We Hear: Chevrolet Colorado A ‘Testbed’ For Future 2.8L Duramax Engine Applications
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While we were busy sampling the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado with its new-to-North America 2.8-liter Duramax diesel engine, we caught wind of any interesting concept with the launch of this truck.
Speaking to Chevrolet, the brand says it will be keeping a close eye on the market, seeing how consumers react to the 2.8-liter Duramax diesel engine in the 2016 Colorado. Why? Because the market is going to dictate if we see the fantastic oil burner find its way into other vehicle applications across the Chevrolet lineup.
Specifically, Chevrolet called it a “testbed” for future applications, saying it “listens” to what its customers are yearning for.
We were able to achieve over 30 mpg with the quiet, comfortable Duramax, and we think the engine would be a nice fit for a few other Chevrolet products.
It’s up to you, now. We all asked for it, and now it’s nearly here, and its quite good. If you’d like to see the 2.8-liter Duramax find its way into other vehicles, you best pony up and purchase a diesel-powered 2016 Colorado.
Besides, you won’t be disappointed in the engines capability, or refinement.
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I’d like to see a Tahoe with a diesel.
Are they looking to put it on the ATS as well??
ATS may get the 2.0 whisper diesel. But it is designed for FWD applications.
This engine would nicely power Impala, Malibu, and Traverse from Chevrolet lineup. Tahoe and half-tons need a little bigger diesel then 2.8 I4 IMO (something like 3.3 v6 would be great for half -tons).
I hope they are just testing how well the diesel sells and the public’s reaction to the new diesel and actually planning on using the 2.8l in other vehicles. I think the engine is too under powered to do well a full size truck / suv and I’m guessing a more suitable engine can be made for cars. But we will soon see!
Or a 4.0 in line 6.. sounds like a torque monster for the half ton, it has the room under the hood for it
Would really like to see a v6 / small v8 diesel for 1500’s / suburban / tahoe. I would love a diesel that could make easy work of the silverado’s 12,000 lb max towing, get mid 20’s empty on the freeway and ride like a half ton.
I have a 2002 2500 Duramax now. Power wise its all most people ever need. If a new 3.0 – 5.0l diesel could make around the same power as the 02 (300hp/520ft/lbs), be as refined as the new diesels (NVH), and get at least 25mpg I would be all over it. With 8speed auto geared right and lighter 1500 parts 25mpg shouldn’t be to hard to attain. Actually I suppose power levels could be a little lower 1500 drive terrain would have less parasitic loss and 8speed would do better at keeping it in the power band. Many people I think would like pros of the duramax with the ride of a 1500 since so many dont use the full payload / towing capacity of the 2500.
What about a 4.0 in line 6 with same cylinder shut down technology as gas engine. It would run 3 cylinders in economy mode? A diesel would actually have the torque to more efficiently run on half the cylinders
I like to see how the diesel is gonna operate during winter and -40 below
It will start just like all other modern diesels.
Yes Grant it is no longer the 1980’s.
wholesale it to VW, they are in need of good diesel engines, just sayin’
Before we get too far out on this limb lets just see if GM can make their conservative goal of 10% of Colorado sales first and then see if we can make more Diesel converts.
To increase sales of Diesels in America is a tough task for the best of them but for GM with the Olds past and the present VW issues it just got tougher.
They have a good package and will have to market the hell out of it. And when I mean market get people behind the wheel to see just what it can do. Every dealer should be forced to have a demo model to get people to drive it. That is the only way they will understand this package. If I were a Dealer I would also have a loaded trailer.
They will not have a problem hitting their 10% goal. Their issue might be how to get more volume out of the already taxed Wentzville truck plant.
EV lets see them do more than 10% for 5 years straight and we will know the true market.
I know the first year will be easy but after that will there still be enough market to grow. Americans are not in love with diesels and most attempts have failed unless it is a full size V8 truck.
As for the plant that is not a problem as they can expand to another plant if needed. GM has more production capacity that can be tapped and I expect to see it used in the near future.
To grow the new trucks diesel engine over 10% will be an achievement and then maintain it will be wonderful. But we have to wait to see just how the public reacts.
The fact is if everyone who cried for this engine would buy one it would be a run away hit. But the truth is the folks on the internet talk a good game and too few show up at the show rooms when it comes to Diesels, Wagons and hatchbacks in America.
GM could really use the help with a good diesel in sales and could pick up some VW sales now if they can show they have it sorted out well.
At this point any time will show if this will work.
As for the truck itself there are no sales issues and I plan to get a GMC version in a year when I am due for a new vehicle.
Predicting future demand is next to impossible but the new diesel midsizers have the right ingredients to be a better sales success than anticipated.
