8.3L Duramax Rumors – Could It Be Coming?
According to TFL Truck, a new, much larger Duramax could be on the way. Hosts Roman and Andre have coined it the “Megamax.” To put this in context, the engine in the Bugatti Veyron, one of the world’s most powerful supercars, is a scant 8 liters. “The next Duramax engine could have upwards of 600 horsepower and 1,200 pound-feet of torque,” says Andre almost in disbelief. Is TFL’s source correct? Time will tell.
Full Video Transcript
00:01 Hey Andre, we’ve got some breaking news—some gossip—and it’s a rumor. We’re going to pass it along because we have a fair amount of confidence this may be happening, but take it with a grain of salt since we don’t have official confirmation. This is not coming from GM, but from inside sources. We’re talking about a new monster Duramax.
00:17 And what are we famous for at TFL Truck, Roman? Creating AI images of trucks that don’t exist? No—we’re famous for the Ike Gauntlet, the world’s toughest towing test. Just a few months ago, Mr. Truck, the team, and I were towing heavy trailers on the tallest highway in the land. GM has often been neck-and-neck but not always at the top with Ford on tow ratings or output. That may be about to change.
00:51 The latest rumor: GM may be working on the next version of their Duramax V8, possibly an 8.3L engine with upwards of 600 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque. GM isn’t calling it the “Megamax”—that’s our name. But maybe it fits.
01:32 We recently drag raced the Ram Cummins, GM Duramax, and Ford Power Stroke. GM and Ford were neck and neck in the quarter mile, only 0.4 seconds apart, but Ford pulled away slightly. On the Ike Gauntlet, Ford’s F-350 with a 27,000 lb trailer managed the climb with 3 brake applications in just over 10 minutes, averaging 2.5 mpg. GM’s truck needed 1 more brake application and took 13 seconds longer. Neck and neck, but not winning.
02:52 The Duramax is getting long in the tooth. It’s been 6.6 liters since 2001—23 years. Meanwhile, Ford has 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque. Ram’s Cummins is at 420 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft. A rumored 600 horsepower Duramax would blow Cummins out of the water and beat Ford on horsepower while tying torque.
04:02 Why go bigger in displacement? A larger engine could deliver more low-RPM torque, run cooler, and maybe improve durability. But emissions compliance plays a huge role too. An 8.3L could change the balance.
06:27 What about hybridization? A hybrid Duramax could add torque and efficiency, like Toyota’s hybrid systems. But heavy-duty trucks will likely be the last to see hybridization because towing range and recharge time are huge barriers. Still, export power—like Ford’s Pro Power Onboard—could be a game changer if diesel trucks adopted inverters to power homes, tools, or even neighborhoods.
08:36 This is exciting news—not just for drag racing, but for hauling heavy loads more efficiently and cleanly. Rumor has it we might see this “Megamax” around 2026, so a year and a half to two years away.
09:12 Would you want a bigger Duramax? Would it change your buying decision? Or do you think GM should go smaller and more efficient?
09:26 Finally, what about beyond pickups? GM also plays in the 4500/5500/6500 medium-duty space with International. Larger displacement engines could influence RVs, motorhomes, and big chassis trucks, not just pickups.
10:18 Thanks for watching. Remember to check out altfl.com for the latest heavy-duty news. We’ll see you next time.