The ram-air hood has been a staple of muscle cars for years. Some of it is functional and some just for show. Pontiacs have been sporting ram-air hoods for some time now and it seems that Chevrolet will be having its own ram-air hood.
The all new 2017 Chevrolet Silverado HD with the Duramax engine features the ram-air hood as standard and it functions as intended.
The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado HD features the 6.6 litres turbocharged V8 Duramax diesel engine. The Duramax engine produces a mighty 397bhp and 765 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed Allison transmission. With all that power, the Silverado HD can tow 18,000 lbs.
All the attention with the 2017 Silverado HD is centred on the ram-air hood. Along with the cool looks of the hood is the functional aspect that makes it interesting. The ram-air hood works by channelling cold air from the top of the hood into the engine. The ram-air hood includes an intake system that is designed to deliver as much cold and dry air into the engine and the turbocharger. They claim that there is a “supercharging” effect because of the ram-air hood. As much 60% of the air needed by the engine is provided by the ram-air hood.
Chevy has not revealed any increase in performance figures with the new hood but it is assumed that new hood provides efficiency rather than raw power. What we do know is that testing of the Silverado HD was done at 11,000 feet above sea level which means that the air is thinner. Chevrolet claims that the truck can tow up to 18,000 lbs at 11,000ft above sea level on a hot summer day.
The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado HD is priced at $33,400 if you are interested in the ram-air hood. It is expected that the GMC Sierra HD which is the twin of the Silverado will also get the ram-air hood upgrade for 2017.
Images via Auto Blog
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