Your Chevrolet Diesel Truck Dealer in Norfolk
One of the biggest debates among truck drivers other than their manufacturer of choice and the ideal trim package is whether to opt for a diesel or gasoline engine. Which is better? As your Chevy diesel truck dealer in Norfolk, the team here at Duke Chevrolet GMC is happy to break down the primary difference between the engines as well as what makes Chevrolet diesel trucks the right choice for getting the job done. So, what’s the difference between a gasoline and diesel engine?
Gasoline and diesel engines both have their place on the road when it comes to offering the best performance. Gasoline engines typically perform better and more efficiently in the city and for short distances, whereas diesel engines are designed for highway driving, longer distances, and heavier hauling. Another key difference is that diesel engines offer more torque that yields better acceleration and fuel economy, which makes hauling those heavy loads easier. Chevrolet recognizes these differences and offers high-performing diesel powertrains on their lineup of trucks—the Colorado, Silverado, and Silverado HD. Honestly, Chevy diesel trucks are some of the best.
For the last century, Chevrolet has proven its commitment to excellence, quality, innovation, and safety. This is one reason why Chevrolet’s diesel trucks are the best choice for getting any job done. It also helps that Chevrolet is one of the most awarded manufacturers in the automotive industry, which gives drivers even more confidence when they get behind the wheel of a Chevy. After all, Chevrolet has earned more JD Power Dependability Awards across their entire lineup of cars, trucks, and SUVs than any other manufacturer in the last five years.
Chevy's diesel trucks, whether they be light-duty or heavy-duty, are workhorses and powerhouses. No matter what job you have to do, a Chevy diesel truck will be able to do it. Not only that, but Chevy diesel trucks are also going to get you the best gas mileage out of any of the engines in the Chevrolet lineup. So, you can get the job done and save a little bit on gas while you do it. Diesel provides you with the most power for hauling and towing, and Chevy diesel trucks are a cut above the rest.
What truly sets Chevrolet’s diesel trucks apart from others is Chevrolet’s commitment to offering the most advanced technology and powertrains. The Colorado, Silverado, and Silverado HD all offer a diesel powertrain option that delivers exceptional performance. For the 2021 Colorado, Chevrolet offers a 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine that produces 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine takes the Colorado’s towing to its max at 7,700 pounds without sacrificing fuel economy with an average of 20 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway with rear-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive will drop that efficiency to about 19 MPG city and 28 MPG highway.
The 2021 Silverado 1500 also offers a diesel option with a 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine. The engine makes the Silverado the most fuel-efficient truck in America, averaging 23 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway with rear-wheel drive, and 22 MPG city and 26 MPG highway with four-wheel drive. The engine delivers 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque that increases the Silverado’s towing capacity to 9,500 pounds.
If you really need power, the 2021 Silverado HD series features an even bigger diesel engine. A 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V8 that generates 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. The 2021 Silverado 2500 HD can tow up to 18,510 pounds with this engine, and the 2021 Silverado 3500 HD can tow up to an astounding 36,000 pounds.
The 2021 Chevrolet trucks offer the latest diesel technology, but did you know Chevrolet’s history with diesel engines dates back three decades to the early 1980s. In 1982, GM teamed up with Detroit Diesel to offer a diesel engine for their line of trucks. This led to the introduction of the 6.2-liter diesel engine that delivered 140 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. The engine remained GM and Chevrolet’s go-to for a decade until it was replaced by the 6.5-liter naturally aspirated engine that delivered 155 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque and the 6.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine that produced 190 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque.
Chevrolet’s commitment to diesel technology continued throughout the 1990s and 2000s. They updated the 6.5-liter turbocharged engine and earned high praise for its capability to deliver up to 215 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Then, in 2001, Chevrolet introduced the 6.6-liter Duramax that set a new standard for diesel engines and produced 300 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque. Over the last two decades, the Duramax has been consistently upgraded and revised to produce more power that you can now enjoy in the 2021 Chevrolet trucks.
Another notable reason why Chevrolet’s diesel trucks are the best in their class is Chevrolet’s ability to offer advanced technology and towing features. Drivers who opt for a diesel engine often do so because they need to haul large loads via towing or trailering without sacrificing performance. Chevrolet makes this easier than ever with a range of camera technology.
The new Silverado and Silverado HD offer the Technology Package, which features the Trailering Camera System that delivers up to 15 views around the vehicle and rear hitch. The images are displayed on the center-mounted touchscreen display. This makes hitching up to a trailer incredibly efficient and streamlined by giving drivers the perfect view.
The technology doesn't stop there. The 2021 Chevy Silverado also includes Chevy's first Multi-Flex Tailgate. This tailgate has six different functions that are designed to help you work smarter. There are two different length load stops to prevent longer loads from sliding off the end of the tailgate. The inner gate folds down to give you further reach into the bed, and it can transform into a full-width step for ease of access. Or, you can turn your inner gate into a workspace for your blueprints and laptop. Activate your Multi-Flex Tailgate via a switch in the truck, a button on the tailgate, or from your keyfob. Hauling loads in the tailgate has never been easier.
Other towing and trailering technology include Chevrolet’s Trailer Sway Control and the StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control, both of which work together to improve vehicle stability. Chevrolet also offers Hill Start Assist, which helps the vehicle accelerate on inclines greater than a 5% grade. The Chevrolet lineup also features an available Tow/Haul Mode, Diesel Exhaust Braking, and an Automatic Locking Rear Differential, the latter of which is ideal in low-speed situations to control rear-wheel slippage. These features work together across the Chevrolet truck lineup to boost efficiency and performance in any situation.
Are you ready to get behind the wheel of a Chevrolet diesel truck? At Duke Chevrolet GMC, it’s all about you, our customer. That’s why we’re one of the top dealerships in the area and promise to provide exceptional customer service from the moment you step onto the lot and for years after as you turn to our dealership for all your vehicle maintenance needs. Once you’ve made your purchase, know that Duke Chevrolet GMC also offers an outstanding service and parts department with trained technicians who are proud to ensure your vehicle runs its best.
Our finance team is ready to find you the absolute best deal on your diesel Chevy truck, whether you are buying or leasing from us. You can take a look at our current inventory online or drop by the dealership and take a look around the lot. What are you waiting for? It's time for you to visit Duke Chevrolet GMC and pick up your diesel Chevy truck today!