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New Engine For 2021 Chevrolet Low Cab Forward Truck

Chevrolet Commercial just announced a new engine for the Chevrolet Low Cab Forward truck at the ongoing NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis. Starting later this Summer, the Chevrolet LCF will be offered with the new 6.6L L8T V8 gas engine for the 2021 model year.

If that engine sounds familiar, it’s because it was originally introduced under the hood of the all-new 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD and 3500 HD heavy-duty pickup trucks. The direct-injected ‘eight doles out 350 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque when equipped in the Chevrolet Low Cab Forward truck.

That’s almost 18 percent more horsepower and 14 percent more torque than the preceding 6.0L L96 V8 engine which the L8T replaces. For reference, the L96 produces 297 horsepower and 372 pound-feet of torque in the Chevrolet Low Cab Forward truck.

“Whether hauling equipment, supplies or people, the additional output and wider torque band will give drivers more on-demand power and confidence, especially with heavy payloads,” Chevy states in a press release.

Back in February, we were first to report that the Chevrolet Low Cab Forward truck was due to receive the 6.6L L8T V8 engine.

While the L96 is definitely a solid engine, it’s a bit long in the tooth at this point. It’s also not the most power-dense engine available, nor is it the most efficient. By comparison, the 6.6L L8T V8 is an all-new truck engine.

The new L8T engine will be matched to the 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission. Critically, this is the same powertrain combination offered in the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD and 2020 GMC Sierra HD pickup trucks.

To note, the Chevrolet Low Cab Forward truck line is part of Chevy’s medium duty truck line, and is offered via a partnership between General Motors and Isuzu Motors. The line spans two generations, with 3500/4500 models slotting in as the base model offerings.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. Great news for low operating costs.

    Reply
  2. Great news! Chevrolet is stepping up in the medium duty segment!

    When will this variant of the 6.6L Gasser be available in the medium duty Silverado conventional cab? Also, when will that 22.5” wheel option be available?

    Reply
    1. The 350 hp version should be in the Express/Savanna also.

      Reply
    2. I wonder if they have a larger non-DI gas engine planned. Something along the lines of the Ford 7.3 that can use LPG, etc. Probably make it into the Silverado HDs as well.

      Reply
  3. The huge bump up in compression ratio from 9.7 to one in the 6.0 liter to the 10.8 to one in the 6.6 liter ( pickup trucks ), means much better MPG and much better performance when running very high octane propane or CNG. This cabover version is detuned from the 2500 and 3500 GM pickup trucks, where they have 464 lbs feet of torque and 401 HP. It probably has a slightly lower compression ratio and maybe a milder camshaft for these trucks with the lower HP and torque, which will haul a lot more weight. Cabover GM/Isuzu trucks are not known for high tow ratings.

    Reply
  4. The last two pictures must be of a 5500 truck. The tire size and cab look more like the 5500 series that I used to sell back when the dealer I worked for was a GMC Medium Duty & Isuzu Truck dealer.

    Reply
    1. That’s actually the 6500 series, also known as the Isuzu FTR. Far as I know that truck is not getting a gas option at this time.

      Reply

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