The 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali gets a new face, upgraded interior and more power.

GMC aims to cover all the bases with the new Sierra 1500 Denali it is introducing this coming autumn, giving it a new face, an upgraded interior – and a lot more power.

Set to start rolling out in June, the 2014 GMC Sierra will offer an all-new 6.2-liter V-8 — closely related to the engine in the equally new 2014 Corvette –which will deliver a hefty 420 horsepower and tow up to 12,000 pounds.

“The 2014 Sierra Denali has a combination of performance, capability and luxury that no other pickup can match,” according to Tony DiSalle, GMC vice president of marketing. “It leaves no boxes unchecked for those owners looking for the ultimate expression of ‘Professional Grade.’”

In keeping with industry trends, the Denali interior is significantly upgraded for 2014 - with niceties including a heated steering wheel.

Denali is the name General Motors’ truck brand reserves for its most upscale and exclusive models. In this case, it will be applied to the complete remake of the GMC Sierra 1500 pickup, the sibling of the more plebian Chevrolet Silverado. About 20% of Sierra buyers typically opt for the Denali package.

Both trucks are all-new for 2014 and while some critics have faulted them for not taking a more radical design approach, others have lofted kudos on General Motors for focusing on what matters, power, performance, and the ability to do the job that their mostly blue-collar customers demand when it comes to hauling and towing heavy loads.

(New Denali engine comes from same family as new 455 hp Corvette LT1. For more on the new C7 ‘Vette powertrain, Click Here.)

Add to that significant interior upgrades that improve both the appearance and comfort of their cabins while also providing more storage space and updated infotainment systems.

The Denali features a 5.3-liter V-8. But the Sierra SLT can be ordered with a new 6.2-liter package with a towing capacity of 12,000 pounds.

The Denali package adds such touches as a unique chrome grille and complimentary body trim, 20-inch chrome wheels, a stainless steel exhaust and distinctive body-colored from and rear bumpers. There are projector headlamps and LED daytime running lamps, as well.

Inside, GMC has adopted more refined materials, while also offering such niceties as heated and cooled leather seats, a heated steering wheel, front and rear park assist and an upgraded Bose audio system.

(First Drive: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado. Click Here for the review.)

The “base” version of the 2014 Sierra Denali will feature a 5.3-liter V-8 that makes 355 horsepower and can achieve 23 mpg on the highway on 2-wheel-drive models, according to initial estimates.

For heavy lifters, there’s the new 6.2-liter V-8 on the Sierra SLT. It borrows many of the basic features of the powertrain found in the new C7 Corvette that help improve both performance and fuel economy. The big engine makes 420 hp and 450 lb-ft of stump-pulling torque compared to 403 hp and 417 lb-ft with the outgoing Sierra Denali.

Though pricing hasn't been announced, expect a stiff premium for the Denali badge.

GMC hopes that will turn up the heat on arch-rival Ford Motor Co. With the 6.2-liter package, the Sierra Denali has a rated towing capacity of 12,000 pounds compared to 11,300 for the Ford F-150 with its own 6.2-liter V-8. The F-150 churns out 411 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque.

(Spy Shots: 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe. Click Here.)

No pricing, yet, on the new 2014 Sierra 1500 Denali but the outgoing model began at $48,000 with rear-wheel-drive and $51,000 with the four-wheel-drive package.