Although the price is not known, limited production will begin in June.
GMC first unveiled its half-ton Sierra pickup truck last year. The automaker also spoke extensively about the new carbon fiber pickup bed that will be offered as an option. This CarbonPro Edition option will be available at GMC dealerships in the summer. It took some time. It will only be available in limited quantities to AT4 1500 and Sierra Denali 1500 models.
“CarbonPro is made from the same raw material as seven-figure supercars, and even aerospace applications,” Duncan Aldred (Vice President at Global GMC). The 2019 Sierra is the first to offer a six-function MultiPro tailgate and a one-two punch when it comes to hauling.
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The CarbonPro Edition’s key advantage is, as you might expect, its lighter weight. GMC claims that the composite bed is 60 pounds lighter than a Sierra with a similar equipped steel bed. GMC claims that the composite bed can save more weight than a steel-equipped Sierra with a similar bed. GMC claims that the CarbonPro bed provides best-in class cargo volume and best-in–class corrosion, dent, scratch, as well as protection.
Some have raised concerns about the strength of the carbon fiber bed to withstand the demands of truck life. The material is strong but can shatter if pushed beyond its limits. Aluminum and steel bend before breaking. GMC claims that the bed was rigorously developed and strength-tested in many unusual ways to address these concerns. The bed was repeatedly flooded with cinnamon blocks, steel drums weighing 450 lbs and gravel loads weighing 1800 lbs. GMC does not specify whether these tests caused any damage. However, a snowmobile test that involved a studded track caused minor scratching to the surface.
The biggest question is how much the carbon fibre bed will cost. Aldred from GMC pointed out that carbon fiber is often associated to expensive cars, which can run into the six- or seven-figure range. The CarbonPro Editon will soon be available for production.