General Motors has revealed the specs of the standard 4.3-liter V6 engine that will power the GMC Sierra / Chevrolet Silverado duo of full size pickup trucks, with the strongest selling point of the new unit being torque. GM says the 305 lb-ft (413 Nm) of torque developed by the new engine is the highest of any standard V6 in the segment.
The new engine develops 285 horsepower (212 kW) and is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy estimates will be released at a later date. The unit features direct injection, active fuel management (cylinder deactivation) and continously variable valve timing.
The GMC Sierra will be offered with three new EcoTec3 engines – a 5.3-liter V8 available at launch this summer, followed by the 4.3-liter V6 and 6.2-liter V8 versions available later this year. GM says all three engines are designed specifically for high trailering and hauling demands that truck buyers have.
The GMC Sierra with the 4.3-liter V6 will have trailering ratings up to 7,200 pounds (3,266 kg) for a regular cab, short bed, 4WD model, with GM saying that is 500 pounds (227 kg) more than the Ford F-150 3.7L and 700 pounds (317 kg) more than a Ram 1500 3.6L.
2014 GMC Sierra models with the 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V6 engine will go on sale later this year with a suggested starting price of $25,085 (€19,180), including a destination charge of $995 (€760). Chevrolet hasn’t announced yet the price for the base Silverado fitted with the same engine.
By Dan Mihalascu
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