2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD Debuts With New 6.6-liter V8 And 35,500 Pound Towing Capacity

Following a handful of previews, Chevrolet has released performance specifications for the 2020 Silverado HD.

Starting under the hood, the truck comes equipped with a new 6.6-liter V8 petrol engine that develops 401 hp (299 kW / 406 PS) and 464 lb-ft (628 Nm) of torque. It is connected to an upgraded six-speed automatic transmission which can be paired to an optional four-wheel drive system. While Chevrolet declined to mention fuel economy ratings, the company did confirmed the engine has direct injection and variable valve timing.

Drivers looking for more capability will want to check out the 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8. It develops 445 hp (331 kW / 451 PS) and 910 lb-ft (1,232 Nm) of torque. The engine is connected to a new ten-speed Allison automatic transmission and Chevrolet noted the truck is the first in its segment to offer an integrated Power Takeoff package which makes it easy to power commercial accessories.

The ratings are nothing to sneeze at, but the real star of the show is the Silverado HD’s massive tow capacity of 35,500 lbs (16,102 kg). That’s a 52 percent improvement over its predecessor and engineers were able to achieve this thanks to the trucks upgraded axles and beefier ladder box frame.

Besides upgrading the towing capacity, engineers equipped the diesel-powered truck with a more conveniently located DEF fluid tank. The instrument cluster also features a DEF readout so drivers will know when it’s time to top up the system.

The 2020 Silverado HD will be go on sale late this summer and be available in five different trims called Work, Custom, LT, LTZ and High Country. Each version of the truck features as slightly different grille design as well as usual equipment differences.

Chevrolet didn’t say much about the trim levels, but noted the truck can be equipped with an Advanced Trailering System that uses up to 15 exterior cameras to show what’s around a trailer. That’s a neat bit of technology, but the cabin remains pretty underwhelming.

The 2020 Silverado HD will make its public debut at the Chicago Auto Show later this week and we can expect to hear more about the truck closer to launch.