Next-Generation Duramax Diesel Engine Coming This Summer
2019 Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck able to be ordered with new inline-six cylinder Duramax diesel engine.
When Chevrolet showcased the new 2019 Silverado, the big focus was on the available 6.2-liter V8 engine. After all, it’s powerful, economical and award-winning. There was also the venerable 5.3-liter V8 as the then-entry level option. However, since then, Chevy has been releasing new powertrain options to market. The 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder arrived shortly thereafter, as the budget-minded opinion. The only question remaining was when the diesel was coming. After all, Chevy said a diesel Silverado was happening, and that it was just a matter of time.
Now, as Automotive News reports, General Motors has finally given a firm date as to when we can expect this next-generation diesel powerplant. Duramax diesel-powered Silverados will be arriving on dealer lots this Summer.
This image, again from Automotive News, is the only image out there, thus far, of the new Duramax, but it’s interesting in several key ways. First up is the engine configuration: No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you, that’s an inline-six-cylinder. This new engine displaces 3.0-liters, and features a single, rather large turbocharger.
This engine has been SAE certified to produce 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Some quick math by AN shows that this bests figures from the comparable Ford Power Stroke diesel, which produces just 240 horses and 420 lb-ft of twist. At the present time, AN notes, RAM does not currently offer a diesel option.
Fuel economy, tow rating and payload have yet to be formally announced, but one would wager that it should easily match, and likely best the 6.2 V8 thanks to the generous low-end torque diesel engines are renowned for. Interestingly, if the AN’s numbers are correct, the Duramax engine will have the exact same price point as the 6.2 V8. That’s a $2,495 premium over the 5.3 V8 and a $3,890 bump over the turbo-four.