GM reveals new 4.3-liter V6 EcoTec3 truck engine specs and details

The Motor City truck wars are hotter than ever with Ford, Ram and GM each recently revamping their pickup lineup. The most recent contender: GM's redesigned Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.

In addition to new exterior designs, a new engine -- the 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V6 -- will be available to complement V8 options.

This new V6 engine produces 285 hp, 305 lb-ft of torque and a towing rating of 7,200 pounds, which GM claims is best among standard V6 truck models. The engine also helps the pickups achieve a best-in-class payload rating of 2,108 pounds.

GM also claims that the EcoTec3 engine technology matches the Ram V6's city fuel economy of 18 mpg while the 2WD models are capable of 24 mpg (18 mpg for city, 24 mpg for highway all across the board for regular, double and crew cab models). Keep in mind that these estimates are for the bare bones models without all the frills and options.

V6 trucks are an increasingly viable option for those who want decent gas mileage but require substantial towing ratings to meet their daily needs. According to Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer for GM pickups, “our V6 has torque where you need it to get the job done, with 230 lb-ft of torque available at 1,200 rpm, and more torque available from 2,400 to 5,300 rpm than competitive V6s make at their peak.”

The EcoTec3 also includes cylinder deactivation, direct fuel injection and continuously variable valve timing technologies.

Other engines available for the Silverado/Sierra include a 5.3-liter V8 (355 hp) and a 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp).

Check below for more information and data regarding horsepower, towing ratings and gas mileage.

Additional details and data from GM:

Silverado 1500 4.3L EcoTec3 V6

-285 hp (212kW) @ 5,300rpm

-305 lb-ft of torque (413 Nm) @ 3900 rpm

-Maximum available towing rating: 7,200 pounds

-Maximum available payload rating: 2,108 pounds

Sierra 1500 4.3L EcoTec3 V6

-285 hp (212kW) @ 5,300rpm

-305 lb-ft of torque (413 Nm)@ 3,900 rpm

-Maximum available towing rating: 7,200 pounds

-Maximum available payload rating: 2,108 pounds

Horsepower and torque ratings are SAE certified using 87 octane regular gasoline.

Peak torque and horsepower, light-duty pickups with nonturbo V6 engines

Peak torque

(lb-ft) @ rpm Peak horsepower @ rpm

Chevrolet Silverado 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 305 @ 3,900 285 @ 5,300

GMC Sierra 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 305 @ 3,900 285 @ 5,300

Ford 3.7L V6 278 @ 4,000 302 @ 6,500

Ram 3.6L V6 269 @ 4,175 305 @ 6,400

EPA fuel economy estimates, light-duty pickups with non-turbo V6 engines

(City/Highway/Combined)

2WD models

Chevrolet Silverado 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 (18/24/20)

GMC Sierra 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 (18/24/20)

Ford F-150 3.7L V6 (17/23/19)

Ram 3.6L V6* HFE (regular cab only) (18/25/21)

Ram 3.6L V6* (17/25/20)

Toyota Tundra 4.0L V6 (16/20/18)

4x4 models

Chevrolet Silverado 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 (17/22/19)

GMC Sierra 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 (17/22/19)

Ford F-150 3.7L V6 (16/21/18)

Ram 3.6L V6* (16/23/19)

Source: Model Year 2013 EPA Fuel Economy Guide

* Optional engine for 2013 model year

Maximum available payload and towing ratings, light-duty pickups with non-turbo V6 engines

Max available payload rating (lb.) Max available towing rating (lb.)

Chevrolet Silverado 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 2,108 7,200

Ford 3.7L V6 1,930 6,100

Ram 3.6L V6 1,930 6,500

Toyota 4.0L V6 1,580 4,900

Source: Published manufacturer's information. For Silverado, maximum payload is for 2wd regular cab model; maximum towing is for regular cab 4x4 model.

By Max Gilles