Tow away, America!
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Last month, GMC unveiled the newly redesigned 6.6L Duramax V-8 turbo-diesel, and the figures are staggering. The freshened powerplant now offers an SAE-certified 445 horsepower and a healthy 910 lb ft of torque. Okay, we know that's 20 lb feet less than the 2018 Ram and 15 lb ft less than the Ford, but it's 60 more horsepower than the Ram and five more than the Ford. But let's be real -- no matter what you're looking to tow, you'll probably be able to do it with all three. The real promise of the Duramax, however, comes when you start thinking about refinement and tuning.
Sources at GMC say that the new 6.6L Duramax is 38 percent quieter at idle and that the only similarity between the old Duramax and the new one is the bore and stroke.
“Nearly everything about the Duramax is new, designed to produce more torque at lower rpm and more confidence when trailering or hauling,” said Gary Arvan, chief engineer. “You’ll also notice the refinement improvements the moment you start the engine, and appreciate them as you cruise quietly down the highway — with or without a trailer.”
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As for the tuners out there, the new Duramax features forged micro-alloy crankshaft anchors, adding strength to the rotating assembly, larger diameter crankshaft connecting rod journals, a stronger crankshaft, an enhanced oiling circuit, and an integrated oil cooler with 50 percent greater capacity.
The block's piston cooling oil jets are also larger and now deliver twice as much oil into the oil galleries under the crown, allowing for cooler piston temperatures. And the pistons get some improvements as well. With a taller crown area, remelted combustion bowls, and a pin bushing delete, the cast aluminum slugs are now stronger and lighter.
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All that means tuners are going to be turning up the boost, so expect to see some Sierras smoking BMWs and Audis.
“With nearly two million sold over the past 15 years, customers have forged a bond with the Duramax diesel based on trust and capability,” said Dan Nicholson, vice president, Global Propulsion Systems. “The new Duramax takes those traits to higher levels.”
