2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Debuts Standard Magnetic Ride Control

Magnetic Ride Control, the same advanced suspension-damping technology found on high-performance GM cars from the Chevy Corvette to the Cadillac CTS-V, will make its first appearance on a full-size truck: the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali.

Said Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer: “With magnetic ride control, the 2015 Sierra Denali delivers a smoother, more confident driving experience without sacrificing the capabilities customers expect from a GMC truck. The responsiveness of the system makes this full-size truck feel and drive like a luxury vehicle—and one that’s more comfortable on long trips, especially when trailering.”

Those advantages come from electronically controlled shock absorbers that are filled with a "magneto-rheological" fluid containing tiny particles of iron. The magnetic ride control system analyzes road conditions every five milliseconds or so, then adjusts the magnetic charge of the fluid in a way that changes the alignment of the iron particles. This then has the effect of changing the damping resistance of the shocks "almost instantly," according to GM.

Magnetic ride control will be standard on all 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali models, regardless of engine choice, and the Pro Grade brand emphasizes that boosting the comfort levels of the trucks will not affect their capability levels. Thus, for the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali, max payload remains at 1,940 lbs., while the top tow rating stays at 9,400 lbs.

Just note that the first benchmark is achieved with an all-wheel-drive configuration and the latter requires a rear-wheel-drive setup.

It's also worth remembering that the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali—and, in fact, all GM trucks—will be rated according to the "J2807 Recommended Practices" from the Society for Automotive Engineers (SAE) for the new selling season. The guidelines were created to help consumers by applying consistent standards to automakers' towing claims and are being adopted throughout the industry. And while some individual truck configurations will see lowered ratings as a result, the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 maintains its overall trailer maximum of 12,000 lbs., for double-cab models with rear-wheel drive, an available 6.2-liter V8 engine, and the brand's "Max Trailering Package."

The 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali will reach dealerships later this year at a price that is TBD at this time.