General Motors will officially introduce its revised Chevrolet Silverado HD powered by a new 6.6-liter Duramax diesel on Wednesday at the Chicago Auto Show, but the automaker confirmed this morning that the powertrain will be capable of running on B20 biodiesel.
The engine will also be unveiled later in the similar GMC Sierra HD, which is not expected to officially bow until March at the New York International Auto Show.
“B20 capability in our new heavy-duty trucks is the latest addition to a growing number of alternate fuel options offered by General Motors,†said Mike Robinson, vice president, Environment, Energy and Safety Policy, in a statement released to the media. “We are seeking different paths to fuel solutions in order to maximize efficiency, reduce emissions and minimize the dependence on petroleum.â€
The automaker hasn’t released any more official details about the upcoming Heavy Duty pickups, although the diesel powertrain will also be joined by a standard V8 – as in the current models. The trucks will be capable of using B20 that meets ASTM International’s D7467 validation for blends between B6 and B20.
