Duramax Diesel Lifts 2016 Chevy Colorado Pickup to Silverado Towing Capacity

All-new 2.8L diesel makes 369 lb.-ft. of torque, brings engine braking to mid-sized pickup trucks, expected to exceed 27 mpg

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Chevrolet made good on its promise to offer a diesel in the mid-sized Colorado pickup truck, including the option for a 2.8L Duramax turbodiesel in the 2016 LT and Z71 Crew Cab models with 2WD or 4WD.

Rated 181 hp and 369 lb.-ft. of torque, the all-new 2.8L Duramax lifts Colorado’s maximum trailering capacity to 7,700 lb. on 2WD models and 7,200 lb. in 4x4s, handily out-towing full-size Chevy Silverados powered by the 4.3L EcoTec3 V6.

“A diesel engine was part of the Colorado’s portfolio plan from the very beginning,” said Scott Yackley, assistant chief engineer, “Meaning the chassis, suspension and other elements of its architecture were engineered to support its capability.”

Colorado’s new 2.8L Duramax is part of General Motors’ global family of turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines. It’s built on an iron block and aluminum DOHC cylinder head. The compression ratio is 16.5:1, and employs a common rail direct injection fuel system.

GM says it the 2.8L Duramax is the cleanest diesel truck engine the company produces. It meets U.S. emissions standards, thanks in part to cooled exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR).

A broad torque band makes it very powerful at low rpm, while a variable-geometry turbocharger helps deliver smooth horsepower on demand.

EPA fuel-economy numbers are not yet available, but Chevy projects estimated fuel economy to top Colorado’s segment-leading 27 mpg with the 2.5L gasoline engine and automatic transmission. Australian Colorado owners report fuel economy with the global 2.8L Duramax in the 28 mpg range. 

The new Colorado diesel goes on sales this fall, priced $3,730 more than a comparably equipped 3.6L V6 model.

Features included with or exclusive to Colorado diesel models:

  • SAE-certified at 181 hp at 3,400 rpm and 369 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,000 rpm
  • Driver-selectable, smart diesel exhaust brake system enhances vehicle control and reduces brake wear
  • Standard Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission matched with a Centrifugal Pendulum Vibration Absorber (CPVA) in the torque converter to reduce powertrain noise and vibration
  • The Z82 trailering package is standard and includes a hitch receiver and seven-pin connector
  • An all-new integrated trailer brake controller is standard and exclusive on diesel models
  • The G80 automatic locking rear differential is standard
  • A 3.42 rear-axle ratio is standard
  • New, electronically controlled two-speed transfer case included on 4WD models
  • Maximum trailering rating of 7,700 lb. for 2WD models and 7,600 lb. for 4WD
  • GVWRs of 6,000 lb. for 2WD and 6,200 lb. for 4WD

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