Diesel Engine Specs on 2016 Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon

GM has revealed more details about the upcoming Duramax turbodiesel in the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups. With the 2.8 L Duramax diesel, rated 181 HP and 369 lb-ft of torque, the two wheel drive models can tow up to 7700 pounds while four wheel drive models can tow up to 7600 pounds.

The 2016 Colorado and Canyon have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 6600 pounds for two wheel drive models and 6200 pounds with four wheel drive. GM credits the midsize pickup’s fully boxed frame for the towing and payload capabilities.

The 2.8 L Duramax diesel is backed by GM’s Hydra-Matic 6L50 6 speed automatic transmission featuring a Centrifugal Pendulum Vibrations Absorber in the torque converter that is said to reduce noise and vibration. Other features include a smart diesel exhaust brake system as well as an all new, standard trailering package, which includes an integrated trailer brake controller, hitch receiver, seven pin connector, and an automatic locking rear differential with a 3.42 rear axle ratio, and four wheel disc brakes. Additionally, four wheel drive models feature a new electronically controlled two speed transfer case.

Available on Colorado LT and Z71 and Canyon SLE and SLT Crew Cab models, with two wheel or four wheel drive, the Duramax diesel is priced $3730 more than a comparably equipped Colorado or Canyon with the 3.6 L V6 engine. That engine is rated 305 HP and 369 lb-ft of torque. GM says the Duramax diesel’s variable geometry turbocharger (read more about in "Variable-geometry turbocharger" article) gives it a wide power curve with peak torque available at 2000 rpm and peak horsepower at 3400 rpm.

The 2.8 L Duramax features an iron cylinder block with a forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods, and a 16.5:1 compression ratio. Its aluminum DOHC heads feature common rail direct injection, while a balance shaft should reduce harshness. The engine is also B20 bio-diesel compatible. GM claims the 2.8 L Duramax engine is its cleanest diesel truck engine. Although official EPA-rated fuel economy ratings are yet to be released, GM expects the Duramax to return better fuel economy than either of the available gas engines including the base 2.5 L inline 4 EPA-rated at 19-20/25-27/21-22 mpg city/highway/combined.