GMC 2012 GMC Sierra Manual

12GMCSRAR-25
FACEBOOK.COM/GMC TWITTER.COM/THISISGMC YOUTUBE.COM/GMC
GMC.COM
GMC SIERRA
20 12 C ATALO G
ENGINEERING A BETTER COMMUNITY
SCULPTURE
IN THE PARK
WILD HORSE
SANCTUARY
HISTORIC-SHIP
REBUILDING
COMMUNITY-
SUPPORTED
AGRICULTURE

REAL LIFE. REAL PROJECTS. Making a real difference. GMC vehicles aren’t made to sit in the
showroom. They’re designed, engineered and built to get things done, to defy the impossible
and to never say the job is over until you’ve overachieved. This is why GMC has joined with the
people and organizations you’re about to meet. People who are making a difference in their
communities and effecting real change. From advancing the arts to providing safe haven to
an American icon, helping a community learn the value of locally grown produce or restoring
an historic treasure, GMC is proud to present these stories of what can really happen in life
when you never say never.
GMC. WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE.
COLORS
INTERIOR MATERIALS
DARK TITANIUM DARK TITANIUM
VINYL
(Standard: WT trim)
CLOTH
(Standard: SL trim; Available: WT trim)
PREMIUM CLOTH
(Standard: SLE trim, Hybrid and XFE)
LEATHER-APPOINTED
(Standard: SLT trim; Available: SLE trim, Hybrid and XFE)
LIGHT TITANIUM
LIGHT CASHMERE
EBONY
LIGHT TITANIUM
LIGHT CASHMERE
EBONY
COCOA/LIGHT CASHMERE
EBONY
PERFORATED LEATHER-APPOINTED
(Standard: Sierra Denali; Available: Sierra SLT)
LIGHT TITANIUM5
FPO
SIERRA ALL-TERRAIN INTERIOR TRIM
Premium Cloth (Standard: SLE trim)
EBONY
EBONY/LIGHT TITANIUM
Ultrasoft leather-appointed (Standard: SLT trim)
EBONY
ONYX BLACK1
STEEL GRAY METALLIC
SUMMIT WHITE1
WHITE DIAMOND TRICOAT2
QUICKSILVER METALLIC
CARBON BLACK METALLIC3
FIRE RED
MIDNIGHT BLUE METALLIC3
STEALTH GRAY METALLIC1MOCHA STEEL METALLIC3
SIERRA/1500 WHEELS4
WHEEL AVAILABILITY/SIERRA SELECT MODELS
2500HD WHEELS4
3500HD DRW WHEELS4
DENALI HD SRW WHEELS4
2500HD/3500HD SRW WHEELS4
P Y S
20" ALUMINUM
A: SL E, SLT
P Y R
18" FORGED POLISHED
ALUMINUM
S: 2500HD S LT
S: 3500HD SLE, S LT
A: 25 00HD SLE
P Y T
18" PAINTED STEEL
S: 3500HD W T
A: 25 00HD WT
P Y Q
17" CAST-
ALUMINUM
BR I GHT
MACHINED
S: SLE
P Y P
17 " CHROME- CLAD STEEL
A: W T
P Y N
17" PAINTED STEEL
S: WT
P Y W
17" PAINTED STEEL
S: WT
P06
17 " CHROME SK INS
AND CENT ER CAPS
S: SL E, SLT
P Y S
20" ALUMINUM
A: 25 00 DENAL I HD
P Y R
18 " F ORG E D
POLISHED ALUMINUM
S: 2500 & 3500
DENALI HD
R S 7
17" FORGED POLISHED
ALUMINUM
S: 3500 DEN ALI HD DRW
A: 3500HD SLE/SLT DRW
All colors are basecoat/clearcoat for high-gloss and durable finish. See your dealer for more details on color and
trim options. 1Available on Denali. 2Available on Crew Cab and 1500 Denali. 3Available fall 2011. 4Use only
GM-approved tire and wheel combinations. For approved tire and wheel combinations and other important
information, go to gmaccessorieszone.com or see your dealer for details. 5Color not available on Denali.
NX7
17 " PAINTED STEEL
S: WT TRIM
P41
20" CHROMED ALUMINUM
S: SI ERRA DEN ALI
RO8
18" CHROME-CLAD
ALUMINUM
S: SLT AND HY BRID
N88
17 " POLISHED
ALUMINUM SPORT
S:XFE
A: SL E AND SLT W/M AX
TRA ILERING PACKA GE
P Y 9
17 " CHROME-STYLED STEEL
S: SLE TRIM AND S L CRE W CA B
A: W T REGULAR OR E XT CAB
S86
20" CHROME-CL AD ALUMINUM
A: SLE AND SLT
RZF
18" CHROME-CL AD ALUMINUM
S: AL L-TER RAIN PAC KAG E

