The all-new 2014 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 full-size pickup trucks arrive at dealers later this spring with the best V8 pickup fuel economy in the industry. The new GM 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 uses direct injection, cylinder deactivation and variable valve timing to achieve EPA estimates of 16 mpg city and 23 highway with two-wheel drive or 16/22 with four-wheel drive.
Chevrolet points out that Silverado's EcoTec3 and beats the EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Ford EcoBoost turbocharged V6 for both two-wheel-drive and 4x4 models.
2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Pickup Truck
General Motors' 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 is SAE certified at 355 hp and 383 lb.-ft. of torque, with more than 300 lb.-ft. available in the 2,000- to 5,600-rpm band for responsive performance under a broad range of real-world driving conditions.
GMC says most owners – three out of four last year – opt for the 5.3L V8 engine, which is an $895 option.
Redesigned 2014 Chevy Silverado Holds 2013 Pricing
The two-wheel-drive 2014 Silverado with the 5.3L EcoTec3, double cab and max towing package will have towing ratings of up to 11,500 lb., more than any light duty pickup currently on the market. Maximum available payload rating is 2,102 lb.
GM will add a standard 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V6 andan all-new 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 option to the 2014 Silverado and Sierra later this year. All the engine choices are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions.
The EcoTec3 engines provide the power of large displacement when needed, then switch to four-cylinder operation under lighter loads.
All three EcoTec engines feature direct fuel injection, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and continuously variable valve timing. The engines also use a compact overhead valve design and weight-saving components such as aluminum blocks and cylinder heads to reduce engine mass.
Other features that advance the 2014 Silverado and Sierra's capabilities include larger, stronger rear axles for V8 models and an updated suspension with two-stage multi-leaf rear springs.
FCP Video: Check Out the Features of the 2014 Silverado
