Just when midsize-truck enthusiasts were really becoming "one" with GM's 2.8L Duramax LWN I-4 engine, it appears the torquey turbodiesel may be going away, along with the optional 3.6L V-6 gas powerplant for General Motors' Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups.

According to the web site Muscle Cars and Trucks, the 181hp/369 lb-ft "Baby 'Max" I-4 could be a thing of the past when production for the next generation of both trucks gets under way (timeframe unknown). The report comes in the wake of GM announcing it's discontinuing Base-trim Colorados (powered by 200hp 2.5L I-4 gas engines) for 2021, and hiking the truck's price approximately $4,000, as the $26,395 Work Truck becomes the new entry-level rig.

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See all 6 photos

In these engines' place, the web site says GM will employ the 310hp/348 lb-ft turbocharged, 2.7L four-banger that's currently offered in 2019 to present Silverado 1500, along with a ten-speed automatic transmission.

It appears the change is a happy medium of sorts with respect to the diesel's and LGZ V-6 gasser's performance, as greater and fewer amounts of power and torque from both mills are present in the proposed powerplant.

Of course, especially for enthusiasts who like the little Duramax, "why?" is the pertinent question. While were unable to confirm this, Muscle Cars and Trucks says GM is abandoning its enginewerks in Rayong, Thailand. It is also unknown at this time what the disposition of the 2.8L will be for Chevy Express and GMC Savannah vans, but conventional thought leads us to think the 2.7L will also be the lone engine for those rigs.

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As fans of the little D'Max since it debuted in 2016, and considering the fact that 2021 Colorado/Canyon receives a minor refresh, we hope the report is a very late April Fool's gag. Only time, or confirmation from GM will tell. But, from the Wishful Thinking department, we think loading either midsize truck with the hot 3.0L I-6 Duramax turbodiesel (optional in 1500-series pickups and the big SUVs for each brand) and ten-speed gearbox, is the powertrain change the little trucks really need!

We're on the case, and hope to have a definitive word on this from The General very soon.

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See all 6 photos

CHEVROLET 2.7L TURBO SPECIFICATIONS (as installed in 2019 Silverado)