GMC announced the second-generation 3.0L inline-six Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine is standard on its extreme off-road Sierra 1500 AT4X trim.

First introduced on select 2023 Sierra 1500 trims, the updated 3.0L Duramax engine comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission and delivers max power of 305 horsepower (a 10% increase compared to the 2022 model year), and max torque of 495 lb.-ft. (a 7.6% increase from the 2022 model year).

The Duramax engine will continue to be assembled at GM’s Flint Engine Operations plant in Michigan and will be available on the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X later this summer.

“The 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine has long been a favorite of Sierra light duty owners,” said Will Mellon, marketing manager, GMC Sierra. “Since the launch of the refined Duramax for the 2023 model year, around 20% of all Sierra 1500s sold have come with the engine and we expect its addition to the AT4X trim to take mix even higher.”

Upgrading a Diesel Truck

The Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine’s advancements are made possible through several key component upgrades, including:

• New steel pistons with a revised combustion bowl.

• Retuned turbo compressor.

• New fuel injectors.

• Improved temperature control features.

“These refinements of the 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine took an already awesome engine and made it even better for off-road applications,” said John Barta, GM assistant chief engineer, Diesel Engines. “The outstanding low-end torque combined with the smooth and quiet power of this diesel engine, make it ideal for customers requiring on-road capability for things like towing, as well as off-road adventures like long-distance overlanding.”

Advancing Off-Road Pickup Truck Capability

The Sierra standard features include multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear e-locking differentials, combined with the additional capability of the available AEV edition. In addition, the luxury-focused and tech-infused AT4X Obsidian Rush interior features full grain leather-wrapped massaging front seats, authentic ash wood trim, a 12-speaker Bose Premium Series audio system, and more than 40 diagonal inches of combined digital displays.

The 2024 model year also brings additional new features across the Sierra 1500 lineup, including:

• New power retractable assist steps on Denali, Denali Ultimate, AT4, and AT4X.

• Available active exhaust for Denali, Denali Ultimate, AT4, AT4X, and SLT.

• Two additional premium aluminum wheels.

• Two new unique and bold exterior paint colors, Downpour Metallic and Thunderstorm Gray.

Finally, for the 2024 model year, the 2.7L Turbo High-Output Engine will now carry the name TurboMax. With 310 hp, a standard torque rating of 430 lb.-ft. and max available towing of 9,500 lbs., the TurboMax engine provides GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation, SLE and Pro customers power and capability to take work further.