Editor's note: This story is part of the WardsAuto digital archive, which may include content that was first published in print, or in different web layouts.

Pickup-truck buyers are notoriously demanding and brand-loyal, especially when it comes to heavy-duty pickups used for work to haul heavy equipment and for recreation to tow campers, boats and horses.

This year, that segment is flush with fresh product as General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. launch all-new versions of their Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra HD and Ford Super Duty pickups, respectively. And Chrysler Group LLC refreshed its Ram heavy-duty trucks late last year.

All three offer astoundingly powerful turbodiesel engines, and Ward’s Automotive Group is setting out to pick the best of the three at a “Diesel Shootout” to be held this week at Robert Bosch LLC’s test track in Flat Rock, MI.

Editors at Ward’s and Fleet Owner magazine, a fellow Penton Media Inc. publication for commercial-trucking companies, will drive Detroit’s three HD diesel pickups, each towing 10,000 lbs. (4,536 kg) on the 1.3-mile (2-km) oval at the Bosch track and on a 20% grade.

Following the template of the annual Ward’s 10 Best Engines competition, editors will score each engine based on acceleration, technology, fuel efficiency, driveability and overall power, paying close attention to noise, vibration and harshness levels at idle, cruising speed and during hard acceleration.

Points also will be awarded based on observed fuel economy and the application of new technology. Gasoline V-8s in big pickups guzzle fuel, but modern common-rail diesels generally are about 25% more efficient, while producing staggering amounts of torque.