GMC Sierra 1500 Does Push-Ups…

In a new commercial for the Sierra 1500, GMC takes a creative approach to demonstrating the class-leading professional-grade engineering of this very popular pickup truck: the push-up.

Before it became a commercial, this was a real-world test meant to evaluate the Sierra’s durability in extreme scenarios. GMC engineers took a standard Sierra 1500 from the assembly line to a dockyard, and then they connected it at the corners to four heavy-duty winches using solid-steel chains.

The initial goal was to determine how much pressure the hydro-formed steel frame could withstand, but the design performed better than even the most optimistic engineers expected. In fact, the frame withstood so much force that it held true enough to allow the truck to actually rise off the ground; hence why they nicknamed it the push-up.

What impressed lead engineer Rick Jayroe most was not that the truck could lift up once but that the frame was able to remain perfectly straight while suspended in the air and supporting the weight of the body, the powertrain and all of the interior equipment.

Amazingly, the Sierra 1500 was able to withstand such a push-up not just once but 46 unique times over the course of two days. After try number 46, the Sierra wasn’t in shambles; in fact, a GMC driver hopped in it and drove away. That was when GMC realized they had a remarkable achievement on their hands and the incredible basis for an auto commercial that was unlike anything seen before.

When GMC aired the TV spot, they did so in promotion of the new Pro Grade Protection plan, which is exclusive to the Sierra. All GMC vehicles come with a 5-year, 100K-mile powertrain warranty and a 3-year, 36K-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. The Sierra also includes a 2-year, 24K-mile coverage for standard, scheduled maintenance, which is simply unheard of in this industry.

The Pro Grade Protection plan includes oil changes, replacement of oil filters, rotation of tires and multipoint checkups. Leases and purchases are both eligible for the plan, and the plan is completely transferrable to secondary titleholders. GMC has built trucks since 1902, and Pro Grade Protection is just the next step in a great history of innovation and engineering.