2011 GMC Sierra 3500HD Crew Cab SLT DRW, an AW Drivers Log - AutoWeek
COM BOB GRITZINGER: Talk about your big muthas--this dually turbodiesel 3500 is all the truck anybody would ever need, and never need, unless their towing and work needs necessitate the regular hauling of houses, for instance. I suppose someone who tows horse trailers or bulldozers would find regular use for this kind of capability, but most drivers might find this kind of girth and grunt more than they can legitimately justify. Driving the big rig is like driving a big rig--everything needs to be slow and steady. If quick and agile are among your demands, start with a half-ton truck and work down from there. Between the turbo spool-up time and the six-speed automatic's downshift lag, there's a noticeable delay from the time one mashes the right pedal until that action is translated into power at the wheels. Once it gets there, there's power aplenty, but it's a slow and steady progression, not a sports-car snap. Riding around in a truck like this without a load, and most of the time without even another passenger, seems ludicrous. At the same time, for such a monster, the ride is steady and not too bouncy, and the vehicle stays in its lane better than some much smaller vehicles. EDITORIAL INTERN JAKE LINGEMAN: This truck is impressive to look at, giant and red with chrome trim. Driving the rig takes a little getting used to. When pulling out of the parking lot, I had to go back and forth a few times to avoid the cement poles. Source: autoweek.com
