Manoli Katakis 
Earlier today we reported that General Motors will be slashing the prices of all LM2 Duramax-powered 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 trucks by $1,500. And if you want a half-ton diesel truck, the engine option itself undercuts pricing found on the Ram EcoDiesel and Ford F-150 by thousands (although Ram still offers the most affordable half-ton diesel truck overall, as its EcoDiesel V6 is available on the Tradesman work truck). This is great news for diesel fans. However, we also noticed that the 6.2L L87 V8 engine does not get the same luxury, according to GM’s latest pricing information.
This means that anybody seeking to upgrade to GM’s most powerful half-ton truck engine will be paying a $2,495 premium over a Silverado 1500 or Sierra 1500 with a 5.3L V8. That jumps to $3,890 over a Silverado 1500 or Sierra 1500 with a 2.7L L3B turbo-four. The LM2 Duramax now requires just $995 from the 5.3L V8, or $2,390 from the L3B turbo.
The new pricing strategy could be seen as a gamble, but in a way it makes sense when you look at it from a power/efficiency standpoint. The LM2 now logically places itself in between the 5.3L L84 V8 engine, which is good for 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Compared to the L84, the 3.0L Duramax offers less horsepower, at 277 hp, but far more torque, at 460 lb-ft, while returning as much as an EPA-estimated 33 mpg highway in the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. For those who are purely after power in exchange for fuel economy, the 6.2L L87 punches out 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, with no assistance from turbochargers, or electrification.
General Motors may be able to lower the price of entry on the LM2 Duramax because it plans on offering this engine on its all-new full-size SUV lineup, which shares the T1 platform with the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks.
Looking ahead, GM is planning to offer up towing improvements for its half-ton diesel trucks – a sore spot on their current spec sheet. The T1 trucks will also soon get upgrades to their truck tailgates, interiors, technology, and exterior designs.
