General Motors will offer its new 6.6L 330-horsepower V8 turbo diesel engine in its large SUVs as early as the 2010 model year, the automaker announced today. The powerplant will improve fuel economy by 25 percent, GM said. It will likely be offered on the Chevrolet Tahoe, Cadillac Escalade, and GMC Yukon. “This new GM light duty diesel is expected to become a favorite among customers who require excellent towing ability and fuel efficiency,” said Tom Stephens, group vice president, GM Powertrain. “It will meet the stringent 2010 emissions standards, and it will be compliant in all 50 states, making it one of the cleanest diesel vehicles ever produced.” GM will begin offering the engine in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra later this year. Read on for more details…
The new emissions standard
The Duramax 6.6L V-8 has new equipment to help it meet the government-mandated 2007 emissions standard. It requires a 90-percent reduction in particulate matter compared with the current standard, which was implemented in 2004, and a 50-percent reduction in NOx.
The use of reformulated, ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel – which goes on sale nationwide this fall – is required to meet the new emissions standard. The new fuel’s sulfur content is limited to 15 parts per million (ppm), versus the current standard of 500 ppm. Diesel engines manufactured prior to 2007 can continue to use the current diesel fuel.
To meet the new emissions regulation, the Duramax 6.6L V-8 engine features:
- Additional combustion control, including an even more efficient variable-geometry turbocharging system, cooled (enhanced) Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and closed crankcase ventilation to reduce NOx
- Additional exhaust control, including oxidizing catalyst and new Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) to reduce soot and particulate matter
- Increased-capacity cooling system
- New engine control software
- Use of low-ash engine oil
How the DPF works
The 6.6L engine’s DPF is based on GM-patented technology and proven supplier components. It traps diesel particulate matter in a honeycomb-like ceramic “brick” after it travels through an oxidizing catalyst. Remaining exhaust gases are routed out through the exhaust system. To ensure optimal performance, the system must undergo periodic “regeneration” to release accumulated soot from the filter. The regeneration process uses heat to burn off the soot and, in most cases, is performed automatically.
An onboard computer controls fuel injection and oxygen content to adjust the exhaust energy to the appropriate level to clean the particulate trap. Periodic servicing of the filter is required to remove accumulated ash. The DPF and corresponding components will change the exhaust system length and/or outlet design, depending on the vehicle model. Also, an expanded underbody heat shield is added. Vocations such as sweepers, airport ground support, municipal and refuse trucks will likely be most affected by the changes.
Duramax 6.6L V-8 details
Revised for 2006, the Duramax diesel uses a variable-geometry turbocharger to optimize boost performance over a wide range of operating conditions. This provides the customer with seamless and immediate response, while simultaneously helping to reduce emissions. The turbo, which spins up to 120,000 rpm, is high-speed-balanced for minimal noise and vibration, while contributing to the engine’s overall smoothness and refinement. Maximum boost is 20 psi. Additional details of the Duramax 6.6L V-8 engine’s ‘06 enhancements include:
- Cylinder block casting and machining changes to provide stronger structures with increased reliability and durability
- Upgraded main bearing material increases durability
- Revised piston design lowers compression ratio from 17.5:1 to 16.8:1
- Cylinder heads revised to accommodate higher peak cylinder firing pressure
- Maximum injection pressure increased from 23,000 psi to more than 26,000 psi
- Fuel delivered via higher-pressure pump, fuel rails, distribution lines and all-new, seven-hole fuel injectors
- Improved glow plugs heat up faster through an independent controller
- Revised variable-geometry turbocharger is aerodynamically more efficient to help deliver smooth and immediate response and lower emissions
- Air induction system re-tuned to enhance quietness
- EGR has larger cooler to provide for cooler exhaust gases going into the system
- First application of new, 32-bit E35 controller, which adjusts and compensates for the fuel flow to bolster efficiency and reduce emissions
The engine also features a rigid cast iron cylinder block with induction-hardened cylinder bores; four-bolt, cross-drilled main bearing caps; forged steel, nitride-hardened crankshaft; aluminum pistons with jet-spray oil cooling; aluminum cylinder heads with four valves per cylinder; integrated oil cooler and a charge-cooled turbocharging system. Features, such as easy-access fuel filter and timing gears, reduce maintenance time and effort.
