GM’s 2019 Pickups Will Have An I-4 Turbo For The First Time Ever

General Motors is doubling the available choices of engine options in the redesigned 2019 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 pickups. Automotive News reports that this includes the addition of a new four-cylinder turbocharged engine that can run on two cylinders to increase fuel economy. This change is in hopes of getting in the MPG battle with Ford’s V-6 Ecoboost engines and Ram’s 1500 with a mild hybrid system.

The 2.7-liter I-4 turbo engine is a huge step since it’s the first modern-day four-cylinder engine in a full-size pickup and the industry’s first pickup capable of running on two cylinders. However, the company reports the EPA testing is not finalized for the 2019 models and didn’t release expected fuel economy estimates for the engine. The engine is rated at 310 HP and 348 pound-feet of torque. Production of the pickups is expected to start in the fall. What are your thoughts?