The electric motor provides an additional 44 lb-ft of torque and 13 horsepower during acceleration, bringing combined output up to 368 ponies and 427 lb-ft of twist.
General Motors has expanded its eAssist powertrain technology to include the Chevrolet Silveradoand GMC Sierra.
Borrowing two dozen battery cells developed for the Malibu Hybrid and software controls from the Volt, the eAssist system pairs an electric motor with GM's 5.3-liter EcoTech V8 engine and eight-speed transmission.
The electric motor provides an additional 44 lb-ft of torque and 13 horsepower during acceleration, bringing combined output up to 368 ponies and 427 lb-ft of twist. The electric motor also operates as an on-board generator for the 0.45 kWh battery pack, while allowing cylinder deactivation to remain active for longer periods in four-cylinder mode.
The system will be available on 2WD models to maximize fuel efficiency. GM expects both the Silverado and Sierra to deliver city/highway ratings of 18/24 mpg, an improvement of 2 mpg for both cycles. Notably, the mpg rating now matches the V6 edition, which delivers a lower output of 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque.
The eAssist upgrade can be purchased with the Silverado 1500 crew cab in 1LT trim, though just 500 will be produced and all will be headed to showrooms in California. The package commands a $500 premium over similarly-equipped packages without eAssist.
The GMC Sierra will receive even fewer eAssist units, with 200 headed to California and a promise to 'adjust as appropriate' moving forward. Interestingly, the Sierra takes advantage of aerodynamic enhancements not available on its Chevy-badged sibling, including a standard tonneau cover and automatic grille shutters, though its expected mpg rating is the same.
Here at Leftlane, we believe the contributions of the community are just as valuable as those of our staff. The Web, at its core, is a medium for information sharing and communication. We strive to provide good information, but without you—the community member—there is no communication. Read More>>