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GMC has unveiled the Sierra AT4X AEV Edition at Overland Expo Pacific Northwest, adding tough upgrades to the full-size pickup's most extreme off-road variant. The automaker boasts that this is the most capable factory Sierra 1500 ever introduced, and it's obvious when taking a look at this truck.
The most noticeable changes on the outside are the steel front and rear bumpers, which are fitted with heavy duty recovery points and can support a winch. They are made using 3-millimeter steel, and are powdered and e-coated for better durability. AEV also installed off-road ready gloss black 18-inch wheels, which are wrapped in huge 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires. The wheels also feature recessed valves to provide protection from rocks while off-roading. In order to accommodate the reshaped bumpers and sizable tires, small adjustments have been made to the front fascia, including a tweaked grille. AEV also added five skid plates to protect the Sierra's underbody, positioned on the front approach, rear differential, transfer case, fuel tank, and steering gear.
Other small add-ons include gloss black door handles and a black contest inner tailgate. Meanwhile, bolt-on side steps are offered as an option, as well as rocker panel protectors to guard the side sills and frame rails.
In order to make this AEV Edition the most potent off-road Sierra ever made, its approach, departure, and breakover angles have been increased. The approach angle has been upgraded to 32.5 degrees, while the departure angle is now at 23.4 degrees, and the breakover angle has increased to 23 degrees. This pickup's ground clearance has also been raised to 11.2 inches, up from the standard AT4X's 10.8 inches.
Aside from the major upgrades that AEV added to this Sierra, the AT4X offers some impressive off-road capability on its own. Of course, the AEV Edition includes all of the AT4X's best features, including Multimatic DSSV dampers, a two-speed transfer case with selectable off-road modes and four-wheel drive, e-locking differentials in the front and rear, and a powerful 6.2 liter V8 engine.
Inside, the premium yet capable feel that GMC is known for remains. The cabin borrows the Obsidian Rush color theme from the regular AT4X, with genuine Vanta ash wood trim and power-massaging leather front seats.
"The Sierra AT4X is an incredibly formidable platform when it comes to on-and off-road performance and capability," says AEV CEO Dave Harriton. "We took our signature approach to help elevate this truck's inherent off-road capability to the next level. We are confident consumers will love the result."
What do you think of the most off-road capable Sierra ever?
Images: GMC
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