Power Option

2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup (Progressive Farmer image provided by the manufacturer)

The wait is over for the unveiling of the engines and transmissions available in Chevrolet's 2019 Silverado 1500 pickups.

Chevy's new Silverado lineup, announced earlier this year, includes eight models designed to meet the needs of specific target customers classified into three types: High Value, High Volume and High Feature.

Six engine and transmission combinations are now part of this lineup, with the most significant being the launch of the 2.7L Turbo engine to replace the 4.3L V-6.

Chevy says the inline 4-cylinder engine, rated at 310 hp and 348 foot-pounds of torque, was developed just for truck applications and offers peak torque from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. It produces 22% more torque than the 4.3L while being 380 pounds lighter.

Truck-Specific Design. What makes this a truck engine? Chevy says the "clean-sheet design" includes a long piston stroke to boost combustion and increase the compression ratio to generate the strong low-end torque truck owners have come to expect.

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This effort didn't come without complications. To reduce friction usually generated by long strokes, designers worked in an offset crankshaft. This sets up a "more upright position" for connecting rods. The crankshaft and rods are made from forged steel, while the pistons are an aluminum alloy designed with a cast iron ring groove insert. This combination, Chevy says, supports the increased cylinder pressure associated with turbocharging.

The valvetrain on the 2.7L Turbo, Chevy says, is a first for the company, with its variable lift, duration and Active Fuel Management to "optimize performance and efficiency across the rpm band." This design is how peak torque is available at such a low rpm.

"It's like having different engines for low- and high-rpm performance," says Tom Sutter, chief engineer for the 2.7L Turbo. "The camshaft profile and valve timing is completely different at low and high speeds."

The variable camshaft lets the engine operate with three profiles to meet the variable-timing system for different engine speeds and loads, with a high valve lift for power, low valve lift for power and efficiency. The Active Fuel Management shuts off two of the cylinders during light load for fuel efficiency.

2019 Silverado Engine And Transmission Combinations:

Keeping with its mantra of a truck for every customer, Chevy is offering multiple configurations for its eight Silverado options.

High Value. These include the Work Truck, Custom and Custom Trail Boss models, and will come standard with a 4.3L V-6 with Active Fuel Management and a six-speed automatic transmission (285 hp / 305 foot-pounds). They also will be available with a 5.3L V-8 with Active Fuel Management and a six-speed automatic transmission (355 hp / 383 foot-pounds).

High Volume. The models include the LT, RST and LT Trail Boss. The LT and RST will come standard with the new 2.7L Turbo with Active Fuel Management and stop/start technology, and an eight-speed automatic transmission (310 hp / 348 foot-pounds).

The LT Trail Boss will come standard with an updated version of the 5.3L V-8 with Dynamic Fuel Management and stop/start technology with an eight-speed automatic transmission (355 hp / 383 foot-pounds). This engine and transmission will be an available option on the LT and RST.

Also available on the LT and RST in early 2019 will be the Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel with stop/start technology paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

High Feature. The LTZ and High Country models will come standard with the same 5.3L V-8 and eight-speed auto transmission on the LT Trail Boss.

They'll also be available with the updated 6.2L V-8 with Dynamic Fuel Management and stop/start technology combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission (420 hp / 460 foot-pounds) and the Duramax 3.0L inline-six Turbo-Diesel with stop/start technology with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

(AG)

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