1) right size for the majority of towing needs
2) economical and refined powertrain
3) solid value
4) they are filling white space
As for plant capacity, sure GM has excess but it would not be financially viable to reactivate and retool a different production facility to handle maybe an extra 20,000 units a year over their estimates.
Makes sense only if GM committed to a new full sized commercial van (Express -Savana replacement ). Then they could justify a significant capacity increase.
Diesels have traditionally been a tough sell for car applications and GM’s history is even more spotty but generally not in the truck market.
Diesels with their excellent low end torque and good towing fuel economy is perfect for trucks.
Unfortunately you are correct about Internet chatter. It is at best just that.
EV
Predicting the future is never 100% but generally they can get in the 75% range most times. It is a must in industry to be it right most of the time or have a plan to deal with this if they do not go as planned.
Well the mid size was still a risk but a safe one. The keys were to appeal to people like me who wants a truck but has no use for a full size. As of now there is little choice hence less risk.
The Diesel gets great MPG but you also have to factor in the cheaper price of Gas as it has been for a good while and the added cost of the Diesel as you will pay more for it. As of now you buy a Diesel for the Torque not the savings. That could change with gas prices but as of now you play the cards you are dealt.
Value? See above.
I assume white space is what I pointed out there is little to choose from in this segment at this point. If so that will only work for a while as Ford is coming and we will see new from Nissan and Honda soon.
GM’s solid history is with large V8 Diesel trucks. You deviate from that you will be taking a risk here in the states.
If they make their goal of 10K units that will be good and this will let them grow the market. The success with this truck can be transferred to the cars once these trucks are proven in public hands. It will be slow growth and be subjected to outside factors.
As for plants GM can build several different models on the same line anymore. Plants are flexible.
Adding 20-50K is not all that difficult. Just look at how GM handled the Nox at Ingersoll and Oshawa when sales exceeded expectations and increased each year with it and the Terrain. GM was able to increase production with little issue.
With the way production works today you would be shocked at the variety of models that can be built on the same line anymore.
Either way this truck and engine will still be a challenge. GM did their part to build it right. Now to market it and sell the public on it will be the challenge. To be honest this is much tougher than building it right. I will be watching with interest as to how GM markets this and how well they stick with it. This is not a market it for 6 months and forget about it deal. They need to be all in for the long term on this one. This is where this truck wins or loses.
I understand your point about GM’s ability to build multiple models on the same line which is what Flex plants are all about but from what I have read the Wentzville plant is already running full out. Three shifts and over time. Earlier this year GM added 2000 employees to work Saturday and Sunday + elimated the 6 minute line shut down between shifts to squeeze every last bit of production out of the plant.
Adding more capacity will not be easy or inexpensive.
Being successful with this new entry will take a sustained and focussed effort which I hope GM has the stomach for.
Although gas is relatively cheap now it will not be indefinitely which will only help bolster the case for the more efficient diesel powertrain.
The truth is they will be ok and if needed more capacity will be added some where as that is what Flex lines are all about. GM just did not want to react in the first year as to see how sustained the sales will remain. The pent up want was there and once it is gone Wentzville may be able to maintain.
While gas will not always remain cheap keep in mind Diesel is already more expensive and will go up in price as has gas.
Diesel at this point and even with higher gas prices will not be as much for economy in a truck as it is more for Towing. Torque is what this is all about. While there is a little more MPG the general public is not in love with a Diesel as they are so far behind on just where the technology is today. They think as like one person posted some where they are hard to start in the cold. That is no longer an issue but with most people it is because they have no clue.
Why GM has not a V6 DURAMAX or any other V6 diesel engine?
A Sprinter – type van
Yes,what are they doing for full sized passenger vans.The 4.5 duramax would be a prefect place for it.
Bull that they listen too what consumers want. 2.8 duramax in colorado with a MANUAL and make them available in BASE model trucks!! i dont want some fancy midsize that cost almost 40 grand. and stick a diesel with a MANUAL in the silverado. Hell, offer a manual in all engines and models. I know manual has become a niche thing but man o man do i wish they still offered it. same with wanting a 6.2 in a regular cab log box. why make the 6.2 only available in the upper trim levels
Umm… that’s weird why would gm not listen? They want people to buy their products, it only make sense to listen to the consumer. However if you only have 1 percent asking for a certain option why would you tool up to cater to their want. They serve the masses not the classes. With that being said I’m sure once the masses are satisfied they will hone in on the specific needs. Economics 101 my friend take the biggest share first before someone else does.
This engine will be a perfect match for the future SUV, Wrangler fighter from GMC. The one which I think they want to make and which looks like Hummer HX/H4 everybody is talking about. Anybody has any news about this new SUV from GMC ? Thanks..
I’d be very interested, but need it in a base pu, don’t want or need a decked out truck.