Update: the numbers for the new Duramax L5P are officially in.
General Motors is set to introduce a new 6.6-liter V-8 Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine for its 2017 model year heavy duty trucks — the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado HD and 2017 GMC Sierra HD. Assigned production code L5P, the new B20-compatible motor works in conjunction with the trucks’ new air intake system while remaining mated to the familiar Allison 6-speed automatic transmission (which itself might also be getting a few improvements for MY 2017). What we don’t know, though, is most important: how much power and torque will the new L5P will make? Here are our (hopefully-informed, yet totally unconfirmed) predictions.
First things first: the current 6.6L V-8 Duramax LML under the hoods of GM’s 2016 model year trucks is rated at 397 horsepower and 765 pound-feet of torque. Neither figure is insubstantial, as the engine was the most potent when it debuted back in 2011. Even more impressive is the fact that both figures are notably higher compared to the first generation of the Duramax, which was rated at 300 horsepower and 520 pound-feet of torque. However, as is nearly almost always the case in the automotive industry, the competition has not been sitting still: both Ford and FCA’s Ram have stepped up their HD truck game, and have done so big time.
Vehicle | Horsepower (hp) | Torque (lb-ft) |
---|---|---|
2016 GM Heavy Duty Trucks Duramax LML | 397 | 765 |
2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty PowerStroke | 440 | 925 |
2017 Ram HD Cummins Diesel | 385 | 900 |
2017 Ford F-Series SuperDuty PowerStroke Diesel
Very recently, Ford has (famously) unleashed an all-new 6.7L V-8 PowerStroke Diesel. The motor is rated at a whopping 440 horsepower and 925 pound-feet of torque, besting GM’s 2016 LML Duramax by 43 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque.
What’s more, Ford might already be working on bumping the output of its new PowerStroke to 500 horses and 1,000 pound-feet.
2017 Ram Heavy Duty Cummins Diesel
Fiat Chrysler’s Ram also delivers some impressive numbers from its 6.7L Inline-6 Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel: 385 horsepower and 900 pound-feet of torque.
It’s not as powerful as Ford’s new PowerStroke, but it’s still topping GM’s 2016 Duramax by 135 pound-feet, while the Duramax is up 12 horsepower.
2017 GM L5P Duramx Turbo-Diesel V-8
Facing stiff competition from Ford and Ram, it seems pretty clear that GM needs its new Duramax L5P to do it big on both the spec sheet and in real-world performance. Interestingly, the 2016 Duramax LML is highly regarded when it comes to real-world performance, but remains at a perceptional disadvantage by having the lowest numbers on the spec sheet. Not by us, but by people.
This scenario is especially true based on current HD market conditions: GM can tout that its trucks have superior real-world towing performance until it’s blue in the face, but customers will continue making purchase decisions in favor of the Ford thanks to the F-Series having having the more impressive on-paper (on-display) specifications, not to mention perceptional variables.
All that is to say that the L5P needs to look good on paper, too. Considering that the consumer HD pickup truck segment has been racing to the gargantuan figure of 1,000 pound-feet of torque from the factory for the last decade, with the heat intensifying year after year. The closer the 2017 Duramax L5P can get to that magical 1,000 lb-ft figure, the better — and it would be straight up awesome if GM could show up Ford and Ram by getting there first.
We hope to know more within the next month on the specifics at the 2016 Texas State Fair, but right now, we’re hoping to see power gains strong enough to at least put the GM 2017 HD trucks in the realm of 900 lb-ft. Purely speculation, but we figure it’s not a stretch.
What do you think? Is that enough to not only compete with Ford and Ram, but to beat them — both on paper and in real-world towing and hauling performance? Sound off in the comments just below.
Comments
450/960 are close to what I’m thinking 450/950. Hopefully, they are close. Real world performance is very important, but the spec sheet is just as well.
I am hoping for 470 and 960, need to beat ford by a significant margin!
445HP/960LB.FT.
More important than than the HP is the torque. These trucks are used to work and torque is the bigger factor to get those big loads moving or up that hill.
Also should make sure the truck has a huge tow rating beating Ford and Ram along with innovative features that help the people using these trucks for work, work smarter and more efficiently.
It does have to signifeciently better on the spec sheets. Just a little better in torque and horsepower but a lot better in real world testing. I know a lot of people make purchase by what’s on paper but the serious haulers buy by what works best. Out muscle out hustle out tow out haul out last and get better mileage while doing it. Then I think they will have themselves a winner.
I believe that GM engineers would be pathetic if the new Duramax can’t post figures of 460 hp and 975 lb-ft. Seriously, for Gm to be coming out with less than 950 lb-ft would be an uncompetitive approach for this segment. So lets put Ford And Ram behind, where they belong.
Just to clarify a typo, “Fiat Chrysler’s Ram also delivers some impressive numbers from its 6.7L Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel V-8: 385 horsepower and 900 pound-feet of torque.” The cummins turbo diesel is not a V-8, but an inline 6 cylinder engine. Remember when you are comparing horsepower and torque numbers that you are judging against an engine with two less cylinders, and a proven engine design based on longevity and cross brand production numbers. The GM/Isuzu v-8 has Fords offering beat hands down for long term reliability, but I believe both should be taking notes from Dodge/Cummins.
The number of cylinders does not mean much when you are comparing engines of the same displacement. Looking at displacement the Cummings straight 6 is slightly bigger than the Duramax V8.
Yes, it’s so funny when people make the silly argument that the cummins only had six cylinders and still makes the same power. Well, last time I looked the displacement is basically the same ad both ….. takes in and pushes out the same amount of air /exhaust! So many have know idea what they are talking about.
Also not included is the Cummins only has 385hp/900lb-ft of torque if it is a 3500 equipped with an AISIN Transmission. The most common configuration has the 68RFE transmission and makes 370hp/800 lb-ft of torque. Also if you opt for the manual you would have 350hp/660 lb-ft or torque.
They need to hurry up and release the specs man… Going to be my first major purchase after graduation engineering school. bowtie til I die lol. My buddy as a 2015 cummins and talks lots of smac about it. So Im hoping GM beats them. I dont care about FORD. Found On Road Dead lol
I just ordered a 2017 Denali HD with the LP5. It’s going to be my first new truck. Fingers crossed that they facelift it like the halftons. Although it’s unlikely.
Facelift? They’ve already released photos of what both the 2017 Silverado and Sierra will look like, so I’m not sure what you mean.
I am a big GM also but I am less incline to beat up on Ford as They are one of the 2 remaining American Auto company’s.
Why is GM waiting so long to release the L5P Specs ?
Why risk a loss in fuel economy to have more torque if they are not expected to go for the lead in towing? The order guide list 3.73 rear gears with the new Duramax. I predict 465 hp @ 3000 rpm and 850 lb-ft. of torque @ 1600 rpm. That is if they do not release any new info. on the day of introduction…