GM Announces Best-In-Class Power Ratings for New 6.2-Liter V8

In a recent announcement, General Motors has stated its new 6.2-liter V8 offers best-in-class power and that this engine will be available in the 2014 GMC Sierra this fall. Fuel economy numbers for this formidable powerplant have also been released by GM, the 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 – available as an option on the Sierra SLT and Denali trims – expected to return 15 miles-per-gallon in the city and 21 miles-per-gallon on the highway when installed on rear-wheel-drive trucks. On four-wheel-drive models, these numbers decrease by one MPG each.

In this category, sheer horsepower numbers is what it’s all about and GM’s EcoTec3 V8 delivers with 420 horses and 460 stump-tugging pound-feet of torque, with a maximum trailering capacity of 12,000 pounds. Further, GM executives have been citing that even with all this power under the hoods of its trucks like the Sierra, the fuel economy numbers return with values closer to that of GM’s equally-new 4.3-liter V6 and its ratings of 18 miles-per-gallon city and 24 miles-per-gallon highway.

This announcement comes hot on the heels of a GM-sanctioned report that indicated the company couldn’t keep up with demand for the 5.3-liter V8 in full-size Chevy and GMC trucks due to “supplier issues.” The GMC Sierra and Sierra Denali 1500’s 6.2-liter V8 is being cited by GM representatives as offering “the most power of any pickup engine and torque of any light duty pickup truck engine.” One such representative is Jeff Luke, General Motors’ executive chief engineer for full and mid-size trucks, who said, “Power and towing capacity are fundamental capabilities for full-size pickups. As such, the 2014 Sierra delivers unmatched power and towing capability with a host of ingenious driver aids.”

On 2WD and 4WD V8 crew cab and double cab models, an optional Max Trailering Package is available encompassing such features as a trailering package with seven-pin and four-pin connectors, enhanced cooling, automatic locking rear differential, heavy-duty 9.75-inch rear axle with 3.73 ratio, increased capacity rear leaf springs, revised shock tuning for increased control and integrated trailer brake controller. Additionally, Sierra trucks, as equipped with the 5.3-liter V8 and max towing package – which will be available later this year – will boast towing capacities of up to 11,500 pounds when properly outfitted.

All three engines available on the GMC Sierra feature direct fuel injection, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and continuously variable valve timing while also utilizing a compact overhead-valve design and weight-saving components such as aluminum blocks and cylinder heads. “This reduces mass for additional energy savings,” added Luke.

For more information on innovative GMC models, visit www.gmc.com.