The 2019 Silverado RST comes standard with an all-new, advanced 2.7-liter turbo engine active fuel management and stop/start technology.
Chevrolet is firing another round of salvos in the ongoing engine wars between the Big Three truck makers, debuting four new powerplants including a four-cylinder turbo, ultimately resulting in six new powertrain combinations.
The brand unveiled a 2.7-liter turbocharged four cylinder as well as two new V8s: a 5.3-liter and a 6.2-liter, both of which use Chevy’s active fuel management system. The system uses four, six or eight cylinders depending upon the demands on the engine. Push the pedal to the floor, the driver gets all eight, but if cruising along the freeway, it drops to four and improves fuel economy.
The 2.7-liter will be the standard engine for the brand’s high-volume trucks, replacing a 4.3-liter V6, which remains available. A new 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel will also be available in 2019. EPA mileage ratings for the new engines are available yet.
“A major focus of the next-generation Silverado is expanding the range of choices,” said Tim Asoklis, chief engineer for the Silverado 1500. “With all-new engines and a broader model range, there’s a Silverado for everyone, whether you’re buying your first pickup or your 10th.”
(New Chevy Silverado HD to debut as 2020 model. Click Here for the story.)
The all-new 2.7-liter turbo with Active Fuel Management and stop/start technology paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with SAE-certified at 310 hp and 348 lb-ft.
The new four cylinder and the updated diesel will give Silverado two engines that can challenge for the best fuel economy title. However, it’s the new V8s with the fuel management system that are likely to make the biggest impact.
The high-end LTZ trim comes standard with a dynamic fuel management-equipped 5.3-liter V-8, which produces 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. That model can also be had with the 6.2-liter V-8 producing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.
The other two current offerings aren’t exactly slouches in the power department. The 4.3-liter V-6 with active fuel management and a six-speed automatic transmission is SAE-certified at 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. The 2.7-liter four-cylinder comes with active fuel management and stop/start technology paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission produces an SAE-certified at 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque.
(Click Here for more on the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado.)
Neither fuel economy nor power ratings for the new Duramax were released. The performance of each engine/transmission combination benefits from a truck that is lighter and more aerodynamic than the previous model.
The improved aerodynamics come from a front grille with functional air curtains, similar to those introduced on the sixth-generation Camaro, that reduce wind drag by routing air around the front wheel wells. An integrated spoiler at the rear edge of the cab that directs air onto the contoured tailgate, reducing wind drag from the bed.
The dynamic fuel management-equipped 5.3-liter V-8, which produces 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque.
“With less weight and less wind resistance, we improved the driving dynamics without sacrificing fuel efficiency,” said Asoklis. “The next-gen Silverado is a bigger truck, but the chassis feels more responsive and acceleration is more pronounced. I would argue it’s the best-driving truck we have ever built.”
(To see more about our first drive in the GMC Sierra, the Silverado’s sibling, Click Here.)
Silverado production begins in the third quarter with crew-cab V-8 models. In the fourth quarter, production will expand to include regular- and double-cab models, as well as V-6 and 2.7L Turbo engines.