QR CODES
HOW TO SCAN A QR CODE
Use your smartphone to scan the QR codes shown
throughout the catalog. After scanning the code, your
smartphone will be directed to a mobile site for more
information on each project. If you do not have a QR code
reader, simply download a free reader through the app
store on your smartphone device.
HOW TO USE THE URL
IF YOU DON’T HAVE A SMARTPHONE
If you don’t have a smartphone, you can still experience all
the extra content by logging on to the Web and entering the
Web address found next to the QR code.
26 - 31
2- 25
32 - 40
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
P A R T 1
GMC COMMUNITY PROJECTS
SCULPTURE IN THE PARK, 2
WILD HORSE SANCTUARY, 8
HISTORIC-SHIP REBUILDING, 14
COMMUNITY-SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE, 20
Learn about the organizations and individuals GMC is
partnering with who are committing their innovative spirit
and uncompromising attitude to projects that make a long-
lasting impact on their communities.
PART 2
FEATURES AND THEIR BENEFITS
The what, the where and the how of professional-grade
engineering. It’s everything you need to know about the
2012 GMC Sierra, from its bold styling to the 23,000 lbs of
maximum fifth-wheel trailering capacity1
.
PART 3
SPEC YOUR MODEL
Compare all the options, check out the accessories and
customize your own 2012 GMC Sierra.
Sierra 2500HD Crew Cab Slt IN ONYX BLACK Sierra
is engineered to keep any task under control, with Trailer Sway
Control and Hill Start Assist standard on all models. (Excluding
Hybrid and Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) models.)
1Based on Sierra 3500HD DRW 4WD with available 6.6L V-8 engine and fifth-wheel hitch. Maximum trailer weight ratings are calculated assuming a base vehicle, except for any option(s) necessary to achieve
the rating, plus driver. The weight of other optional equipment, passengers and cargo will reduce the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. See your GMC dealer for additional details. Vehicle shown
with available equipment. Grille available fourth quarter 2011.

PROJECT
SCULPTURE IN THE PARK—BROOKLYN, NY
THE ART OF
ENGINEERING ART.
FOR MORE OF THE STORY, SCAN THE QR CODE WITH YOUR
SMARTPHONE OR VISIT GMC.COM/SIERRA_SCULPTURE
Sculptor Robert Lobe is a quiet man, but his vision speaks volumes. Like the nature that inspires
him, Lobe believes the meaning of art can’t be restrained. It can’t be confined to a canvas or seen only
in a museum. To Lobe, the idea of art is bigger than a gallery or an exhibition. It happens every day
and it happens all around us.
So he set out to put art where the people are.
A New York-based artist, Lobe uses items like rocks and trees to shape sculptures that highlight
the random beauty of life itself. Although his work has been displayed around the world, for his
latest series, “Nature in Nature,” he wanted to bring it a little closer to home, namely Brooklyn’s own
Prospect Park. But how do you move half-ton sculptures from a studio in New Jersey to the heart
of New York City? You start by never saying never. With GMC’s help, Lobe had the power to haul his
three half-ton sculptures to the site, the capability to navigate works of art through the hustle of
the city and the bold thinking to see the project through to completion.
BUT WHAT CAN THE IDEA OF PUBLIC ART SAY
ABOUT THE THINKING BEHIND THE GMC SIERRA?
It says that true inspiration will always make an impact, and great ideas should never be confined by
convention. Which is why Sierra HD offers something no other competitor can: a best-in-class 1-ton
maximum fifth-wheel trailer weight rating of up to 23,000 lbs.1
It says that compromise should never have a place in art or engineering. Which is why Sierra HD
offers the only available fully automatic locking rear differential in its class. And it makes
it all the more obvious that with professional grade, even everyday life can be like a work of art.
GMC SIERRA.

