Most of the heavy lifting, as it were, will be done by two new V8s -- the Duramax diesel 6600 and the Vortec 8100, both of which can be attached to either the Series 1000 Allison 5-speed automatic or a new ZF 6-speed manual transmission.
Power peaks for the gas-powered 8.1-liter Vortec engine are 340 horsepower at 4200 rpm and 455 pound-feet of torque at 3200 rpm. For the diesel, the numbers are 300 horsepower at 3100 rpm and 520 pound-feet of torque at 1800 rpm.
The third engine will be the Vortec 6000, which White explained has been pumped up by the addition of aluminum cylinder heads, a new camshaft, a lower restriction exhaust system and alternative-fuel capabilities.
With a targeted power rating of 325 hp at 5,000 rpm and 370 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm, the revised engine has 70 more horsepower and 40 more pound-feet of torque over the 5.7 liter it replaces.
A 5-speed manual transmission, now mated to a larger, more durable pilot bearing, is standard, and the 4L80-E automatic remains an option.
Underneath these trucks, White said, there's a torsion bar front suspension that provides higher GVW ratings and load-carrying capability, as well as better handling, a more precise alignment, smoother ride and greater overall durability. Standard 4-wheel disc brakes have larger rotors and pads to deliver a much longer brake life than before.