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Wheels:
2019 Silverado boasts new cylinder deactivation tech

Change can be hard, but it's a constant and easy task for the engine on the all-new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The most advanced gasoline V8s in the brand's history, updated versions of the proven 5.3L and 6.2L V8s, feature Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM), an industry-first cylinder deactivation technology that enables the engines to operate in 17 different cylinder patterns to optimize power delivery and efficiency.

DFM is powered by a sophisticated controller that continuously monitors every movement of the accelerator pedal and runs a complex sequence of calculations to determine how many cylinders are required to meet the driver's requested torque. It can make this determination 80 times per second.

An electromechanical system deactivates and reactivates all 16 of the engine's hydraulic valve lifters, controlling valve actuation. The system uses solenoids to deliver oil pressure to control ports in the lifters, which activate and deactivate the lifters' latching mechanisms. When a cylinder is deactivated, the two-piece lifters effectively collapse on themselves to prevent them from opening the valves. When the cylinder is reactivated, solenoids send an oil-pressure signal to the control ports on the lifters and the latching mechanism restores normal function, allowing the valves to open and close.

"Chevrolet first introduced its Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation system in 2005, and Dynamic Fuel Management is a natural progression of the technology," said Jordan Lee, Small Block chief engineer. "Dynamic Fuel Management enables only the cylinders needed to deliver the power you want, seamlessly delivering the best balance of power and fuel economy."

Compared to Active Fuel Management, which alternates between eight- and four-cylinder modes, DFM features 17 cylinder patterns. That greater variability mixes cylinder patterns constantly to optimize efficiency and power delivery at all speeds.

During an industry-standard test schedule, the 2019 Silverado 2WD with the 5.3L and DFM operated with fewer than eight active cylinders more than 60 percent of the time, 9 percent more than a comparably equipped 2018 model with AFM.

"The increased variability of Dynamic Fuel Management means the engine will operate more often with a reduced number of cylinders, which saves fuel across the board," said Lee. "Better yet, the transitions are transparent, and because the system is torque-based, you've always got that satisfying feeling of power on demand that comes from Chevy's Gen V Small Block V8 engines."

The 5.3L V8 with DFM is SAE-certified at 355 hp (265 kW) and 383 lb-ft of torque (519 Nm) and is matched with a Hydra-Matic eight-speed automatic transmission.

The 6.2L with DFM, the largest and most powerful gas V8 in the segment, is SAE-certified at 420 hp (313 kW) and 460 lb-ft of torque (623 Nm) and is paired with a Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic transmission.

Both transmissions feature enhancements designed to improve shift quality, as well as a new centrifugal pendulum absorber torque converter that reduces vibrations to improve smoothness, particularly during cylinder deactivation events.

The all-new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado is also 450 lb lighter due to the extensive use of mixed materials. The underlying safety cage features significant use of advanced high-strength steels, each tailored for the specific application.

 

 

 

 

The engines also feature driver-selectable stop/start technology that helps save fuel in stop-and-go traffic. The 5.3L version is standard in LTZ and High Country models and available on LT, RST, and Trail Boss. The 6.2L is available in LTZ and High Country. Both engines will be built at General Motors' Tonawanda Engine Plant in Buffalo, NY.

Active Fuel Management also is employed on the Silverado's standard 4.3L V6 and E-85-capable 5.3L V8.

The complete all-new 2019 Silverado 1500 propulsion lineup includes:

• Over half of the models will be equipped with updated versions of Chevrolet's proven 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines equipped with industry-first Dynamic Fuel Management featuring 17 different modes of cylinder deactivation.
• An all-new, advanced 2.7L Turbo engine that replaces the 4.3L V6 as the standard engine on the high-volume Silverado LT and new Silverado RST, expected to offer 22 percent more torque, greater fuel efficiency, and a stronger power-to-weight ratio than the current model.
• Proven 4.3L V6 and 5.3L V8 engines deliver full-size truck capability and performance for the most affordable trucks in the Silverado lineup.
• An all-new Duramax 3.0L inline-six turbo diesel will be available in early 2019.

The 2019 Silverado goes on sale this fall. EPA fuel economy estimates and towing/payload capacities are not yet available. They will be announced closer to launch.

Source: Chevrolet

Published June 2018

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