SIERRA 3500 DENALI HD DRW, FOLLOWED BY SIERRA
2500 DENALI HD, BOTH IN ONYX BLACK The widest
selection of V-8 power and up to 23,000 lbs of fifth-
wheel trailering capacity1mean no matter what job you’re
planning, a Sierra truck is your blueprint for success.
PART 1 : SCuplture in tHe park—brooklyn, ny VEHICLES SHOWN : Sierra 3500 Denali HD Drw anD Sierra 2500 Denali HD FEATURES : See pageS 26-28 for more DetaileD information on powertrain
1Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab DRW 4WD with available 6.6L V-8 engine and fifth-wheel hitch. Maximum trailer weight ratings are calculated assuming a base vehicle, except for any option(s) necessary to achieve the rating, plus driver. The weight of
other optional equipment, passengers and cargo will reduce the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. See your GMC dealer for additional details. Vehicles shown with available equipment. Grille available fourth quarter 2011.

44
1Go to gm.com/bluetooth to find out which Bluetooth phones are compatible with the vehicle.
↓ Sierra Denali’s steering-wheel-mounted controls allow
convenient access to radio volume and Bluetooth®1
phone, without taking your eyes off the road.
↓ Sierra Denali’s standard Tow/Haul mode is easily controlled
from the steering wheel gear shift, giving you more control
of your power, whether you’re going uphill or coming down.
↑ SIERRA DENALI INTERIOR IN EBONY
Sierra Denali’s remarkably quiet interior adds
to the premium comfort of its refined ride.

Vehicles shown with available equipment.
55
PART 1 : SCuplture in tHe park—brooklyn, ny VEHICLE SHOWN : Sierra Denali FEATURES : See pageS 30-31 for more DetaileD information on interior
↓ Perforated leather-appointed seating
comes standard in Sierra Denali.
↓ Sierra Denali keeps any trip comfortable
with heated and cooled front seats that
are easily controlled by a push of a button.

66
↓ Our strongest, most powerful, most capable
Sierra HD pickups ever.
↑ SIERRA DENALI, SIERRA 2500 DENALI HD AND SIERRA 3500 DENALI HD DRW, ALL IN
ONYX BLACK Sierra Denali’s iconic front grille makes a striking statement wherever it goes.

Vehicles shown with available equipment.
4
5
To join the conversation about
these projects, or to learn
how people are making a difference,
visit facebook.com/gmc and look
for “Community Projects.”
THE TALENT BEHIND SCULPTURE IN THE PARK
Robert Lobe’s “Nature in Nature” exhibition is three separate sculptures that have been installed in Brooklyn’s Prospect
Park. Lobe, a sculptor whose work has appeared around the world, created “Nature’s Clock,” “Invisible Earth” and “Antique
Jenny” for specific sites on the grounds of the park’s historic boathouse, to be enjoyed by the public in a natural setting.
GMC SIERRA
↓ Artist Robert Lobe.
↓↓ Assistants wait for final instructions.
↑ “Invisible Earth” begins its move into place
in the Lullwater around the boathouse.
↓ The team guides the trailer containing
“Invisible Earth” into the water.
↓ Three Sierra Denalis were used to
transport the sculptures to the park.
↓
Lobe makes a final inspection before
transporting “Invisible Earth” to Brooklyn.
PART 1 : SCuplture in tHe park—brooklyn, ny VEHICLE SHOWN : Sierra Denali FEATURES : See page 30 for more DetaileD information on exterior St yling

8
PROJECT
WILD HORSE SANCTUARY—LOMPOC, CA
FOR MORE OF THE STORY, SCAN THE QR CODE WITH YOUR
SMARTPHONE OR VISIT GMC.COM/SIERRA_SANCTUARY
THE BIGGEST JOBS
DEMAND BOLDER
THINKING.
There’s an American symbol that’s about to disappear.
After years of eroding habitat and destructive policies, the wild horses of the western landscape
are rapidly fading away. But nestled in California’s Jalama Valley is a place that refuses to let that
happen. It’s a place that never says never.
The Return to Freedom Sanctuary has rescued over 1000 wild horses and burros, preserving
entire herd groups. The animals have room to roam and run free, and genetic bloodlines are kept
intact. With GMC’s help, Return to Freedom was able to complete much needed maintenance
and improvements to the ranch’s land and infrastructure, providing a safer and more secure
environment and helping advance the mission of the sanctuary itself: to protect the freedom,
diversity and habitat of America’s wild horses for generations to come.
IT’S A BIG JOB. BUT THEY KNOW THEY’RE UP FOR THE CHALLENGE.
GMC SIERRA WAS BUILT WITH THAT SAME CONFIDENCE.
Designed to see big challenges as bigger opportunities, Sierra was engineered to exceed.
Heavy-duty trailering equipment, chrome-clad 18-inch aluminum wheels and distinctive badging
set Sierra All-Terrain apart from the rest. The famed Z71 Off-Road Suspension, Rancho Tenneco
shocks and an Eaton® automatic locking rear differential mean no matter how far away the job
takes you, you’re bound to make it back.
Sierra Heavy Duty was built on the strongest HD pickup frame GMC has ever constructed. With
an available Duramax Diesel engine that produces 397 hp and 765 lb-ft of torque, it makes it the
most powerful GMC HD pickup ever. It’s what gives you the confidence to know you can carry the
weight, the self-reliance that comes from shouldering the load and is the difference between just
driving a truck and commanding a Heavy Duty. GMC SIERRA.

