC Sierra Denali Full Test by hondacura4

May 16, 2007 (6:08 pm)

Snapdave, I agree with you to a point. The 4WD will help with traction from a stop but once going its just extra baggage. Look at the trap speeds, nearly a 3 mph hour difference which is significant in a drag race, and on top of all that the Toyota is still HEAVIER by a great margin. Its hard to believe but even the 6.2 liter variant of GM's excellent LS series cant match the Toyota 5.7. Maybe Toyota is using closer gear ratios? Both are great trucks in the end.

#6 of 130 Re: 2007 GMC Sierra Denali Full Test [hondacura4] by gmcbob

May 17, 2007 (8:45 pm)

Replying to: hondacura4 (May 16, 2007 6:08 pm)
Actually, I always found it pretty interesting that gear ratios aren't scrutinized in road tests more often, especially during vehicle comparisons. In this instance, keep in mind that the GMC uses a 3.42 axle ratio, while the Tundra comes with a 4.10 exle ratio. That will make quite a difference in acceleration times. The data is readily available, and often made available at the end of the tests, but rarely talked about when comparisons are made in acceleration. The Toyota is short on horsepower, but big on gears when compared to the GMC. My guess, if GMC offered a 4.10 gear (or someone put one in themselves) in the Denali, it would probably out accelerate the Tundra based on horsepower and torque, but probably get worse gas mileage. Overall, smart move on GM's part to keep the gears somewhat low (or high??).

#7 of 130 Re: 2007 GMC Sierra Denali Full Test [gmcbob] by 1offroader

May 18, 2007 (7:30 am)

Replying to: gmcbob (May 17, 2007 8:45 pm)
Keep in mind that rear axle ratio does not tell the whole story. The final drive ratio is what really matters. This is obtained by multiplying the rear axle ratio by the transmission gear ratio of whatever gear you're interested in comparing. For example, let's say the you want to know what the final drive ratio is for first gear, to compare the ability of two vehicles to get off the starting line. You would multiply first gear by 3.42 or 4.10 (or whatever). This gives an indication of how quick the vehicle could accelerate. If you want to get a feel for possible fuel mileage, you would multiply the tallest gear (6th, for a 6-speed trans) by the rear axle ratio (3.42 or 4.10, etc.)
 
For offroad performance, you would multiply trans first gear X transfer case low gear X rear axle ratio, giving you the "compound low" final drive ratio. This would give an indication of how competent the vehicle might be in rough offroad conditions (but there are many other factors also).
 
Is that clear?
 
1offroader

#8 of 130 Re: 2007 GMC Sierra Denali Full Test [hondacura4] by markisliev

May 19, 2007 (5:27 am)

Replying to: hondacura4 (May 16, 2007 6:08 pm)
I would like to see the Tundra and Denali tested on the same day. Check out the article below it shows the AWD Sierra Denali having a higher trap speed than the Tundra. If the AWD can run 14.8's all day long then the 2wd flavor should be good for 14.5-14.6 1/4's if you are graceful with your launches(200lbs lighter than AWD)...I would like to see a re-test on the 2wd or a head to head comparison...This doesn't add up..
 
http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/2007/gmc/sierra/roadtest/page1.html
 
In the edmunds test they didn't even run her to 6k rpm...from the review...
 
"It feels as if it could keep pulling beyond the 5,500-rpm shift point. Shifts are quick and clean. FYI: you can get an extra 500 rpm out of the engine in manual-shift mode before the 6,000-rpm rev limiter kicks in. We tried to utilize this, but timing an electronically requested upshift proved too difficult, and with a 6.5-sec run to 60 mph, why bother?"
 
They should have played with the manual shift more...This motor makes peak HP after 5500rpm...I'm sure the diablo tuner thats already out will get rid of the shift points and Tq management....Toyota will not be able to hang in the aftermarket support..
 

#9 of 130 Temps... by markisliev

May 19, 2007 (3:40 pm)

The Tundra was also tested in January and the Denali in May...big diff in temps i'm sure that alone is worth 3/10ths...

#10 of 130 Narrowly focused group of people... by the_big_al

Jun 27, 2008 (4:16 pm)

What I would like to see is this powertrain offered in more lines than just the Denali. The Denali makes about as much sense as the Lincoln Blackwood/Mark/Gussied F-150. Although the Denali is a MUCH better truck than the Lincoln ever hoped to be with more power, better styling and better dynamics.

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