Is this the 2017 Chevy Express 2.8L Duramax Diesel Passenger Van Prototype Tow Testing? [Spied]

2017 chevy express duramax diesel towing trailer spied
2017 Chevy Express 2.8L Duramax Diesel (image by Destin R.)

GM announced in November 2016 that the 2017 Chevy Express and GMC Savana vans are getting the 2.8L I4 Duramax turbo-diesel engine and the 8-speed automatic transmission. This is welcome news for the GM full-size vans as it will help the aging van lineup remain competitive against vans from Ford, Ram, and Nissan.

We have not seen much news about the new diesel GM vans since November. The commercial and fleet websites for Chevrolet and GMC do not yet list the 2.8L Duramax engine as an option for the Express and the Savana. GM has not provided a more precise rollout date for the latest powertrain offering.  It is very interesting that the 2.8L Duramax is mated to an 8-speed automatic in the vans (not 6-speed like it is in the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks).

Check out the spy shot of a passenger prototype van towing a test trailer in the wild. Thanks to Destin R. for providing the image. The side of the van has a sticker that says: “US Spec Diesel” near the filler cap and “Duramax Diesel” badge is proudly displayed on the door.

Is this the 2.8L Duramax GM van caught in the wild?

Speaking of the 2.8L Duramax I4 and towing… Here is the 2017 GMC Canyon diesel going up against the Chevy Colorado V6 on the Ike Gauntlet extreme towing test.