General Motors has debuted the model-year 2015 Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD pickup trucks – both of which will be offered with compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system options.
‘Because HD customers tailor their trucks to their specific needs, the 2015 Silverado and Sierra will offer a choice of three fuels – gasoline, diesel or compressed natural gas,’ said Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer for trucks, during the vehicles' unveiling at the State Fair of Texas last week.
The standard engine in both the Silverado HD and Sierra HD is GM's 6.0-liter Vortec V-8. Customers can select a bi-fuel version of this engine that uses either CNG or gasoline.
‘And you can now get CNG capability in all three cab configurations – regular, double and crew cab – and on both 2500 and 3500 models,’ Luke said.
The trucks, which will be assembled in Ft. Wayne, Ind., and Flint, Mich., and thereafter receive CNG conversions, feature a payload of nearly 7,400 lbs. and a conventional trailering rating of 19,600 pounds. The 6.0-liter engine is paired with a Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission. The combination offers 360 hp and 380 lb.-ft. of torque in 2500HD models and 322 hp and 380 lb.-ft. in 3500HD.
Both the Silverado HD and Sierra HD are also available with the 6.6-liter 397 hp/765 lb.-ft. Duramax diesel engine, which was engineered to be capable of using B20 biodiesel as an alternative fuel.
