Chevy Silverado Turbo 4 Billed as “Having Your Cake and Eating it Too” By InsideCarNews

InsideCarNews reported on their blog this week about the need-to-know details regarding the 4-cylinder Chevy Silverado Turbo 4. The big news is the EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, as well as the 23 mpg on the highway with the use of a rear-wheel-drive model. The 4.3-liter V6 that was the standard on the Silverado prior to this did not have quite the same boasting power, and savings in the emissions categories should be monumental. While sporting more cab space and cargo volume, the new Silverado with the 2.7-liter Turbo engine weighs about 380 pounds less than the previous entry-level model.

All of us at O’Rielly Chevrolet are excited to show you just how this Silverado with the new engine beats out the estimated 19 mpg city for the Ford F-150 XLT, and can also tie the fuel economy estimate for the Ram 1500 3.6-liter V-6 mild hybrid. Deeming it a traditional case of “having your cake and eating it too,” the writers at the InsideCarNews blog recognized the immediately-obvious advantages of having the 4-cylinder model eagerly hit the pavement and not guzzle so many precious pump-rationed necessity. Built on the Spring Hill, TN assembly line, this engine will be available in midline LT and RST trims, and will serve as the entry-level powertrain in those respective models.

The long-stroke forced-induction inline-four is an all-new unit that is paired exclusively with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Equipped with an electronic wastegate to aid in keeping lag down, the staff of Car and Driver were appreciative of the engine's gusto, which performed as good as any other naturally-aspirated power source. While idling, on the go, or restarting from a stop by means of the automatic stop/start system, there was also not much noticeable vibration during drive testing, as a smooth ride ranks tops on many new truck buyer's wish lists.

Efficiency measures are now the mark of a vehicle that is ready to progress with a solid and steady pace into the future, while shedding the negative stereotypes and performance records of the past. The use of an aluminum block helps make for an engine that also weighs in at around 80 pounds less than the 4.3-liter V-6.  Saving fuel in pickups can result in conserving more fuel on a national basis than the introduction of fuel-efficient smaller cars, that may nudge out another small car that was already nailing down acceptable gas mileage numbers. On board is also a new dual-volute turbocharger housing, that has two separate inlets for low and high RPM response. An all-electric water pump reduces engine drag, and Active Thermal Management can direct heat as well as cooling for faster warmup, more efficient combustion, and high-load cooling.