2011 GMC Sierra Denali has Colossal Power

If it’s power you need - legitimate, get-the-job-done power, you’ll find it in large supply in the 2011 GMC Sierra Denali pickup truck.

This truck offers great payload and trailer-weight capacities, thanks to its optional new 6.6-liter V-8 Duramax turbo diesel that makes 397 horsepower and 765 pounds-feet of torque.

That power plant is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual control.

The engine is more powerful than the previous version, but makes 11 percent better fuel economy and fewer emissions.

The standard engine is a 6.0-liter V-8 gasoline engine.

Rear-wheel drive is standard on all models, with four-wheel drive an option.

GMC offers a floor-mounted transfer case or an electric transfer case that engages when the wheels begin to slip.

As for design, there’s a new fully boxed frame that increases towing capacity to 20,000 pounds with the diesel engine.

There are 22, that’s right, count ‘em, 22 models of the Sierra 2500, and 13 of them offer payload capacities that exceed 3,100 pounds.

The new frame also cuts down on harshness, noise and vibration, making for a more pleasant, if still unmistakably truck-like, ride.

GMC has added bigger brakes to improve stopping power and there’s a standard trailer-sway control system that keeps whatever you’re pulling in line even at higher speeds.

The Sierra also offers a number of cab configurations, such as regular cab with an eight-foot bed, extended cab and crew cab with a six-foot, six-inch bed.

Trim levels include the base Work Truck, SLE, SLT and Denali. All of that can get a little confusing, but it does present a lot of choices for the buyer.

There are a lot of goodies available, including satellite radio, DVD entertainment system, sunroof and navigation system.

All of those allow you to work in style and comfort.

On the outside, there’s a revised front chrome bumper, three-bar grille and 17-, 18- or 20-inch wheels.

Hill-start control and stability control are standard safety features.

The Denali trim includes rear parking sensors and power adjustable pedals.

GMC Sierra 2500 pickups start at around $29,000, with the Denali test drive model costing $62,124.

If it’s power, for towing, hauling and hard work, that you need, the GMC Sierra Denali pickup delivers in a big way.