Chevrolet has just unveiled the luxurious HighCountry version of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado (see the video here). They have also released the SAE certified rating for the truck’s entry level 4.3 liter V6 motor. It stands at 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of twist. Clearly this power-plant is focused on torque, longevity, efficiency, and value. I am sure that Chevy engineers could have turned up the V6 power past 300 horses. However, in this balancing act – efficiency and cost effectiveness would likely suffer. Plus, moving heavy loads is about torque, not horsepower.
For comparison, 2013 Ram 1500 uses a 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 that makes 305 hp and 269 lb-ft. 2013 Ford F-150 employs a 3.7 liter V6 with 302 hp and 278 lb-ft. 2013 Toyota Tundra has a 4.0 liter V6 with 270 hp and 278 lb-ft. And the 2013 Nissan Titan does not have a V6 option. Indeed, the new Chevy V6 uses its large displacement to best all other six bangers by 27 lb-ft or more.
Will the Chevy be the most efficient entry level full-size pickup? We will have to wait to find out. Fuel economy ratings for the new V6 will be released later in the year. So will the power levels and MPGs on the top dog 6.2 liter V8.
Check our this TFLcar insider video of the initial 2014 Silverado reveal:
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, software engineer, writer, and reporter. He has been writing and reporting at TFLcar since 2011. When not working or spending time with the family – you can find him tinkering in the garage or scouring the internet and other media for various automotive, mechanical, and computer related information.
