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GM Upgrades 2010 Pickups, Achieves Best-in-Class Fuel Economy

The auto sector is all about fuel efficiency. No matter what model we are talking about, it must be a little interested in fuel economy and protect the environment as much as it's possible. Bring some former bankrupt automakers into discussion and a fuel efficient product range suddenly becomes a must have.

This is exactly the case of General Motors, the American automaker who now undergoes a huge transformation, meaning that it tries to upgrade each of its products to become more fuel efficient and environmentally-friendly.

The manufacturer has just announced that through a number of tweaks, both the Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra now achieve best-in-class fuel economy, according to EPA estimates. Horsepower, payload, and trailering specifications remain the same for Chevy and GMC full-size pickups, GM proudly says.

Specifically, Silverado and Sierra 5.3-liter V8 now achieve fuel consumption ratings of 15 mpg (15.7 l/100km) in the city and 21 mpg (11.2 l/100km) on the highway, respectively. Extra Fuel Economy (XFE) models are even more efficient, reaching 15 mpg (15.7 l/100km) in city driving and 22 mpg (10.7 l/10km) extra-urban.

Wondering how's that possible? GM's says the two models now benefit from a new fuel saver mode that allow the trucks "to better use the Active Fuel Management system, running on four-cylinders in light throttle conditions instead of eight."

"In addition, more efficient six-speed transmission shift points, engine variable valve timing and a lower gear ratio of 3.08 (now standard on GM full-size pickups) each play an important role in the improved fuel economy," it said.

For the sake of comparison, here are the fuel consumption ratings of the four main competitors of Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra:

  • Ford - 5.4L: 14 city / 20 hwy; 4.6L with 6-speed transmission: 15 city / 21 hwy
  • Dodge - 5.7L: 14 city / 20 hwy
  • Toyota - 5.7L: 14 city / 18 hwy; 4.6L: 15 city / 20 hwy
  • Nissan - 5.6L: 13 city / 17 hwy; 5.6L (E85): 13 city / 18 hwy
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
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Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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