Vehicle shown with available equipment.
9
PART 1 : wilD HorSe SanCtuary—lompoC, Ca VEHICLE SHOWN : Sierra all-terrain FEATURES : See page 34 for more DetaileD information on Sierra all-terrain
9
Sierra all-terrain in QuiCkSilVer metalliC
A four-bar horizontal chrome grille, chrome-accented
molding and bold All-Terrain badging set this Sierra apart
from the rest.

10
1Use only GM-approved tire and wheel combinations. For approved tire and wheel combinations and other important information, go to gmaccessorieszone.com or see your dealer for details.
↓ An available two-toned interior, unique sill plates and brushed aluminum
accents are just a few of the highlights of the All-Terrain’s interior.
↑ Sierra boDy-Color all-terrain in Summit wHite Sierra’s Body-Color Package
with its 20" chrome-clad wheels1give this All-Terrain a unique presence, on the road and off.

Vehicles shown with available equipment.
11
↓ Sierra’s All-Terrain Packages are available on 1
/
2-ton 2WD or 4WD Extended or Crew Cab models with
either the 5.3L V-8 VVT or 6.2L V-8 VVT and the legendary Z71 Off-Road Suspension.
PART 1 : wilD HorSe SanCtuary—lompoC, Ca VEHICLE SHOWN : Sierra boDy-Color all-terrain paCkage FEATURES : See page 34 for more DetaileD information on all-terrain paCkageS

12
12
↑ Sierra 3500HD Crew Cab Slt Drw in QuiCkSilVer
metalliC For maximum strength, Sierra HD’s fully boxed frame
features high-strength alloy steel to resist sagging and bending,
giving it the strongest frame we’ve ever built into an HD pickup.
↓ Sierra is up for the challenge of hauling
more in every load, with select models
offering up to 7215 lbs of maximum
payload capacity.1
↓ The Sierra HD lineup offers up to 23,000 lbs
maximum fifth-wheel trailering2and a best-in-class
weight carrying hitch capability of up to 18,000 lbs,3
so it’s ready, willing and capable to take on any task.
1Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab DRW with 6.0L V-8 engine. Maximum payload capacity includes weight of driver, passengers, optional equipment and cargo. 2Sierra 3500HD Regular Cab DRW 4WD with available 6.6L V-8 engine. Maximum trailer weight
ratings are calculated assuming a base vehicle, except for any option(s) necessary to achieve the rating, plus driver. The weight of other optional equipment, passengers and cargo will reduce the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. See your
GMC dealer for additional details. 3Capacity available fourth quarter 2011. Maximum trailer weight ratings are calculated assuming a base vehicle, except for any option(s) necessary to achieve the rating, plus driver. The weight of other optional
equipment, passengers and cargo will reduce the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. See your GMC dealer for additional details.

