2016 GMC Sierra PIckup Unveiled – Adds Apple CarPlay

I’m a truck aficionado. All six brands of full-sized pickups are excellent vehicles worthy of admiration, and I think General Motors’ GMC Sierra is one of the best-looking trucks on the market.

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, and the brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. However, GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, onTwitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.

The Sierra also has sales momentum coming off its best June since 2006 and 12 consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains, and for 2016 gets a mid-life exterior styling refresh with new LED C-shaped signature daytime running lights and LED headlights; new front fascia and grilles for each trim level; new LED fog lamps; new bumpers; and new C-shaped LED taillights.

GMC also adds Apple CarPlay capability to the 2016 mid-size Canyon pickup, the Yukon SUV, and the Sierra, taking iPhone features customers want to access while driving and putting them on the vehicles’ display with the brands IntelliLink system. Android Auto capability will also be offered on some Sierra models at the beginning of the model year and all Sierra, Canyon and Yukon models later in the year.

The features allow customers to use select smartphone apps through the touchscreen interface of GMCs IntelliLink system. Many features can be controlled via voice commands through a button on the steering wheel, helping drivers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

“GMC IntelliLink is taking another step forward with this simple and intuitive functionality that makes phones and vehicles work better together,” says Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. Like other GMC features, from OnStar 4G LTE connectivity and active safety features, GM claims its technology designed to enhance the driving experience without intruding on it.

GMCs latest infotainment systems include an eight-inch-diagonal screen version offered on Canyon, Yukon and Sierra, which will be compatible only with Apple CarPlay at the beginning of the 2016 model year. A seven-inch-diagonal screen radio is offered on Sierra base models and will offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability at the beginning of the model year. Android Auto capability is expected to be available on the eight-inch system later in the 2016 model year.

Apple CarPlay allows drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music via the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Apple CarPlay-supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and third-party audio apps. A full list of those apps can be found at http://Apple.com/ios/carplay. Apple CarPlay is compatible with iOS 7.1 or higher.

Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Skype, Google Play Music, Spotify and podcast players. A full list of supported apps is available at g.co/androidauto. Android Auto requires a phone running an Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system or above.

Using either application is designed to be simple. A Projection icon on the IntelliLink screen is visible when a phone is not connected, then changes to indicate CarPlay or Android Auto when a compatible phone is connected via USB.

Complementing OnStar 4G LTE Connectivity

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability complement the OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with Wi-Fi hotspot offered in all 2016 GMC models, including Acadia and Terrain.

The state-of-the-art technology provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected wherever and whenever they like with up to seven personal devices. The hotspot is on whenever the vehicle is on and comes with a three-month/three gigabyte data trial, after which there is an option to purchase additional data.

The new Sierra will be available in the fourth quarter of this year, with additional details and information on the new model released in the coming months.

Source: General Motors

Some of the links above are affiliate links to the retailer's site. That means we may earn a small commission from any sales (Thank you!).


Boost Infinite
Apple Store