Chevrolet Silverado HD Spied Testing Updated Engines [Updated]

A heavily disguised Silverado HD was caught by spy photographers, suggesting that Chevrolet is working on updating the gasoline-powered version of the big pickup.

The Chevrolet Silverado HD received a 2017 model year mid-cycle facelift, but the major change was under the hood with GM overhauling its Duramax diesel engines featuring Ram Air hood scoops. At the time of the mid-cycle refresh’s introduction, the standard gasoline engines didn’t see any major changes, but it looks like Chevy is working on it.

Based on the camouflage seen on this prototype, it appears GM is testing updated gasoline engines for the Silverado HD since there’s no indication of any air inlets on the hood camouflage to feed Ram Air scoops.

SEE ALSO: 2017 Chevrolet Silverado HD Adds Redesigned 6.6L Duramax Diesel

But without actually peering under the hood, we can only speculate on what Chevy is working on for the updated Silverado HD. The American automaker is reportedly developing new technology for its next-generation engine, an advanced “displacement on demand” system, based on equity investments made to a Silicon Valley firm called Tula Technology, Inc. Our spy photographers say the new system uses what’s called Dynamic Skip Fire (DSF) technology, which promises to deliver the right amount of horsepower and torque needed for the current driving conditions. This allows the engine to conserve as much fuel as possible.

It is believed DSF will improve fuel economy by as much as 15 percent and won’t feature the same traditional vibration issues with conventional cylinder-deactivation systems.