2014 GMC Sierra 1500 - Aerodynamic Wind Testing

In our last blog post we mentioned we couldn’t be more excited about the release of the new 2014 GMC Sierra 1500, here at Ferguson Buick GMC. That being said, we were compelled to write another blog post about; yep, that’s right, you guessed it, the 2014 GMC Sierra. It’s going to be one beautiful truck!

We mentioned in our last post that the GMC Sierra has been through over 7,000,000 miles of accumulated rigorous testing before its launch. Aerodynamic testing was one major test applied to the new Sierra. According to GM, the 2014 GMC Sierra went through more aerodynamic wind testing than any previous pickup for the brand.

Aerodynamic functionality has been a major design process for automakers; especially in the last couple of decades. With gas prices rising, people have become more concerned about fuel efficiency than ever before; while at the same time, truck owners want pickups with more towing capacity and more torque. Reducing wind drag is one of the best methods of getting the best of both worlds. "For a full-size truck, a change in drag coefficient of 0.01 is approximately equal to an improvement in fuel economy of 0.1 mpg on the combined city/highway driving cycle," says GM's Schenkel. "The same drag coefficient reduction can improve a car's fuel economy by approximately 0.2 mpg."

To study the way air passes over, under and around the Sierra, engineers used GM’s state-of-the-art aerodynamics lab, a 750-foot-long tunnel through which a 43-foot-diameter fan to generate winds of up to 138 miles per hour.

Here’s a look at some of GM’s new features and findings from its extensive wind tunnel testing on the new Sierra:

• A new air dam below the 2014 Sierra’s front bumper successfully reduces drag because it directs air toward the ground and away from the truck’s rough underbody.
• Ducted flow path between the grille and radiator prevents air from swirling inside the truck’s front cavities.
• The Sierra’s tailgate and the center high-mounted stop light are optimized to guide air cleanly around the truck. And new sealing in the cab and bed also help.
• GM found trucks achieve better fuel efficiency with the tailgate up. As air flows over the truck, it falls over the cab and pushes forward on the rear of the truck. With the tailgate down, the benefits of that airflow are diminished.

The entire truck’s design needs to be considered in order to determine how aerodynamic it actually is. According to Diane Bloch, GM aerodynamic performance engineer, “The biggest misconception is that it’s all about single components. But a certain side mirror design doesn’t create a certain amount of drag, its interaction with the rest of the vehicle does.”

Another misconception people often have about their truck is - removing the tailgate, or replacing it with a cargo reduces drag and increases fuel efficiency. Driving with the tailgate closed actually results in airflow "pushing" on the back of the cab, a desirable airflow characteristic. “Replacing the tailgate with an aftermarket net is worse than having no tailgate at all,” Bloch said. It is like dragging fishing net through water.

   

Both the 2014 Chevy Silverado and the 2014 GMC Sierra will be on dealership lots within months. Aerodynamic advancement, according to GM, is one reason why the 2014 Sierra will be the most fuel-efficient V8 pickup on the market. GM released pricing for the 2014 Sierra; MSRP will be set at $25,085.

WE HAVE A HUGE SELECTION OF 2014 GMC SIERRA PICK UPS

AT FERGUSON BUICK GMC

Ferguson Buick GMC Superstore would be glad to help answer any question you may about the GMC Sierra. Please, give us a call at 918-258-1800. We are located near Tulsa, in Broken Arrow, OK.

We have a huge selection of new GMC and used GMCs, new Buicks and used Buicks, Pre-owned Certified GMVehicles, and so much more!

Our GM service team can help you service your new GMC today. Along with servicing, Ferguson Buick GMC Superstore can help finance your next car. Have questions about financing? We can even value your trade-in.



source: trucktrend.com