On this day, 121 years ago, Rudolf Diesel was granted the first patent for the diesel engine, immortalizing his name and invention in history. His creation laid the groundwork for engines that would drive global progress. Despite recent challenges in the diesel sector—such as Nissan discontinuing its partnership with Cummins for diesel trucks and a class-action lawsuit against General Motors—the diesel engine itself deserves recognition.
Initially, diesel engines were confined to heavy-duty pickups, with notable offerings like Ford’s Power Stroke, Ram’s Cummins, and General Motors’ Duramax. However, the diesel engine’s presence has expanded, now available in every half-ton truck from the Big Three manufacturers.
General Motors stands out as the sole manufacturer offering a comprehensive range of diesel truck engines for consumers. On the GMC side, diesel options can be found in the Canyon, Sierra, and Sierra HD models. Chevrolet similarly features diesel variants in the Colorado, Silverado, and Silverado HD.
To commemorate this legacy, GMC is promoting its diesel lineup by unveiling what it calls “the most diesel picture ever.” Just how much diesel excellence can be captured in one image? Quite a bit, as it turns out.
Among the trio of trucks featured, the GMC Canyon produces the least torque at 369 pound-feet. The 3.0-liter diesel engine in the Sierra half-ton follows with an impressive 460 pound-feet. At the top of the pack is the Sierra HD, equipped with a 6.6-liter V8 that delivers an astounding 910 pound-feet of torque. Together, these three trucks generate a remarkable 1,739 lb-ft of torque.
However, placed alongside the newly launched models, the Canyon appears somewhat outdated. Although it remains a capable truck, it could benefit from a technological upgrade, particularly when compared to the advanced features in its larger counterparts. It also still bears last-generation design aesthetics, leading many to hope for a refreshed model soon.
This photo serves as a fitting tribute to an engine that has propelled much of the world for over a century. The only question left to ponder is: what would you choose to tow if you had the opportunity to drive one of these powerful machines?.