08/24, 5:06 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
2009? Damn it, that’s too far away.
I need one *today*, or at most, early 2007. Why such a long time for the SUV’s to get this engine?
08/24, 5:17 PM
posted by:
Captain America !
Aw’sum. Just in time for a new Yukon XL with the Duramax diesel !
08/24, 5:18 PM
posted by:
Big Nick
they should really come out earlier…..they should make them NOW!!!!!
08/24, 5:24 PM
posted by:
1952 MG TD
1-C-3-DOG
it is going to take that long for the improved/revised deisel to go into production. the current duramax will not pass the 2010 regs, and has been crippled to meet the ‘07 regs.
DCX, Ford, and GM are going to have deisels in nearly their full range of trucks/suv’s by the ‘09 model year.
08/24, 5:41 PM
posted by:
Kickin
If it weren’t for GMs intersest in Isuzu, they’d still be shaking their collective simple minds at the idea of diesels. Or we’d end up with modern day Oldsmobile disaster.
08/24, 5:53 PM
posted by:
Anonymous
GM sold their stake in Isuzu…..
08/24, 6:00 PM
posted by:
JOEBLO
Anyone know the torque output?????????????????????????
08/24, 6:03 PM
posted by:
British_rover
That is where the duramax came from though Izuzu. If GM had never bought shares in Izuzu that motor probably never would have made it into light trucks.
08/24, 6:19 PM
posted by:
Gmhater1
Haha this will never pass any other regulations, just like what 1952 MG TD said. Again what a pity for GM.
08/24, 11:10 PM
posted by:
MKBruin
waldo… um, DCX has been working on the phoenix project for a while now (although only recently announced) and they will not appear until the 2010 to 2012 model years.
you, sir, are a complete idiot.
08/24, 11:11 PM
posted by:
Jay
This is a good thing, but it would be better if they got it out earlier… ALOT earlier
08/24, 11:29 PM
posted by:
Patrick
yes, diesels get better mileage, but why doesn’t anyone ever get that the emissions are WORSE in diesels than in conventional internal combustion gas engines? to me, that defeats the purpose of owning one, because although you are getting better mpg, you’re hurting the environment more while you’re at it, making diesels more or less a step backward in technology at this point. NO, NOT way to go GM.
08/25, 2:12 AM
posted by:
Nemo
Funny, I don’t hear anything about a diesel in a Sequoia, or an Armada…..nor a Titan or Tundra ?, but Man them foreign company’s, ha !, they’re way ahead of the domestic’s ! WHOOOO BOY ! Like my Daddy alway’s said, “What a fool believes…he see’s !”
08/25, 5:25 AM
posted by:
190e
Why a 6.6L V8? With 330 horsepower.. Audi does better than that with their 4.2L TDI V8… A high output 6pot diesel would do the job to significantly save gas, and something like a 4.6L diesel V8 would use less gas then a 6.6… Many people don’t need all that power and torque but want to save more than just 25%… It’s a good thing to start with though.
I also think GM should use its euro diesels in American passenger cars.
I am not a fan of diesel because of all the soot they produce, look at european cities and the houses are covered in a layer of black soot. But it’s a good short term solution, not as good as ethanol, but still good.
08/25, 6:33 AM
posted by:
Carnut4ever
Yes, bring on the Duramax. This is the engine that is worthy of the new full size Suvs. How about dropping the diesel to the Hummer H2. That would surely boost the stagnant sales problem in a flash. I beg to differ, modern diesels are definitely cleaner than traditional large capacity gas engines in suvs. With modern exhaust gas treatment, it will definitely be cleaner and more efficient than gasoline.
08/25, 8:15 AM
posted by:
Renton
Typical GM……..we need this product in 2006. Two more years is a long time. I put a lot of blame on the government and their draconian pollution laws as well this time.
Lower the regulations and let the diesel flow. Also lower the taxes on diesel fuel for vehicles under 7000 lbs. BMW and VW will import no diesels this year b/c of laws alone.
08/25, 8:21 AM
posted by:
j i m
Oh Boy…..smoke and mirrors! …lotsa smoke and real big mirrors.
