GM has just moved a major record in the war of diesel pickups. The company has confirmed that it is preparing a new 8.3-litre Duramax V8 for the Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD 2027, although it still keeps the most interesting numbers under reserve.
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Internally, the engine is known as “Mongoose”, a direct reference to the Scorpion that Ford uses to identify the 6.7-litre Power Stroke.
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The new Duramax will grow considerably compared to the current 6.6 liters.The increase is around 26%, a difference that makes it clear that GM is not just preparing a minor upgrade.
For now, the brand has not confirmed power, torque, trailer capacity, transmission or price. It is also unclear whether the 8.3-litre will replace the Duramax 6.6 or whether both engines will coexist in the HD pickup offer.
What is defined is its arrival to the Silverado HD and Sierra HD renewed by 2027.
The current figures help to understand why this engine generates so much expectation.The Duramax 6.6 liters produces 470 hp and 975 lb-ft torque, while the Ford Power Stroke 6.7 reaches 500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft.
Ram, on the other hand, uses a 6.7-litre Cummins that develops 430 hp and 1,075 lb-ft.
With that panorama, the jump to 8.3 liters clearly points to looking for more capacity in a category where every horse and every pound-foot counts, especially when it comes to trailer and heavy work.
The name may be striking, but the true story will begin when GM reveals the definitive specifications. The company has not yet explained whether the new engine will have a completely new architecture or if it will be a profound evolution of the Duramax we already know.
It also remains to be known in which versions it will be available and how much will change the capacity of the Silverado HD and Sierra HD.
For now, GM has only shown the direction it wants to take. A 8.3-litre turbo-diesel V8 represents a significant boost compared to the current engine and once again places heavy-duty pickups in a race for more capacity.
When the official figures arrive, it will be possible to know if the Mongoose really has arguments to plant it in front of Ford’s Power Stroke.
