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The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado and 2023 GMC Sierra will be much different in the new model year. Though some simple changes may be coming through cosmetics and convenience features, the most important is the power. What exactly is the upgrade these trucks are getting? How much will it impact their performance, towing, and hauling capabilities? GM is making some major upgrades to its trucks that are already some of the leaders in their classes.

2023 Chevrolet Silvero and 2023 GMC Sierra get a new engine

The 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 in the dirt
2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 | Chevrolet

There have been some camouflaged prototypes seen driving around, and some leaked information about the two new trucks. There’s even been some speculation as to what the new motors could be. Now, it seems we have the answer. According to information reported by TFLTruck, the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado and 2023 GMC Sierra will have an available next-generation 6.6-liter turbo-diesel Duramax V8 with an output of 505-horsepower and a whopping 1,085 lb-ft of torque. That is a lot of power. These numbers would immediately put GM into leadership positions for the segment for power, size, and hauling capability.

Compared to Ford and Ram

A white Ford F-450 Super Duty driving during the day
2021 Ford F-450 Super Duty | Ford

Ford’s largest available motor for its pickup trucks in the same segment is the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel. Ford’s largest engine outputs 475-hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. The high-output 6.7-liter Cummins I6 diesel from Ram produces 420-hp and 1,075 lb-ft of torque. With this new motor from GM, its trucks would immediately overtake both of these engines from other automakers. 505 horsepower in trucks of this size will be helpful in swaying those who buy trucks specifically for power. It is ideal for someone hauling a lot of weight. Whether that is someone using it for a work truck or just someone who owns a boat.

Towing and hauling capability

A silver 2021 GMC Sierra Denali in the mountains, the Sierra is the highest-quality truck on the road
2021 GMC Sierra Denali | GMC

The boost in the engine’s output will give the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado and 2023 GMC Sierra a greater towing and hauling capacity. The exact amount of weight the Sierra and Silverado will be capable of moving is unknown. Muscle Cars and Trucks took a guess based on the two vehicle’s current abilities. Both of the GM HD trucks are currently able to pull 35,000 pounds. Part of the reason for these changes to the motor is to exceed the Ford F-450 Super Duty’s capabilities, which tops out at 37,000 pounds. The GM HD trucks could end up with a towing capacity of 40,000 pounds, making the pair the best towing trucks in their segment.

The 35,000-pound towing capacity doesn’t sound like a lot compared to 40,000, but it is more than most people will need. In fact, in many states around the US, 35,000 is already enough to need a commercial driver’s license to operate the truck. To put it into perspective, the weight of a Greyhound bus is 40,000 pounds, so one of these trucks would theoretically be able to tow a Greyhound bus if no other weight were onboard.

GM’s new diesel engine plunges its two trucks directly to the top of a few different categories. Trucks with this amount of power will be highly useful for anyone consistently using the functionality these trucks allow owners. With a bunch of new interior and exterior updates on the way as well as the major engine upgrade, these GM HD models are something to look forward to. That’s how the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado and 2023 GMC Sierra will be the first heavy-duty pickup trucks to break 500 horsepower.

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