Rated at 397 hp and 765 lb-ft of torque, the Duramax is the way to go. GM's venerable Vortec 6.0L V8 is still on duty and provides basic motivation, if you consider 360 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque basic...
Although the D-Max's numbers are impressive, it wouldn't do much on its own without the latest Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission. Impressively smooth and responsive, this 'box manages all the power with ease. Up and downshifts are no more intense than they would be in a Chevy Malibu.
EBS
These letters stand for exhaust brake system. This ingenious feature relies upon the engine's compression to vastly improve vehicle control and prolong brake pad life. When switched on while in cruise control, the EBS helps maintain vehicle speed when going downhill thus avoiding braking and exiting cruise control by generating supplemental back-pressure through the exhaust and thus creating negative torque.
The EBS can also be used without cruise control. When the brakes are applied, the system kicks in (transmission and EBS combine for the desired amount of braking) regardless of the total weight of the vehicle. Supplemental brake application will further increase the EBS' involvement in slowing the truck down.
Fancy words to say that it really works. Although not quite intuitive at first, only a matter of moments are required to realize that the EBS is on top of its game and it is possible for the driver to fold his or her feet by the seat bottom and simply steer the rig through the countryside.
Old and new; on the road
Whew! There is so much going on underneath the new GM HDs that I could go on for another 10 pages. Suffice it to say that out of everything that makes the trucks roll and stay on the road, only one part was left untouched: the front sway bar links.
The final result is a truck that is pleasant and confidence-inspiring. Confidence was a key word used in the presentation given to us on the new products. I am here to state that after having driven the Ram 2500 HD, the Ford F-250 and a Chevy Silverado 2500 HD, the GM has the best drive.
Although the D-Max's numbers are impressive, it wouldn't do much on its own without the latest Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission. Impressively smooth and responsive, this 'box manages all the power with ease. Up and downshifts are no more intense than they would be in a Chevy Malibu.
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| Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com |
EBS
These letters stand for exhaust brake system. This ingenious feature relies upon the engine's compression to vastly improve vehicle control and prolong brake pad life. When switched on while in cruise control, the EBS helps maintain vehicle speed when going downhill thus avoiding braking and exiting cruise control by generating supplemental back-pressure through the exhaust and thus creating negative torque.
The EBS can also be used without cruise control. When the brakes are applied, the system kicks in (transmission and EBS combine for the desired amount of braking) regardless of the total weight of the vehicle. Supplemental brake application will further increase the EBS' involvement in slowing the truck down.
Fancy words to say that it really works. Although not quite intuitive at first, only a matter of moments are required to realize that the EBS is on top of its game and it is possible for the driver to fold his or her feet by the seat bottom and simply steer the rig through the countryside.
Old and new; on the road
Whew! There is so much going on underneath the new GM HDs that I could go on for another 10 pages. Suffice it to say that out of everything that makes the trucks roll and stay on the road, only one part was left untouched: the front sway bar links.
The final result is a truck that is pleasant and confidence-inspiring. Confidence was a key word used in the presentation given to us on the new products. I am here to state that after having driven the Ram 2500 HD, the Ford F-250 and a Chevy Silverado 2500 HD, the GM has the best drive.
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| My driving partner and I actually pushed our Sierra 2500 HD Denali beyond how an HD should be pushed on tight, twisty and uneven roads and it performed beyond expectations. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |