Here’s What You Need to Know About GMC’s TurboMax Engine (And Which Trucks Have It)

The GM TurboMax engine – sometimes called the GMC TurboMax or Chevy TurboMax – is a gas engine that GM developed for use in light-duty truck applications. The TurboMax is based on another General Motors engine, the L3B 2.7-liter inline-four engine. The L3B was first released in 2019 and has been used in the Cadillac CT4-V, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and several other GM vehicles and SUVs.

TurboMax is a high output version of the L3B. It’s very stable for its small size and can produce 310 horsepower and an impressive 430 lb-ft of torque. If those torque levels seem unusual for a four-cylinder car, you’re not wrong. But GM designed the TurboMax specifically for use in light duty trucks and SUVs, a class of vehicles that rely on high torque output for things like towing trailers and off-road driving. This car includes various performance upgrades, including longer piston strokes for improved combustion and compression, a powerful turbocharger to increase engine airflow, a three-position camshaft to improve timing and reduce excess heat. valve, and many more high output features.

Finally, GM designed the TurboMax engine after the diesel engines. It has a fully forged bottom, meaning it can handle increased force without the risk of damage or stress-induced failures. It can tow up to 9,600 pounds and get up to 19 city and highway miles per gallon. Considering the compact size of the engine and its consumption of a quarter and a half ton, the GM TurboMax represents a bright future of powerful and efficient but small engines.