To deliver extra grunt and better fuel economy to customers buying large vans for business or RV purposes, General Motors will make its Duramax 6600 turbodiesel available in the 2006 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana G2500 and G3500 series commercial models.
According to Ray Chess, GM's vehicle line executive for large vans, ''This sophisticated diesel engine offers more horsepower and torque than the primary competitor, as well as a quieter driving experience and better projected fuel economy.''
The Duramax 6600 delivers 250 hp and a class-leading 460 lb-ft of torque through the Hydra-Matic 4L85-E electronically-controlled four-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is specially tuned for diesel-engine compatibility, Chess says, and that gives the Express and Savana ''exceptional towing and grade capability.''
Preliminary testing in the U.S. shows that the new engine will deliver better fuel economy than its primary competitor, Chess says. Tests show that over 24,000 km of travel the Duramax will use about 320 fewer liters of fuel, which is a significant saving. On top of that, the Duramax 6600 is also compatible with biodiesel fuel.
''With the inherent capabilities of a diesel engine and excellent fuel economy," Chess maintains, ''the Duramax 6600 is a win-win scenario for van customers. This engine is also quiet, refined and delivers a smoothness that is unexpected in a powerful diesel-powered vehicle.''
Furthermore, Chess notes, electronic throttle control, fast-heating glow plugs and easy-service items enhance the driving and ownership experience. Minimal changes to support the new powertrain were alsomade to the vehicle structure, thereby reducing the impact of equipment changes by upfitters.
With the Duramax 6600, the Express/Savana's maximum GVWR is 12,300, with a towing capacity of 4,536 kg, ''specifications that meet or exceed those of the primary competitor.''
A 3.73 axle ratio is standard and the RPO G80 limited-slip differential is optional.
''Quietness and smoothness, particularly at idle, are traits designed into the Duramax 6600,'' says Chess. ''They've been enhanced in the '06 engine, thanks to a strengthened iron cylinder block and revised piston design which reduces the compression ratio. The lower compression reduces the 'clattering' sound of the engine at idle, while also helping to improve overall smoothness during driving. The lower compression also helps reduce NOx emissions.''
Chess notes that even the engine's turbocharging system is revised for quieter, more efficient performance. A variable-geometry turbocharger with aerodynamically-tuned impellers is used to enhance full-throttle response while also contributing to reducing emissions. Also, the variable-geometry turbocharger is used in cold weather to enhance heater warm-up (similar to GM medium-duty trucks).
To support the new powertrain, Express and Savana models equipped with the Duramax 6600 also include:
According to Ray Chess, GM's vehicle line executive for large vans, ''This sophisticated diesel engine offers more horsepower and torque than the primary competitor, as well as a quieter driving experience and better projected fuel economy.''
 |
| Duramax 6600 (photo : General Motors) |
Preliminary testing in the U.S. shows that the new engine will deliver better fuel economy than its primary competitor, Chess says. Tests show that over 24,000 km of travel the Duramax will use about 320 fewer liters of fuel, which is a significant saving. On top of that, the Duramax 6600 is also compatible with biodiesel fuel.
''With the inherent capabilities of a diesel engine and excellent fuel economy," Chess maintains, ''the Duramax 6600 is a win-win scenario for van customers. This engine is also quiet, refined and delivers a smoothness that is unexpected in a powerful diesel-powered vehicle.''
Furthermore, Chess notes, electronic throttle control, fast-heating glow plugs and easy-service items enhance the driving and ownership experience. Minimal changes to support the new powertrain were alsomade to the vehicle structure, thereby reducing the impact of equipment changes by upfitters.
With the Duramax 6600, the Express/Savana's maximum GVWR is 12,300, with a towing capacity of 4,536 kg, ''specifications that meet or exceed those of the primary competitor.''
A 3.73 axle ratio is standard and the RPO G80 limited-slip differential is optional.
''Quietness and smoothness, particularly at idle, are traits designed into the Duramax 6600,'' says Chess. ''They've been enhanced in the '06 engine, thanks to a strengthened iron cylinder block and revised piston design which reduces the compression ratio. The lower compression reduces the 'clattering' sound of the engine at idle, while also helping to improve overall smoothness during driving. The lower compression also helps reduce NOx emissions.''
Chess notes that even the engine's turbocharging system is revised for quieter, more efficient performance. A variable-geometry turbocharger with aerodynamically-tuned impellers is used to enhance full-throttle response while also contributing to reducing emissions. Also, the variable-geometry turbocharger is used in cold weather to enhance heater warm-up (similar to GM medium-duty trucks).
To support the new powertrain, Express and Savana models equipped with the Duramax 6600 also include:
- revised front floor panel and underbody heat shielding
- new interior engine cover
- high idle switch added to instrument panel (optional)
- instrument cluster revised to reflect diesel engine functionality
- standard 145-amp alternator
- primary battery located underhood, with secondary battery mounted on left-hand frame rail
- ambulance package equipped with a 50-amp Maxifuse connector at the B-pillar