GMC recently announced that it would allocate the second-generation 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine as standard for the “extreme” off-road Sierra 1500 AT4X trim. The updated 3.0-liter Duramax engine comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission and delivers maximum power of 305 horsepower and maximum torque of 495 pound-feet. These figures represent a 10% increase compared to the 2022 model year for power and a 7.6% increase for torque.
According to Will Mellon, marketing manager for GMC Sierra, the 3.0-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine has long been a favorite of Sierra light-duty owners, and around 20% of all Sierra 1500s were sold with the engine since the launch of the refined Duramax for the 2023 model year. He expects adding the engine to the AT4X trim will increase the 1500’s popularity.
The Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine’s advancements are made possible through several key component upgrades, including a retuned turbo compressor, new steel pistons with a revised combustion bowl, new fuel injectors, and improved temperature control features. GMC is undoubtedly hoping these improvements will help dethrone the 2022 and 2023 light truck sales leader, the Ford F-150.
John Barta, the GM assistant chief engineer for Diesel Engines, said,
“These refinements of the 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine took an already awesome engine and made it even better for off-road applications. The outstanding low-end torque combined with this diesel engine’s smooth and quiet power makes it ideal for customers requiring on-road capability for things like towing and off-road adventures like long-distance overlanding.”
The Duramax engine will continue to be assembled at GM’s Flint Engine Operations plant in Michigan and will be available on the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X later this summer.
The Sierra 1500 AT4X Obsidian Rush interior features authentic ash wood trim, full-grain leather-wrapped massaging front seats, more than 40 diagonal inches of combined digital displays, and a 12-speaker Bose Premium Series audio system. Standard features such as front and rear e-locking differentials, Multimatic DSSV dampers, and the additional capability of the available AEV edition make this the most off-road capable factory Sierra 1500 ever.
In addition to the new engine, the 2024 model year brings additional new features across the Sierra 1500 lineup, including available active exhaust, new power-retractable assist steps with two additional premium aluminum wheels, and two new unique and bold exterior paint colors, Thunderstorm Gray and Downpour Metallic for the Denali, Denali Ultimate, AT4, AT4X, and SLT.
Finally, for the 2024 model year, the 2.7-liter Turbo High-Output Engine will now carry the name TurboMax. With 310 horsepower, a best-in-class standard torque rating of 430 pound-feet, and max available towing of 9,500 pounds, GMC claims that the TurboMax engine provides GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation, SLE, and Pro customers with the power and capability necessary to take their work or hobbies further, whether that’s towing gear or tackling off-road trails.
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