Updated on June 9, 2019
GM’s Small Diesel Trucks Don’t Clatter Enough, Customers Complain
There’s good news and bad news for GM: The EPA recently named the automaker’s diesel-engined Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups the most fuel-efficient trucks on the highway.
Massey Yates listens to the exhaust note of his diesel Colorado. “Can’t hear no clatter,” he complained before passing out.
What’s the bad news? It seems a growing number of buyers complain that the diesel-engined twins don’t clatter loudly enough.
“I bought a diesel and I want it to sound like a diesel, not a (expletive) blow dryer ,” said Colorado owner Massey Yates, who lives out east of Kamawachikama and describes himself as an journeyman dabbler.
GM powertrain engineer Paloma Stitch said the company is aware of the problem. “We’re switching to a smaller piston so it’ll slap around inside the cylinder,” she said, adding, “It’ll clatter like a cement mixer.”
Stitch also said the modified engines should also produce more visible diesel smoke. “Diesel truck owners love lots of smoke,” she chortled.
