Last week GM announced that it would not be producing any more Duramax diesel engines for the rest of 2021. A lot of folks were bummed, both the workers and execs at GM and everyone whose hearts have been captured by the the most recent Duramax iterations.
Silverado: It's what's under the hood that counts.
The good news is that 2022 isn't really that far away, and September is the season when we begin to see next year's cars and trucks being unveiled. Even so, we have automotive journalists continuing to write about the vehicles we love, even if we can't own them yet because of parts shortages.
Along these lines Business2Community.com published a story by Nigel Atkinson about the 2021 Chev Silverado 1500 and its Z71 Duramax diesel engine. Atkinson gushes over this engine like a schoolboy worshipping his first love.
The first paragraph notes that the Silverado's competitors -- Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 -- had interior features that make the Silverado feel "cheap." Nevertheless, when it comes to trucks, it's what's under the hood that counts. And for Atkinson, the 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six with 4WD is "the only option you should ever choose." Its 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque in conjunction with a smooth 10-speed transmission... who could ask for anything more?
What does a high-tech diesel engine look like today? The Duramax has an aluminum block and cylinder head, twin overhead camshafts, and four valves per cylinder. "I uses a variable-geometry turbo which can adjust the boost pressure based on load, as well as an electronically controlled variable-flow intake manifold. These various features work together to maximize and maintain peak performance, especiall with regards to torque.
Even though the 6.2-liter V8 delivers the same torque numbers, the Duramax produces power more efficiently, resulting in significant fuel savings. Atkinson said that in the course of a week he averaged nearly 22 mpg, much betterthan the 13.2 mpg in a Trail Boss with the 6.2-liter V8. The greener footprint (i.e., less CO2) is also noteworthy. That benefit alone should turn some heads.
On pavement the Silverado handles just fine and due to noise-cancelling features it doesn't rattle like the old diesels. The truck had trouble with certain kinds of road undulations, though for the most part it handled fine. This shortcoming was not due to the engine but rather to the suspension. When pulling out into traffic it good to know you have some oomph. The truck does 0 to 60 in 7.1 seconds.
Off road the Z71 package is very capable. Skid Plates, Twin Tube Shocks, Hill Descent Control, a 2-speed Transfer Case, Heavy Duty Air Filter and All Terrain Tires are part of this package.
Atkinson and team took to the trails in the Laguna Mountains, east of San Diego and just north of the border, so close that the Border Patrol is active in these parts. With humps and ruts, it's an ideal terrain for testing ground clearance and handling.
After tackling Thing Valley Road, they went up to the twistier Sheep Mountain Road. The suspension did its job, as did the 4WD traction while climbing uphill. The low 4WD gear coming downhill worked great.
As noted earlier, the interior was nothing fancy. It's not a luxury truck. The designers evidently focused on being functional.
After detailing all the bells and whistles (and other options) Atkinson wrote that if it weren't for that turbo-diesel option, he would not recommend the Silverado. After putting it to the test for a week, he's changed his tune. "The motor," he states, "is absolutely brilliant."
Kudos to Chevy for what they have achieved with this engine and transmission. And even though it costs a little more, it's worth it. Or as Atkinson says, "It is money well spent."
Here's a link to the full article, with photos.
https://www.business2community.com/automotive/2021-chevrolet-silverado-1500-z71-duramax-review-the-diesel-is-the-only-engine-you-should-get-02429584
