GM announced today, Oct. 2, the fuel economy ratings for their biggest V8 in their new full-size pickup truck lines - the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and 2014 GMC Sierra. Though not best-in-class fuel economy for the 6.2L V8, this new EcoTec3 engine is best-in-class for horsepower and torque, making it a formidable competitor in the all important hauling and towing functions.
The fuel economy numbers for the 6.2L V-8 EcoTec3 with Variable Displacement Technology and six-speed automatic transmissions enable 2WD Sierra and Silverado models to achieve 15 mpg city and 14 mpg city for 4WD. EPA highway estimates are 21 mpg for 2WD versions, and 20 mpg for 4WD models.
The - new for 2014 - EcoTec3 6.2L V8 engines are offered in the 2014 Silverado LTZ and Silverado High Country luxury edition and the 2014 Sierra SLT and Denali luxury edition full-size pickups.
Though these V8 fuel economy numbers do not make these trucks best in class for this level power train, the new 6.2L EcoTec3 engine is the most powerful V8 engine in the segment producing an SAE-certified 420 horsepower (at 5600 rpm) and 460 lb-ft of torque (at 4100 rpm).
And, according to GM, the 6.2L V-8 available for Silverado LTZ and High Country and Sierra SLT and Denali models also delivers class-leading maximum available trailering capacity of 12,000 pounds when properly equipped
We can speak to the all important towing functionality as we had the opportunity last week to drive the new 6.2L V8 engines in both the luxury level Silverado High Country and the Sierra Denali. Almost one-in-five pickup trucks sold in the U.S. are sold in Texas and towing boats around Texas is a pretty standard task for full-size pickup truck owners, especially in the Hill Country above Austin.
Our boat tow test had us in a Silverado High Country towing a 31 foot trailer with a Cobalt Boat weighing right around 8,200 pounds running up and down the hills and to the (now dry) boat launching ramp in a nearby county park on Lake Travis.
As some would say - it was a piece of cake.
The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and High Country and the GMC Sierra and Sierra Denali 1500, with the 6.2L power train will be available this fall.
“Power and towing capacity are fundamental capabilities for full-size pickups,” said Jeff Luke, General Motors Executive Chief Engineer for full- and mid-size trucks. “The 2014 Silverado and Sierra deliver unmatched power and towing capability with a host of ingenious driver aids.”
The optional Max Trailering Package is available on 2WD and 4WD V-8 crew cab and double cab models and includes:
• Trailering package with seven-pin and four-pin connector
• Enhanced cooling
• Automatic locking rear differential
• Heavy-duty 9.75-inch rear axle with 3.73 ratio
• Increased-capacity rear leaf springs
• Revised shock tuning for increased control
• Integrated trailer brake controller.
In addition to the 6.2L V8, Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 offer a 4.3L V-6 SAE-certified at 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque and a 5.3L V-8 certified at 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque.
Silverado and Sierra trucks equipped with the 4.3L V-6 will have available towing ratings of up to 7,600 pounds, the highest for any base V-6 in the segment.
Silverado and Sierra trucks equipped with the 5.3L V-8 and the max towing package, available later this year, will have towing ratings of up to 11,500 pounds when properly equipped.
All three engines feature direct fuel injection, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation seamlessly switching to four-cylinder mode to save fuel during light-load driving) and continuously variable valve timing, a combination not found in competitor vehicles. The engines also use a new compact overhead-valve design and weight-saving components such as aluminum blocks and cylinder heads to reduce mass for additional energy savings.
Fuel economy numbers for the key competition:
Ford offers a 6.2L V8 engine in their F-150 series trucks that delivers 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torgue mated to a six-speed automatic transmission yielding 13/18 mpg City/Highway - fuel economy advantage GM.
Ram offers the 5.7L HEMI V8 that delivers 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque in the Ram 1500 series of full-size pickup trucks. With the class-exclusive eight-speed automatic transmission in their power train, Ram yields 15/22 mpg City/Highway - fuel economy advantage Ram.
Truck of Texas Truck Rodeo coming:
Later this month, the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) will hold their annual Truck of Texas Truck Rodeo event. For 2013, with these new 2014 Silverado and Sierra trucks along with the 2014 Ford F-150 and 2014 Ram 1500 plus a the new 2014 Toyota Tundra, this rodeo is shaping up to be a real serious battle for the coveted Truck of Texas title and trophy. Stay tuned, we will let you know who the wins the Truck of Texas trophy for 2013 at the end of the weekend of Oct. 12-13.
The new 2014 GM pickup trucks with their new EcoTec3 power plants will be in the hunt.
