PickupTrucks.com: 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Gains Gears, Engines and Fuel Economy

400+ hp in a 6.2 litre and a 5.3 pulling at least 20 mpg.

I didn't realize Dodge is expected to bring a 23mpg ram in 09? Which will have the Hemi 380+hp?

Wow, hope Ford brings something to the table along those lines 400 Hp and 20+ mpg is nothing to frown on!

 

If this info is not BS. (gas economy) this could be the end of the best selling truck title. Fordy Fordy wake up!

 

Those engines might put out 400 horsepower but I can guarantee you they do not get 20 plus miles to the gallon while putting out that much power. I do not care who makes an engine weather it is gas or diesel, it takes fuel and air to make horsepower, and the more you have the more fuel and air you are going to use.

Jeff

 

Yea, it's one or the other, not both. Point is, the same truck can have a motor with 400hp for those who need that, and another motor option that can get 20+mpg for those who prefer economy.

Currently Ford has motor options. 1) an uncompetitive 5.4L WRT to HP and 2) lesser powered motors which are uncompetitive WRT economy.

Bill

 

My neighbors new 5.3L GMC is getting 18 around town.

A Hemi with proper gearing and MDS can get close to the mpg in a lighter std cab 2wd.

 

Too bad they do not offer a 6.5' bed on their Crew cabs.

 

Why? It's not like any of US would want one, right?

 

You can have 400HP and 20MPG, the enigne only puts out as much power as you need

 

Hmm. The article refered to the 5.3 as the "heritage." I wonder if that means they are getting ready to drop it from the lineup. The GM 6.2 has Active Fuel Management, like the 5.3. I'm really surprised that Ford didn't redesign the 5.4 or release a new engine with a similar fuel saving feature along with the '09. Well at least Ford's '09 still gives a choice of axle ratio.

 

I followed the link to the Chevy website and did a little study.

1. The 6.2L engine is only available in crew cabs and is rated at 19 mpg highway with 2WD and 18 mpg highway in 4WD models. It is also recommended you run on premium gasoline. I'd bet the economy and power will decrease on regular.

2. The 6.0L engine is only available on extended cab and crew cab pickups with trailering package.

3. The 5.3L engine has less HP and Torque than the Ford 5.4L is rumored to have for 2009.

4. I'd bet with the 6 speed auto transmission, the 5.4L Ford is EPA estimated at 20 MPG highway.

5. I'm not going to be writing Ford's obituary anytime soon; espcially since they haven't realeased any numbers.

6. the Chevrolet Pickups are still ugly as sin.

 

Most of the articles like that are for 2wd models. Plus most people calculate their mileage once or twice and say that what they get. 2 people I have asked claim 18-20 average. When I asked how often they figure it they both said when I went up north after I bought it...mostly highway miles. I also went out to Montana from Wisconsin with a buddy that has a Chebbie. We stopped for gas and I looked at the gallons pumped each time and we were VERY close. Some how he averaged 20-22 while I got 18-20...LOL. I have no clue as to the rearend gears in it.

 

I just spoke to guy at work today that has an older GMC Denali extend cab pickup, and he has an hour commute (90% highway) and only get 14.5 mpgs. Reason why it's low because he has the 4.11 rear end in it.

The new 09 F150 will have new high gear rear ends available like 3.15 and 3.31 (have to double check the order guide though...)

 

With the limitation's of the weak gm rear axle and them trying to extend it's life with a tall 3.42 axle ratio ,It kill's the tow rating.

The gm 6.0 gas combo is rated to tow much more than the 6.2 so what's the point ?

 

Nice info, and that makes a great point. Ford doesn't to the best of my knowledge make the same engine restrictions based on cab design that GM apparently does. Does GM have difficulty producing enough engines to outfit the entire line-up? Or, does forcing enough 5.3L's on the market give GM bragging rights on MPG's?

Anyway, I don't care, I'll stick with my Fords.

Tim

 

the point is, they have the option...

everyone on here is bitching about the 5.4 not getting 25mpg...