More info is leaking out of Chevrolet about the coming 2024 Silverado HD models. The 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine has been revamped, adding more power and torque, along with other refinements. Let’s dig down to see what has been done to improve the Duramax.

How did Chevrolet improve the 2024 Silverado HD Duramax?

First, the numbers. From a previous 445 hp at 2,800 rpm, Chevrolet engineers have increased the L5P’s power to 470 hp. And the torque figures are also better, with 975 lb-ft of torque. The Duramax previously packed 910 lb-ft of torque. 

That all adds up to a 36,000 lb towing capacity. How did GM improve the Duramax turbo-diesel? It has made major improvements to the fuel injection, the heads for better combustion, the valvetrain, and the turbocharger, among other tweaks. 

Is this updated 6.6-liter Duramax the same as the new Turbomax?

Chevrolet has also added a new 2.7-liter four-cylinder gas engine now called the Turbomax, to the 1500 line, but it is not a diesel and is available with the Silverado HD trucks. The only other available engine with the HD is the 6.6-liter V8 gas engine. Both of the HD engines transfer the power to Allison’s 10-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous six-speed automatic. 

But there are more changes to the Silverado 2500 than the Duramax diesel engine. On the exterior, the front end is (mercifully) the recipient of a redesign. The design department chose to nix the “horse blinder” headlight treatment. It’s less fussy and a lot more palatable. 

Have 2024 Silverado HD trailer assist features been added?

The HD interior has also seen improvements, starting with a 13.4-inch infotainment screen added to the 12.3-inch gauge cluster. It’s similar to the recently refreshed Silverado 1500 cabin. The version we’ve seen with the dark gray and wood accents looks especially premium. Wireless phone charging is also improved.

Amongst the 2024 changes are new trailer assist features. Chevrolet has improved Adaptive Cruise Control with Trailer, Enhanced Transparent Trailer, Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert, and Gross Combined Weight Alert. The GCW alerts the driver when the combined truck and trailer weight tips the scales over what is recommended, according to Chevrolet. 

Are 2024 Silverado HD trucks at dealerships now?

Driver-assist features include Front Pedestrian Braking, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, and a Following Distance Indicator. This last feature warns the driver when it is following too closely to the vehicle ahead based on weight. It measures the distance and determines if there is enough distance to safely stop the truck should the vehicle in front slows or stops. 

Production of the 2024 Silverado trucks has already begun. The much-anticipated Silverado HD ZR2 won’t be available until later in the year. Deliveries of the 2024 Silverado EV will begin late this year. The first of those will be Work Truck versions. Higher trims will follow at the end of the year.