Technology/Autonomous Vehicles

2017 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD: New Duramax Engine, Even More Power

by Frédérick Boucher-Gaulin
2017 Chevrolet Silverado HD
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Photo: Chevrolet

The new generation of GM’s Duramax turbocharged diesel engine is upon us. The solid powerplant was launched in 2001 and received numerous upgrades throughout the years. Originally, it boasted 300 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque, which was a lot back then.

Now, GM just announced the latest generation of this engine. Among the list upgrades, there are strengthened block and heads, more durable internals, optimized oil debit, a new EGR and electronic turbo valves, among other things.

According to GM, the next-generation engine is also more silent: at idle, the V8 is 38% quieter than it used to be.

And here is the best part: the 6.6 Duramax now develops 445 horsepower as well as 910 pound-feet of torque at 1600 rpm! Power-wise, this puts it in second place right under Ford’s Power Stroke and its 925 pound-feet of torque. Towing capacity rises to 9072 kg (20,000 lbs.), or 10,568 kg (23,300 lbs.) with a fifth-wheel setup.

You will be able to test-drive the new Duramax engine in either the 2017 GMC Sierra HD or the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado HD as soon as they hit dealerships.

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