Vehicles shown with available equipment.
↓ Albert Villasevil Florensa (left) and Aaron Thayne trimming
hooves at the Fallon Cattle and Feed facility in Fallon, NV.
↓ Loading supplies for fence repair.
↓↓ Unloading hay for the morning feed.
To join the conversation about
these projects, or to learn
how people are making a difference,
visit facebook.com/gmc and look
for “Community Projects.”
↓ One of the natural herd groups
successfully rescued by the sanctuary.
THE STORY BEHIND RETURN TO FREEDOM
Return to Freedom is a nonprofit wild horse sanctuary founded in 1997 by Neda DeMayo. The realization of her
life-long dream, the sanctuary’s mission is to protect the freedom, diversity and natural lifestyle of America’s
free-range wild horses, becoming the first sanctuary to focus on rescuing entire family bands of wild horses.
GMC SIERRA
PART 1 : wilD HorSe SanCtuary—lompoC, Ca VEHICLE SHOWN : Sierra 3500HD FEATURES : See page 38 for more DetaileD information on Sierra HeaVy Duty SpeCifiCationS
↓ Neda Demayo and her parents, William and Stella,
next to an authentic 1956 GMC Model 101.
↑ Neda DeMayo, Founder of Return to Freedom; Aaron Thayne, natural hoof care practitioner; Albert
Villasevil Florensa, Veterinarian; Daniel Reader, Association for the Advancement of Natural Horse
Care Practices—Apprentice and Peter Wright, Return to Freedom Ranch Manager, planning the next
round of vaccinations and hoof trimming at the wild horse holding facility in Fallon, NV.

14
PROJECT
HISTORIC-SHIP REBUILDING —ALBANY, NY
CRAFTSMANSHIP
COUNTS. IN THE 17TH
CENTURYOR THE 21ST.
FOR MORE OF THE STORY, SCAN THE QR CODE WITH YOUR
SMARTPHONE OR VISIT GMC.COM/SIERRA_SHIP
Can you rebuild a 400-year-old Dutch sailing vessel by hand, with only the help of volunteers?
You can if you never say never.
When a group of New York Capital District residents wanted to educate people about the historic
contribution the Dutch made to North America, they realized the best way to teach something is
to do something. So they set out to reconstruct the Onrust (Dutch for “Restless”), the first trading
ship built in America, and use it as a living and floating classroom.
Over the span of 3 years, using authentic 17th-century Dutch building techniques and a healthy
dose of determined perseverance, they rebuilt the ship to its authentic 1614 specifications, and
brought an important part of American history back to life.
SO WHAT DOES 17TH-CENTURY SHIPBUILDING
SAY ABOUT THE ENGINEERING OF THE GMC SIERRA?
That true craftsmanship is timeless. That it’s in the details where you find the difference. And no
matter what the task, the biggest challenges can always be conquered if you have the right plan.
That’s the same attitude that’s built into every Sierra. It’s why Sierra offers you over 300 horsepower
and 22 EPA-estimated highway miles per gallon in the same engine—V-8 fuel economy that no other
competitor can beat. It’s why Sierra offers advanced technology like Active Fuel Management,
maximizing your engine’s performance to give you power and efficiency as you need it.
And it’s why it’s as true today as it was back then: When you need to rely on something to keep
your life on course, there is no substitute for professional-grade engineering. GMC SIERRA.

PART 1 : HiStoriC-SHip rebuilDing—albany, ny VEHICLE SHOWN : Sierra 1500 FEATURES : See pageS 28-29 for more DetaileD information on CHaSSiS anD SuSpenSion
15
Vehicle shown with available equipment.
SIERRA 1500 CREW CAB SLT IN QUICKSILVER METALLIC
No competitor has better V-8 fuel economy than Sierra, with the XFE
model offering an EPA-estimated 22 hwy mpg in addition to 315 hp.

16
SIERRA 1500 CREW CAB SLT INTERIOR IN EBONY
Sierra’s organized and easy-to-reach instrumentation and
controls highlight the smart, driver-oriented layout of its interior.

Vehicle shown with available equipment.
PART 1 : HiStoriC-SHip rebuilDing—albany, ny VEHICLE SHOWN : Sierra 1500 FEATURES : See pageS 30-31 for more DetaileD information on interior
17
SIERRA 1500 CREW CAB SLT INTERIOR IN EBONY
Sierra’s attention to detail is evident in the leather-appointed
front seats and spacious center console.

18
↑ Sierra 1500 extenDeD Cab Sle
interior in Dark titanium ClotH
Sierra’s interior is designed for optimal
comfort and convenience, keeping you
connected and focused on the task at hand.
↑ The dual-level glove box provides
plenty of space for a wide range
of necessities, letting you organize
everything for quick access and
secure storage.
↑ The available multifunctional center console offers surprising storage and
convenience, plus access to a lockable storage compartment underneath with
room for notebooks and electronic devices, as well as an auxiliary power outlet.
↑ ↑ Sierra 1500 extenDeD Cab Sle in fire reD (also below)