2011 Chevrolet Silverado Delivers Best-In-Class Diesel Power

Chevrolet’s new pickups reportedly deliver the segment’s best diesel torque and horsepower, the carmaker proudly announced today. According to Chevrolet, the new, optional 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V-8 engine available on the 2011 Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD models, develops 397 hp (296 kW) at 3,000 rpm and 765 lb.-ft. of torque (1,037 Nm) at 1,600 rpm.

This is an improvement of 32 hp (24 kW) and 105 lb.-ft. of torque (142 Nm) over last year’s engine.The engine is also more fuel-efficient, which is up to 11 percent greater highway fuel economy compared to the previous version.

“Segment-leading power is great, but it’s not the only thing that makes the new Duramax a winner,” said Gary Arvan, Duramax chief engineer. “We designed the engine to make that power with less fuel and fewer emissions, while also increasing its durability.”

Some of the 2011 6.6L Duramax turbo diesel’s new and enhanced features, as released by the manufacturer, are:

• Main bearing profiles changed to enhance oil film thickness
• Oil pump flow increased for more pressure at low speeds
• A revised turbocharger oil circuit for increased pressure at the turbo and faster oil delivery
• Connecting rod pin ends modified to provide increased piston support
• New, higher-strength piston design
• A new 30,000-psi (2,000 bar) piezo-actuated fuel injection system – capable of operating on ASTM grade B20 biodiesel – ensures more precise fuel delivery, improving emission performance
• An EGR cooler bypass reduces high-mileage soot deposits in the cooler and EGR circuit (pickup versions only).