Chevrolet is promising that the 3.0L Duramax inline-six turbo diesel will be an engine worth waiting for. The automaker says the
2020 Chevrolet Silverado
in-line six will deliver class-leading torque and horsepower while
giving great fuel economy and capability in the full-size light duty
truck segment. It is the first-ever inline-six turbo-diesel offered in
Chevrolet’s full-size light-duty trucks.
Waiting on Certification
Chevrolet still can’t tell us when you’ll be able to own one of the
2020 Silverados with the in-line six, the company is still waiting for
the government to officially certify the all-new engine. Chevy had
originally hoped to have the engine ready for some of the 2019 model
Silverados but was forced to delay after the government shutdown earlier
this year. A Chevrolet spokesperson told me late this afternoon, Chevy
is prepared to start the diesel production right along with the other
2020 Silverado models as soon as the company gets the green light.
According to Chevrolet, the 2020 Silverado will go into production, in
Flint, Michigan, late this summer.
The all-new turbo diesel is priced identically to the 6.2L V-8.
Either of those engines is a $2,495 premium over a 5.3L V-8 model or
$3,890 over a 2.7L Turbo model.
“From the moment the engine is started, to its idle, acceleration and
highway cruising, the 3.0L Duramax performance will change perceptions
of what a diesel engine can offer in refinement,” said Nicola Menarini,
director for Diesel Truck Engine Program Execution. “With advanced
technologies that draw on global diesel expertise, it’s a no-compromise
choice for those who want the capability and driving range of a diesel
in a light-duty truck.”
2020 Silverado Diesel Available with Several Trims
The 3.0L Duramax diesel will be available on LT, RST, LTZ and High
Country models. The Duramax diesel will give Silverado buyers a choice
of six different engines, depending on what they want and need to get
the job done.
Chevy is releasing several new details about the in-line six.
It is rated at an SAE-certified 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of
torque. It will deliver 95 percent of peak torque at 1,250 rpm. The
diesel is paired with 10-speed automatic transmission. Chevrolet says
that a special torque converter will give a smoother, more comfortable
ride. It will also offer exhaust braking to help slow the vehicle so
drivers won’t have to ride their brakes when in Tow and Haul Mode. The
all-new diesel engine will feature ceramic glow plugs which will heat up
more quickly and get hotter than traditional glow plugs. That will mean
better starts in cold weather. The engine block heater shouldn’t be
necessary until 22 degrees below 0 Fahrenheit.
Menarini says “The new Duramax 3.0L elevates the 2019 Silverado with
one of the most refined and efficient diesel engines in the segment.”
Quieter Engine Operation
One of the biggest complaints about diesel is the engine noise but
Chevrolet says “Along with supporting elements such as a tuned air
induction system and other noise-attenuating elements, the 3.0L Duramax
delivers exceptional quietness and smoothness at all engine speeds.”
The all-new Duramax cylinder block is made of a cast aluminum alloy,
so it has about 25 percent less mass than a cast iron engine block. It
does use iron cylinder liners inside the aluminum block to improve
durability.
The 2020 Silverado 1500 with the 3.0L Duramax inline-six turbo diesel
will also have stop/start technology to improve overall fuel economy.
The system shuts off the engine at stoplights and other stop-and-go
situations to save fuel.
Fuel economy numbers will be released closer to actual production, after the engine is officially certified.