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GM To Upgrade Duramax Diesel DETROIT — The workhorse Duramax 6.6-liter turbodiesel V-8 engine that General Motors uses in its heavy-duty pickups is being rebuilt to comply with tough new emissions standards that take effect in 2010. GM last week announced the first phase of its plans to redo the Duramax. GM said it is spending $69 million on plant upgrades, which will include new production equipment. GM would not say what changes the Duramax will get other than a new emissions system. The company says it will use selective catalytic reduction or urea to reduce oxides of nitrogen, or NOx, emissions so the Duramax can continue to be sold in all 50 states and meet new Tier 2, Bin 5 emission levels. Vehicles using the engine will also have a diesel particulate filter. The displacement of the revamped engine will remain at 6.6 liters, but it could also share GM's new diesel engine layout that does away with the intake and exhaust manifolds. GM developed the 6.6-liter Duramax along with Isuzu. It went on sale in the 2001 model year and has been a trouble-free, hardworking powerplant that propelled GM to more than 25 percent of the heavy-duty diesel truck market, up from about 2 percent. Last year, the Duramax plant built nearly 200,000 of the engines. More than 1 million have been built since production started. "GM is transforming its product portfolio to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and the 2010 Duramax diesel is an integral part of that transformation, as well as a component of GM's strategy to diversify vehicle energy sources," John Buttermore, GM Powertrain vice president of global manufacturing, said in a statement. Besides the heavy-duty Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, GM uses the Duramax in the Express and Savana full-size vans and in medium-duty trucks. Auto Dealer Facts Did you know that auto dealers account for nearly 20% of Connecticuts annual retail sales? The NADA publishes some pretty interesting economic facts. Check out this one page report on Connecticut and it's automobile dealers. NADA REPORT.... Everything you need to know about diesel emissions (Adobe PDF File) There's so much confusion about the new emissions regulations we figured you could use a quick guide. Click on the headline to learn all you need to know about the new diesel emissions regulations. GM Announces Hybrid Pickups On The Way Nov 15, 2007 1:58 PM
GM has announced the 2009 Sierra Hybrid full-size pickup, which the OEM said achieves 40% better city fuel economy as well as 25% improvement in overall economy. The system combines GM’s 2-Mode Hybrid system with a 6.0L gas V-8, providing all-electric driving at low speeds, saving fuel even when the truck is fully loaded or towing up to 6,100 lbs., the company said. The hybrid, based on the Sierra platform introduced for the 2007 model year, is scheduled for release in late 2008 and will be available in 2WD and 4WD crew cab body style. It will feature the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, a locking rear axle, trailering package and dual-stage frontal and head curtain-side air bags. Other features of the hybrid include aerodynamic aids, a deeper front air dam and hard tonneau cover. "The Sierra Hybrid is the newest example of GMC's heritage of truck innovation, which stretches back 90 years, and exemplifies GMC's commitment to fuel solutions," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet gm. "Sierra Hybrid will deliver fuel economy comparable to many small and midsize trucks that are equipped with four- or six-cylinder engines -- all while delivering the capability customers expect of GMC full-size trucks." The vehicle saves fuel through GM’s Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT) and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS), the company said. With GM’s 2-Mode hybrid system, the electric power used is generated by the system itself, with electricity stored in the battery moving the vehicle when the brakes are applied or it is coasting. According to the OEM, the electric motor is less than half the size of those used in single-mode hybrid systems, with a battery pack placed in the chassis beneath the rear seat for a quieter ride. "The Sierra Hybrid is exceptionally quiet," said Mark Cieslak, vehicle chief engineer. "From a passenger's perspective, the refinement of the hybrid system is quite evident throughout the driving experience, and showcases itself when the vehicle is moving under electric power." |
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