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Given the current circumstances with the EPA on diesel-powered anything, I’m honestly surprised about a huge push for these light diesel trucks. Each of the big three truckmakers has a light-duty diesel option but we’re focused on one this go around. The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Our friends over at GM set us up with this beautiful Northsky Blue Metallic truck equipped with the 3.0-Liter Duramax engine. What are these capable of?
During our lease of this unit, we’re going to drive it, use it, and feel it out. This truck will part 1 of a three-part series where we test each light truck first hand with results side by side. I’m wanting to showcase their performance, braking, fuel economy, interior, interior, and more. To better explain what we’ve got here first, let’s run through some of the basics of Chevrolet’s Silverado.
As you’ve seen in previous press releases from us, this engine is tough as nails for its size. Cranking out 460 lb-ft of torque and 277-horsepower at 1,500-RPM, this turbocharged and intercooled 3.0-Liter inline-six Duramax is just what one of these smaller trucks need. Its all-aluminum engine uses a variable-geometry turbo, air-to-liquid intercooler, and a new low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation system to improve efficiency and throttle response.
With an engine that has a smooth powerband of horsepower and torque, it was critical they matched it with a driveline to match. General Motors’ 10-speed automatic transmission features a mass-damper-equipped torque converter meaning this truck idles, drives, and sounds smooth. So far, this truck has been a dream to drive here in the bootheel of Missouri.
If you're a technician on these trucks, I'd like to talk and see what it's like to wrench on this engine. It does look cluttered but it is a clean cluttered, you know?
Like I mentioned earlier, I will continue to drive this truck and use it over the next few days and get different results to compare to the other manufacturers. I have high expectations for this Silverado but anything can happen. I’m hoping for good mileage, braking, and performance. How do you think this Silverado will compare to the other trucks? Stay tuned to Diesel Army for the full feature.
