Following a slight delay, Chevrolet has introduced
their new diesel engine for the 2020 Silverado 1500. Set to be offered on LT, RST, LTZ
and High Country variants, the 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six
produces 277 hp and 623 Nm of torque. It is
connected to a ten-speed automatic transmission which features a “centrifugal
pendulum absorber torque converter” that promises to reduce vibrations and
improve smoothness.
The engine delivers 95 percent of its peak torque at
just 1,250 rpm and Chevrolet says that is sustained up to 3,000 rpm. The model
also utilizes exhaust braking to help slow the vehicle which allows for fewer
brake applications when using Tow Haul mode.
Since the truck will likely be popular in colder
climates, engineers outfitted it with ceramic glow plugs that reduce heat-up
times and allow for a quicker cold start. More importantly, owners don’t have
to worry about using an engine block heater until temperatures dip to -22° F
(-30° C).
Chevrolet didn’t mention fuel economy figures, but
the engine has stop/start technology which helps to conserve fuel by shutting
off the engine when the truck comes to a stop. The engine is then automatically
restarted as soon as the driver takes their foot off the brake.
Diesel engines typically carry a hefty premium, but
the 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel will be priced identically to the optional
6.2-liter petrol V8. As a result, the engine costs US$ 2,495 more than the
5.3-liter V8 and US$ 3,890 more than the turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder.
While the Silverado is a bit late to the diesel
party, the Duramax is more powerful than the 3.0-liter Power Stroke V6 diesel
in the Ford F-150. That engine produces 250 hp and 596 Nm of torque.
The truck could also be more powerful than the
upcoming Ram 1500 EcoDiesel which is expected to use the same 3.0-liter V6
engine as the Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler. In those models, it develops 260 hp and 599 Nm of torque.
