DETROIT –Largely because of the strength and refinement of the new EcoTec3 V-6, sales of V-6 Silverados account for 20 percent of light-duty pickup sales, up from about 5 percent for the previous model.
1) Purpose built for pickup use, with class-leading standard torque and towing
The Silverado standard 4.3L EcoTec3 V-6 has one purpose – providing budget-conscious pickup customers a great standard engine. Its large 4.3-liter displacement provides class-leading torque (305 lb-ft) and available towing (7,600 lbs.) for a standard V-6, while its aluminum cylinder heads and block saves weight. Its ability to operate on four cylinders under lighter loads helps improve fuel efficiency.
2) For many returning customers, comparable performance with much better economy
The average age of a full-size pickup on the road is about 10.4 years. Owners of these trucks coming back into the market will find Silverado’s new EcoTec3 V-6 performs comparably to the V-8 engines powering many of their trucks, and with significantly improved fuel economy.
| 2014 Silverado 4.3L EcoTec3 V-6 | 2004 Silverado4.8L Vortec V-8 | 2004 Ford F-1504.6L Triton V-8 | 2004 Ram4.7L Magnum V-8 |
| 285 horsepower | 285 horsepower | 231 horsepower | 235 horsepower |
| 305 lb-ft of torque | 295 lb-ft of torque | 293 lb-ft of torque | 295 lb-ft of torque |
| 18 mpg EPA city | 15 mpg EPA city | 14 mpg EPA city | 13 mpg EPA city |
| 24 mpg EPA hwy. | 19 mpg EPA hwy. | 18 mpg EPA hwy. | 17 mpg EPA hwy. |
EPA estimates for 2WD trucks. Estimates for 2004 models revised by EPA to be comparable to ratings for current models.
3) Saves money at the pump
Silverado V-6 is unsurpassed among standard pickups when it comes to saving money at the pump, based on EPA estimates for annual fuel cost. Because it runs on less-expensive regular gasoline, it even matches the EPA estimated fuel cost for the new Ram diesel.
EPA estimate annual fuel costs (standard 2WD models):
| EPA estimated MPG, combined | EPA estimated annual fuel cost | |
| Silverado 1500 4.3L EcoTec3 V-6 | 20 | $2,500 |
| Ford F-150, 3.7L V-6 | 19 | $2,600 |
| Ram 1500, 3.6L Pentastar V-6 (non HFE) | 20 | $2,500 |
| Ref: Ram 1500, 3.0L Ecodiesel V-6 | 23 | $2,500 |
4) Innovative technology for every customer
Silverado’s 4.3L EcoTec3 V-6 offers the same advanced engineering as Silverado’s optional 5.3L and 6.2L V-8 engines:
- Direct fuel injection, which precisely measures fuel directly into each cylinder, making the most of combustion for improved power, torque and efficiency.
- Continuously variable valve timing, which adjusts the opening and closing of the valves to help improve low-end torque.
- Active Fuel Management, which seamlessly switches to four-cylinder operation at lighter loads to help save fuel.
5) An all-new engine with deep, strong roots
Silverado’s EcoTec3 V-6 was all-new for 2014, but it builds on nearly 60 years of experience with small-block Chevy truck engines. Chevy small-block engines are proven, year-in and year-out, under the toughest conditions, on job sites and race tracks around the world.
This fifth generation of these legendary engines incorporate advanced technologies such as race-proven aluminum engine blocks for long life; six-bolt main caps with cross bolts for quieter, smoother operation, and oil-jet cooled pistons for more consistent power under high-heat, high-load situations.
The Chevrolet Silverado also comes with the industry’s best pickup coverage as standard, including 2-year/24,000-mile recommended maintenance, 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation.