GM Touts New V-8 As America’s Most Efficient for Trucks

General Motors Co. says its all-new 5.3-liter engine will be the most fuel-efficient V-8 in any pickup truck available in the U.S. when it goes on sale later this year.

The optional engine, which makes 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, will be offered in the redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 fullsize pickups.

GM says the new EcoTec3 engine has U.S. highway fuel economy ratings of 23 mpg for two-wheel-drive models and 22 mpg for 4x4 trucks. That compares with a rating of 21 mpg for both drivetrains with the previous-generation 5.3-liter engine it replaces.

The company expects most customers to opt for the new engine, which delivers 300 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 5,600 rpm and has a maximum towing capacity of 11,500 lbs.

The rival 5.0-liter V-8 in this year's Ford F-150 pickup produces slightly more power and torque. But GM notes that the Ford engine's efficiency ratings are 2 mpg less in two-wheel-drive models and 3 mpg less in four-wheel-drive trucks.

GM's engine also is 1 mpg more efficient, though less powerful, than the F-150's popular 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6.

The new EcoTec3 is one of three new GM engines due this year that feature a trio of technologies: direct fuel injection, cylinder deactivation and continuously variable valve timing.

Power and fuel economy data about the other two EcoTec3 powerplants a standard 4.3-liter V-6 and optional 6.2-liter V-8 have not yet been finalized. All three engines will be mated to a six-speed transmission.

The Silverado and Sierra will debut with base prices of $24,600 and $25,100. The price, unchanged from this year's models, includes routine maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles.