GM continues to make steady progress readying updates for its heavy-duty pickups, including a minor face-lift. Originally thought to be badged as 2010 models, new information now pegs the revisions for the 2011 model year.

The one-ton Chevrolet Silverado 3500 in this picture sports the same grille as the current half-ton Silverado 1500, but as we first reported last year, we think it's temporary. A different grille with better fitment is likely in the works. The front bumper, however, is believed to be ready for production. GM has softened the huge metal flares at the corners of the current Silverado HD's bumper by topping off the uppermost portion with plastic from end to end. The inlet in the middle of the front bumper feeds air to the truck's transmission oil cooler. It's about a third larger than the current inlet, which makes us wonder about the changes GM has in mind for the V-8 Duramax diesel's Allison transmission.

The Duramax is expected to receive a significant increase in horsepower and torque next year (well over 700 pounds-feet of torque, sources tell us) as well as meet the toughest clean-diesel emissions standards in the world.


Source: Pickuptrucks.com

 

Over 700.... Yikes

 

At what point is it too much stock power?

 

2000 FtLBS

 

When the stock truck has more power than my 'heavily' modified truck.

 

Honestly... Does anyone need as much power as a medium duty truck in a chassis that can't handle half the load? The brakes keep getting bigger, the chassis' keep getting bigger, the trucks keep getting bigger, but the loads don't seem to be getting bigger. Sure, there are a few guys who have always overloaded there Class III trucks to Class V loads, but why let them move into Class VI loads in Class III trucks .

I'd much rather see more investment in small diesels...

 

I like the bumper and 700 isn't much of a jump. IIRC stock now is 655 and you can't even put a canned tune on that adds that little of power. They do need to add a little grill to protect that trans cooler though.

 

I like the change to the bumper.

 

yeah i agree we should invest more in small diesels but 700 foot pounds of torque is not a huge step from 650. just ask the guys on the farm pulling huge loads. im sure they wouldn't mind the extra 50 plus of torque

 

For me 400 hp and 800 tq and I would be happy leaving it stock.