2017 Chevrolet Silverado HD Duramax First Look Reviews Roll In

Having made their debut last week, the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado HD and 2017 GMC Sierra HD are now getting a taste of the automotive media’s judgment. In this regard, first look reviews like the ones attached at the end of this story will have to suffice until the peeps at the Chevrolet and GMC brands start rolling out these babies for good. ETA: later this year.

TFL Truck and PickupTrucks.com both have great things to say about the new kids on the block. Of course, the big news on the visual front comes in the form of the gaping hood scoop. Underneath it, a heavily revised Duramax 6.6-liter V8 diesel lurks with 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft (1,234 Nm) of pulling power. Internally referred to as the L5P Duramax, this mill boasts 90 percent new or improved parts. In the ever-escalating heavy-duty pickup truck wars, the L5P Duramax plays second fiddle to Ford’s 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8.

Although it’s 5 horsepower down on the Power Stroke, the Ford powerplant has the edge in terms of torque, accounting for a difference of 15 lb-ft (20 Nm). The Ram’s Cummins 6.7-liter inline-6, on the other hand, settles for third place with 385 horsepower and 900 lb-ft (1,220 Nm). In Silverado 2500 HD form, the L5P Duramax is capable of hitting 60 mph (96 km/h) in 7.51 seconds. That’s quick for a truck, albeit not exactly relevant if I'm honest.

The 19 percent hike in torque is complemented by smoother, quieter operation, and a completely redesigned intake system. The biggest highlight of the model year 2017 heavy-duty pickup truck range from General Motors, however, is the way the L5P Duramax delivers its torque. According to the manufacturer, 90 percent of twist or 819 lb-ft (1,110 Nm) is available from as little as 1,550 rpm and sustained through 2,850 rpm. This sort of torque and this sort of torque band, in turn, equate to serious trailering and hauling.