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SEMA eNews, Vol. 10, No.26 - Jun 28, 2007
GM'S NEW DIESEL FOR 2009
According to a recent WardsAuto.com article, the Hummer H2 and Chevrolet and GMC light-duty pickups built after 2009 will come available with an all-new 4.5L V8 Duramax turbodiesel. The new powerplant will be produced at General Motors Corp.'s Tonawanda, New York, plant.
According to the article, the 4.5L Duramax is a means of improving the fuel efficiency of some of the automaker's biggest vehicles. The new engine is expected to emit 13% less carbon dioxide than existing gasoline engines. It will also reduce the particulates and oxides of nitrogen emissions by 90% over today's diesel powerplants. Tom Stephens, group vice-president of GM's global powertrain and quality, says that the new diesel "is expected to become a favorite among customers who require excellent towing ability and fuel efficiency." The new Duramax will meet all 2010 emissions standards in the United States and will be 50-state compliant.
The 4.5L will be a DOHC V8 with more than 310 hp and 520 lb.-ft. of torque. It will also be the first GM engine to feature selective catalytic-reduction exhaust aftertreatment and a diesel particulate filter, which will help it meet the new U.S. Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards. The powerplant will feature a graphite-iron block, aluminum cylinder heads with integrated manifolds, an intercooled variable-geometry turbocharger and a high-pressure common-rail fuel-injection system capable of five injection events per cycle.
GM officials who were on hand for test drives of the 2008 Hummer H2 and H3 Alpha declined to confirm any details on the aftertreatment technology. However, a urea-injection system will likely be needed to meet future emissions standards, according to the WardsAuto.com article. One of the most interesting features of new Duramax is its ability to be mounted in the same space as GM's small-block V8 lineup. This allows for easier adaptation for a wide variety of vehicles, as the diesel market continues to grow. Could we see this Duramax in any of GM's passenger cars?
Not only will the new Duramax serve to boost the fuel efficiency of vehicles such as the H2, but as WardsAuto.compoints out, it will also help to improve the image of the Hummer brand, which is under constant attack by the environmentalists. The 4.5L Duramax will also be capable of running on some mix of biodiesel, according to Martin Walsh, Hummer General Manager. GM will be investing $100 million in the Tonawanda, New York, plant where the new diesel will be produced. GM will also dispense an additional $41 million for vendor tooling, containers and investment at other locations. Output of the new diesel is slated to get underway in the fourth quarter of 2009, and the project is expected to retain 150 hourly jobs at the plant.
Source: Sutton, Mike. (June 15, 2007). "Hummer H2 to Feature All-New Diesel After 2009." WardsAuto.com. Retrieved June 18, 2007 from www.wardsauto.com.
I'm a part time mate and happened to have a guy that was in charge of International Product Development at GM fish with us recently. I asked him about the diesel suburban, stating that it seemed like the Excurision's were in high demand now that they aren't made anymore. He said that the hybrid model will come out first, then that a diesel was definitely something they are looking hard into, but no guarantees.
They had better, Ford has a 4.4L V8 Diesel coming in 2009 for the F150/Expedition. I really don't like the Idea of an aluminum head on a high compression diesel engine though.
Seems to me that they are coming out with the diesel for the wrong reason. Fuel economy.
And judging by the HP & torgue numbers, I'm right.
Folks that need to tow things are more concerned with those numbers rather than just the MPG's. Of course, unless you just want to tow jet ski's around.
I see it as just another "status" symbol for the soccer moms to drive their kids to school in.
ABoater, I'm sure your right, I wish Ford had really tweaked the 7.3 size engine and offered up something about 400
hp, with 750 lbs torque. Hopefully before this last group of EPA constraints, too many people are trying to use tow
trucks for commuting to the office, I don't get it. This new Duramax is too small, overworked, and too late. Call me
old school but I'm not going for aluminum heads on a diesel especially a four valve turbo with built in manifolds. Sounds
like a small problem can turn in to a major cost repair down the line.
The current 6.6L Duramax has been running aluminum heads for 7 years without a problem, you old timers need to get over the newer technology and just accept it, technology is what drives the world these days. I'm excited for the new Duramax, the key is if it's built for the hp it's rated it, it will last forever, just look at the Verados.
I had a 1983 diesel Suburban a long time ago. It towed & got good mpg. This new one sounds like it's really state of the art. If they can keep up the mpg with the DPF systems, they will have a winner. The resale of the used gas models will likely suffer. I believe there will be many diesel offerings by 2010 from most makes. I even heard that Honda will have some diesel models in USA by then. The diesel revolution of the late 70's & early 80's failed mainly from poor quality offerings, lousy performance, smoke, noise & smell. All things of the past. Get ready for the next diesel revolution. I think this time it's here to stay. I sure hope so. IMO, 1st one to make a diesel 1/2 ton truck will have customers breaking down the doors to buy it. Kinda of like when Dodge got the Cummins engine in 1989. Even with no extended cabs available, they couldn't make them fast enough.
I think the news is great!!! I think towing capacity could be some of the highest in the vehicles class. Those hp/ torque figures are what my 2002 Duramax was rated in its stock form.
Don't think there has to be any fear about the aluminum heads. GM messed up by having too low of torque specs on the head bolts for 2001 and 2002 Duramax's. Had my gaskets replaced last summer because of a leak. All is well now...and she makes over double the hp and torque than stock. My cylinder walls still had cross hatching in the bores and no evidence of any damage to the heads and the vehicle had 75,000 miles on it at that time.
