2015 GMC Sierra Spotted

KGP Photography spent an undisclosed amount of time in the woods next to the GMC test track to grab the first photos of a “semi-naked” 2015 GMC Sierra Heavy Duty 2500-3500 series. As reported by PickupTrucks.com, the smaller vinyl body coverings are a tell-tale sign that the drive-train has most likely been finalized. The photos seem to confirm this in more than one way. Aside from just the smaller vinyl camouflage panels, the truck is also spotted pulling a tow-behind trailer with test weight. This is another tell-tale sign that the drive-train is being bench-marked in real-world test conditions. Any adjustments to the drive-train at this point will be minimal.

Of course, we all long to see what is behind the minimalist Zorro-like mask strapped across its grill. The GMC heavy-duty series always had near perfect grill designs. Even when certain years fell short in overall design expectations, the grill was always a redeeming factor. And it seems that that story hasn’t changed. GMC will likely keep the grill under wraps until the scheduled launch of the 2015 Sierra. It doesn’t do GMC any good to release it, or let it leak out, beforehand. It is better to keep industry gear heads and HD loyalists waiting with baited breath.

When the auto industry only had trade publications and a handful of consumer magazines, the only “spy” photos of prototype vehicles to grace the pages were usually exotic sports cars or new luxury models. Nothing under $100,000 was ever worthy of being spied on. But with the advent of the internet, and an explosion of content producers (independent and corporate), any new model is considered a dream vehicle for someone, and therefore worthy of being spied on.

Test tracks for GMC, Ford, and even Toyota trucks never needed security guards. Of course they would have one to patrol the grounds in the off hours to make sure that no locals had breached the gates to come in to “test” their own vehicle. But now that every vehicle is game, every test track needs heightened security. Which begs the question Are these spy shots actually sanctioned and intentionally released? Or are these photographers really ducking security, or positioned just outside the gates with high-powered lenses?

The answers to the questions really are not important. Because no matter what the answer is, GMC has now forced a wide range of people into talking about the 2015 Sierra. Auto bloggers have to talk about it. Loyalists will be discussing it on the forum. Even general fans of the industry will have to mention it in passing, and those who have no interest at all in autos or pickup trucks will still click a link that says “spy photos” no matter what the “spy” photos are actually of. So GMC wins no matter what. And when the 2015 Sierra is finally released a broad range of people will be saying “Oh, so that was what was under those vinyl panels and “Zorro” grill mask…cool.”

Did you know the 2014 GMC Sierra is currently available?