Drive.com.au
THE diesel horsepower war has just gone nuclear, with Chevrolet unveiling a monster new V8 designed to put Ford firmly in its rear-view mirror.
Chevrolet has revealed an all-new 8.3-litre turbo-diesel V8 destined for its heavy-duty Silverado pick-ups, producing a thumping 414kW of power and 1668Nm of torque.
Nicknamed “Mongoose”, the engine is the largest diesel General Motors has developed for a pick-up truck application and represents a sizeable step up from the 6.6-litre Duramax V8 it replaces in US models.
The outgoing engine produces 350kW and 1322Nm, meaning the new powerplant brings considerably more muscle to the table.
And all that grunt isn’t just about winning the numbers game.
The maximum gooseneck towing capacity is set to climb from 16,329kg to a staggering 17,237kg, while conventional towing capacity is rated at up to 9072kg.
The Mongoose will be paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and has been developed with one particularly familiar rival in its sights – Ford’s 6.7-litre Power Stroke diesel.
Ford’s engine, known internally as the “Scorpion”, has been offered since 2011 and is available in standard and high-output configurations, producing up to 373kW and 1627Nm.
Even the engine nicknames show just how serious the rivalry has become.
The mongoose is famously a predator capable of eating scorpions, making GM’s choice of name a cheeky shot across Ford’s bow in the battle for heavy-duty pick-up supremacy.
Ford uses its Scorpion- powered diesel engines in its Super Duty trucks in the United States, including heavy-duty models such as the F-650 and F-750.
Australian buyers, however, don’t currently get Ford’s diesel-powered American pick-ups.
The F-150 sold locally is converted to right-hand drive in Melbourne and uses a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol EcoBoost V6 producing 298kW and 678Nm.
Ford does offer the locally developed Ranger Super Duty, which has a diesel engine and a 4500kg braked towing capacity, putting it into serious workhorse territory without stepping up to one of the giant American trucks.
Chevrolet, meanwhile, already sells the Silverado 2500 in Australia, with vehicles converted to right-hand drive locally by Walkinshaw Group.
Ram is also firmly involved in the diesel arms race, with its 6.7-litre six-cylinder Cummins recently upgraded to 313kW and 1458Nm.
The Ram 2500 and 3500 are also imported and converted to right-hand drive.
