GM 6.6-liter Duramax Diesel V8 Power Figures Confirmed

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

General Motors quickly deleted the power figures for its new 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 after they were posted to the GM Powertrain website, but we now have confirmation of the heavy-duty engine’s output.

TTAC’s Matthew Guy has just sent us the figures from the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, where GM is debuting its 2017 heavy duty pickups.

What are they? Exactly what GM sought to swipe from its website. 445 horsepower at 3,000 rpm and 910 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. The engine sports the same dimensions as before — a 103 mm bore and 99 mm stroke — but makes significant power gains, mainly through use of a new turbocharger.

The previous Duramax generation made 397 hp and 765 lb-ft. With the boost, GM slots itself between the Ford Super Duty and Ram 2500 in terms of maximum torque.

GM’s diesel-powered 2017 heavy duty pickups sport a hood scoop designed to provide 60 percent of the air reaching the engine. The supply of cooler air benefits overall power output, while boosting performance in hot weather and under heavy loads.

The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD go on sale in early 2017.

[Image: General Motors]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • Stuki Stuki on Sep 28, 2016

    The grille is not GMs' long suit aesthetically. Viewed from the front, Rams look the best. In profile, GMs, and from the rear, Fords. At least to my eyes.

  • Thornmark Thornmark on Sep 29, 2016

    How much does it weigh? These heavy diesels can greatly impact payload capacity. "Diesel engines are heavier than gas engines and significantly reduce the available payload of most truck configurations. It’s amazing how hard the choice of gas or diesel hits you in the pocketbook and payload, right where it counts." http://www.truckcampermagazine.com/news/tcm-debuts-2013-chevy-silverado-3500/

    • Drzhivago138 Drzhivago138 on Sep 29, 2016

      You're correct, but those that buy diesels are looking not at the payload, but the tow rating. Whether it's a gas or diesel, half-ton or HD, most modern pickups are used less for hauling (in the bed) and more for towing (a trailer). Yes, they still have insane payload ratings (3000+ on a properly-equipped F-150?!), but the tow ratings have seen an even larger increase in the past 20 years.

  • Philadlj Philadlj on Sep 29, 2016

    More than RAM, but not as much as the Ford? I don't think GM understands how the Torque Wars work. You're supposed to UP THE ANTE. They didn't, so they FAILED (say this in Wallace Shawn's voice).

  • True_Blue True_Blue on Sep 29, 2016

    I feel like this was a missed opportunity for a cowl-induction hood. With a vacuum-operated flap.

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