Introduced during the 2005 model year, the GMC TopKick C4500/C5500 pickup by Monroe Truck Equipment is the ideal vehicle for those who appreciate the head-turning effects of a specially upfitted medium duty truck. For 2006, this vehicle delivers more torque, smoother shifts, a higher-rated front axle and available exhaust brake on 4x4 models, and improved comfort for three-passenger seating in Regular Cab models.
“Anyone who demands a distinctive, spacious and stylish vehicle will feel at home behind the wheel of the GMC TopKick C4500/C5500 pickup by Monroe Truck Equipment. It’s the epitome of living large,” said Ross Hendrix, General Motors director of marketing for commercial trucks and vans.
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While the GMC TopKick pickup is perfect for towing such large items as fifth-wheel campers, horse trailers, boats and other recreational equipment, a growing number of consumers are buying the trucks to haul friends and families – or, sometimes, just themselves.
Impressive torque from the Duramax 6600
In medium duty trucks, power and torque are the name of the game, and GMC TopKick medium duty trucks deliver plenty of both. For 2006, the available Duramax 6600 V-8 turbodiesel delivers two impressive torque ratings: 520 lb.-ft. or 605 lb.-ft. (705 or 820 Nm) – both at a very low 1600 rpm.
“Torque is an important barometer of vehicle performance – especially in medium duty trucks. Our customers will definitely appreciate the additional torque rating from the Duramax 6600, especially when the vehicles are loaded. They will see that having 605 lb.-ft. of torque at their disposal will result in improved launch performance and improved performance up steep grades,” said Elliott Benson, marketing manager, TopKick C4500.
The standard engine on these vehicles is the Vortec 8100 8.1L V-8. It delivers 325 horsepower (242 kw) at 4000 rpm and 450 lb.-ft. (610 Nm) of torque at 2800 rpm.
To enable engine power to be optimized for various operating conditions, the TopKick C4500/C5500 pickup by Monroe Truck Equipment features electronic throttle control. It permits throttle progression to be optimized, giving these medium duty trucks outstanding throttle control for slow-speed parking lot maneuvers, as well as an immediate response when power is demanded under the most rugged on- and off-road conditions.
Both engines are mated to an Allison 1000 five-speed automatic transmission that for 2006 adds Gen IV controls, resulting in smoother shifts.