I sincerely hope there are more turbo diesels offered in the future. They are amazing in every aspect.
rancherlee - 7/21/2007 2:16 PM They had better, Ford has a 4.4L V8 Diesel coming in 2009 for the F150/Expedition. I really don't like the Idea of an aluminum head on a high compression diesel engine though.
Wow......I really hope thatengine ruck combo becomes a reality.
Andy
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Hopefully GM will use the improvements in the latest Duramax rendition...the LMM....when creating other engines. They've greatly increased the robustness of the block and rods over my LB7 and even the LLY versions. Now, if they can build a smaller version of the Allison 1000....that would be a win/win combination.
I was hoping that GM would reintroduce the Suburban with the diesel but with the new improved version (the Duramax). My patience ran out last year and I bought a 2005 Ford Excursion with the 6.0 powerstroke diesel and have been thrilled with the SUV diesel combo. The utility and efficiency of this vehicle is awesome and I've loaded it up with groceries, furniture, and other goods that would have never fit in a car. The new and improved and quieter diesels that have been introduced, such as the Mercedes have incredible acceleration and fuel efficiency. The American public is becoming more receptive to diesels and I think it would be a great move for General Motors to reintroduce the suburban diesel.
I think the news is great!!! I think towing capacity could be some of the highest in the vehicles class. Those hp/ torque figures are what my 2002 Duramax was rated in its stock form.
Don't think there has to be any fear about the aluminum heads. GM messed up by having too low of torque specs on the head bolts for 2001 and 2002 Duramax's. Had my gaskets replaced last summer because of a leak. All is well now...and she makes over double the hp and torque than stock. My cylinder walls still had cross hatching in the bores and no evidence of any damage to the heads and the vehicle had 75,000 miles on it at that time.
I sincerely hope there are more turbo diesels offered in the future. They are amazing in every aspect.
Happy Motoring,
Wayne
The class of trucks these small diesels are going in [ all 1/2 tons ] will limit ya to just shy of 10,000 lbs towing .
There still only 1/2 ton trucks and SUV's.
You can get a 800 hp car and can't tow with it. Heck even with some of the monster chip's you can install in the big motors they tell you not to tow more than 4 or 5000 lbs , the motor is just wound to tight to haul a very big load for very long.
The ONLY substitute for cubic inch's is MORE cubic inch's.
__________________ F350 4x4/ Dodge 2500HD 5.9L Cummins
Leaving the Picture of the Ford cuz I miss it
Pacific 2325 cc
Honda bf225
aluminumalloyboats.com
Guess we'll have to see what the general has in store for us consumers. I was thinking perhaps they'll offer a diesel in a catagory between the 1/2 ton and the HD's. Perhaps in a 1500 HD or a regular 3/4 ton.
They've been working on a Duramax diesel Suburban for years. They ran into troubles trying to mount the suburban body on the HD frame. Guess it was very difficult to modify the floor to accept the Allison. So, perhaps they've designed a frame to go with the new powertrain.
Anyway you look at it...it's good news. It might not have the capacity to tow a house.....but it sure will do a great job for most folks towing boats etc. I think diesel technology holds a lot of potential to help this country and our ever rising fuel costs.
Just my 1/2 cent worth. Loving every minute behind the wheel of my diesel pickup.
Sender, I'm with ya on bring on the diesel's and yes the aluminum heads scare me.
Isn't the chevy diesel in both the 2500 and 3500 trucks ?
__________________ F350 4x4/ Dodge 2500HD 5.9L Cummins
Leaving the Picture of the Ford cuz I miss it
Pacific 2325 cc
Honda bf225
aluminumalloyboats.com
Yep, it's available in both. But, if there is a new motor with those figures listed above. I'm thinking they had to have changed the frame. Ford has been beating up GM on the "Fully Boxed Frame" and the larger capacities(towing and payload) of the new F-150. I think things are getting blurry as far as what's traditionally been thought of as a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton....they're getting pretty close.
I've heard plenty of guys complain they didn't need a HD classified pickup ( whether it be from Ford, GM or Dodge). If only someone brought out a light duty truck with a turbo diesel for guys that tow their boats long distances and or modest trailers. Maybe this is the beginning of a new class of pickups....don't know for sure...but it has got me pumped! Wasn't sure I could stomach the $50K + to replace my current pickup when the time comes.
Sorry if I seem over enthusiastic....I've learned a fair amount about the D-Max since 2001 and have had more fun than a guy has a right to modifying my truck. Guess I like to support others thinking of jumping in on the turbo diesel thing.
Forgot to mention about the aluminum heads. I shared the same hesitation you do about the heads being made from a different material. But, after all these years and miles put on....it doesn't seem to be a problem. The biggest problem was for 2001- early 2002....GM had given too light of torque specs for the head bolts. Gm also refined their head gaskets. The gaskets are a three layered, laminated unit. I went and changed from factory bolts to ARP head studs....because I run a big tuner and propane....and so far so good.
So, aluminum heads don't seem to be a problem......now if you're talking injectors.....that's a different story.
I suppose in a pinch you could pee into the reservoir.....but probably not recommended. No, I think they fill it with amonia. Ahhhh emissions standards...aren't they great.
I'd be more concerned about the EGR though.....I was shown a fairly new head from a truck with an EGR. There was black soot in the intake ports....don't think that's too good for an engine. There is a cure for that though....called a "Finger Stick and Blocker Plate." My father installed one on his 2006 Duramax....works great.
Diesel Suburban Coming 2009? 
