Starting production in early June, the GMC Sierra CarbonPro Editions, for the Sierra Denali 1500 and the Sierra AT4 1500, will be available in select dealerships this summer.

The CarbonPro, made from carbon fibre composite, provides a scratch, dent and corrosion-resistant pickup bed. It is designed to:

• withstand weathering;
• weigh 25% less than a traditional steel bed, removing about 60 pounds of vehicle mass and the need for bed liners;
• deliver more volume (increased by one cubic foot); and
• feature more functionality with indentations specifically for tires of dirt and street bikes, and two extra tie-down locations at the front of the bed.

“CarbonPro is made of the same raw material found in seven-figure supercars and even aerospace applications,” said Duncan Aldred, Vice President, Global GMC. “Coupled with offering the world’s first six-function MultiPro tailgate, the 2020 Sierra packs a one-two hauling punch for whatever the situation demands.”

Testing

The bed went through several tests to prove its long-term durability and functionality:

• Drop tests: Large and heavy loads like cinder blocks, about 1,800-pound loads of gravel, and a 450-pound water-filled steel drum, were repeatedly dropped onto the bed from varying heights.
• Corrosions tests: proved that carbon fiber is naturally resistant to corrosion.
• Snowmobile test: A snowmobile with metal studs on the track was driven into the bed and accelerated at full throttle while a 250-pound rider was on board. The result was minimal scratching on the bed.
• Extreme temperature testing: Validation work was performed in Kapuskasing, Ontario and Yuma, Arizona – both have challenging environments.
• Generator test: high heat exposure, using an exhaust from a portable generator, was aimed at the corner of the bed to ensure heat and vibrations would not degrade it.

Adding more functionality

The CarbonPro bed offers move volume, with the sidewalls pushed out father to provide more room. Like the steel bed, it gives the ability to slide a 2-inch by 6-inch wooden divider into pockets in the bed wall for cargo organization and separation.

A grained surface at the tops of the corrugation helps increase tractions in wet weather, while a smoother grain at the bottoms of the grooves helps easy dirt and debris removal.

“The bed is the working end of a truck; it’s what brings buyers to the segment,” said Tim Herrick, Executive Chief Engineer, Full-Size Trucks, General Motors, “Loaded with motorcycles, snowmobiles or dirt bikes, CarbonPro in the 2020 GMC Sierra is sure to impress with its strength, space, and innovation.”

Additional details

The CarbonPro is just one of the few innovative features to debut on the 2020 GMC Sierra. Alongside the bed, towing capabilities are improved through the ProGrade Trailering System with an in-vehicle trailering app that offers a connected suite of trailering technology. A Rear Camera Mirror uses a camera mirror display that provides a better view that avoids common visual obstructions like passengers or cargo. An additional feature is a Multicolour 15-inch diagonal Head-Up Display.

There is also a payload increase of 59 pounds higher depending on configurations and equipment.

Additional features like spray-in bed liner, rear wheelhouse liners, and even a paint job, are not needed since the carbon fibre composite is durable, rugged yet non-abrasive, dent resistant and a premium surface that is UV stable.