GMC truck ups stakes in fuel economy race
Silverado and Sierra now come with an in-line six diesel mated to a 10-speed automatic
In the never-ending Detroit truck wars, manufacturers are looking for any and all advantages with which to beat their competition: towing, payload ratings and, most recently, fuel economy.
For 2020, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra duo are available with a snazzy new 3.0-litre in-line six diesel engine lashed to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The EPA awarded the powertrain an estimated 7.1 L/100 kilometres (33 miles per gallon) highway fuel economy for rear-wheel-drive models.
If you’re keeping track, the other two diesel-powered pickups in the half-ton segment — the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 — are rated at 30 and 27 mpg on the highway cycle, respectively. In a market where manufacturers go to great lengths to eke out even a small increase in fuel economy over their rivals, GM’s accomplishment is remarkable.
With 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, the 3.0-L Duramax is the first diesel engine offered in a GM half-ton since 1997. It has an aluminum block, active thermal management to heat critical components more quickly, and an automatic start/stop system.
Working in concert with the 10-speed automatic transmission, this power team is one of six in the lineup for 2020. Truck fans of the brand are spoiled for choice.
To be clear, the press material specifies the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado as receiving this plaudit, but there’s no reason to imagine its GMC twin won’t earn the same rating.
Expect these Duramax halftons to show up on dealer lots later this autumn.