If in the r-e-a-l world you get 12mpg with your gas monster: then this monster diesel will bring you up to 15mpg – given that the numbers GM are putting out are not the best they could get from 20 engine tests. Why not simply make it an 8-10L and go for the hairy chest crowd – they not fooling anyone.
j i m
08/25, 10:24 AM
posted by:
Z06ified
It’s about time! I think this is a great move on GM’s part, and they competition would have crushed them if they didn’t offer a diesel as an option. Mercedes is offering diesels on their ML and GL SUVs soon, as well as the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander, BMW will on their X5 SUV soon, and even Toyota is considering diesel options for their trucks and SUVs.
Diesels are perfect for large SUV applications. Lots of torque, and 33% better fuel economy than gas power. As an owner of the last full size diesel SUV GM produced, a 1999 Suburban, I can attest to diesel’s virtues. I recently got over 21 MPG on the highway, and over 15 MPG towing my 3,000 lb. boat. No gas engine can do that with the same torque output. Mine has 153k miles on it, runs like a top, and despite having old diesel technology (indirect injection, no intercooler, designed by Detroit Diesel in the 1980’s, etc.), it has hardly any smoke. The only time you notice smoke is a quick puff when you stab the throttle hard, before the turbo has a chance to spool up. When have you seen a new Duramax diesel smoke? I never have.
Those of you saying they pollute more are ignorant. Diesels naturally produce much less CO2, which is a greenhouse gas, and less CO, compared to a gas engine. These new modern diesels with particulate traps, common rail injection, and running the new ultra low sulfur fuel will be CLEANER than today’s gas engines.
08/25, 12:35 PM
posted by:
A non E mussssss
More superior engineering from our friends at General Motors. I wish you guys continued success at wiping the rest of the competition off the the face of the Earth. Nobody is going to be able to keep up and will be forced out of business.
08/25, 3:40 PM
posted by:
Z06ified
Actually, if you read GM’s press release, it does not say the Duramax is the engine that will be offered in the 2010 model SUV’s. It looks to be an entirely new engine that is not the Duramax, and it will not have 330hp. It doesn’t specify engine displacement or power levels, but it does say it is a new GM designed diesel, and makes no reference to the Duramax.
It’ll be a DOHC V-8 like the Duramax, but with a narrower V configuration, and specially designed integrated intake manifold to fit in the same space as a small block gas V-8 engine, which means it will be a considerably smaller external sized engine than the Duramax.
There was a separate article talking about the new Duramax enhancements to meet the new 2007 emission standards – that engine is the one that has 330hp and 650 lbs. of torque, but this engine isn’t going into GM’s SUV’s, as it needs the Allison tranny, which doesn’t fit in the SUV’s.
The new diesel SUV engine is a light duty diesel, specifically for vehicles under 8,600 GVWR, which basically means 1/2 ton Silverados, Tahoes, Yukons, and Suburbans.
08/25, 6:58 PM
posted by:
Brendan
I think it’s interesting that people are saying that GM needs this now, but it’s okay that Toyota delays product launches for two to three years?
They’re both ensuring quality, guys.
Also, people don’t buy diesels because they’re environmentally conscious, they buy diesels because it costs them less money in gas. People only care about the environment when it doesn’t hurt their money or time.
08/25, 7:12 PM
posted by:
Jay
Hmmm that’s strange Brendan, they buy diesels to save money? Atleast in my area diesel is only about 5 cents cheaper than gas (diesel is around $3.02 and gas is around $3.10 or so). But again that just must be my area (NY).
But most people that I know that have diesels need them for towing things and industrial grade work, not to save money.
And Toyota isn’t the one launching a full size diesel SUV, but I get your point. I’m not going to be saving any on diesels soon
08/25, 8:21 PM
posted by:
Kickin
Again, you can thank Isuzu for GM’s knowledge on the diesel front. Without them, GM would be scratching their ass and continuing to sell you an inferior product. At least now the motor is credible. Maybe Isuzu can take the reigns on the next GMT design?
truthabouttrucks.com
08/25, 11:55 PM
posted by:
Nemo
Another hilarious Kickin post. Such a talent. Let’s file this one in the “I have a personality only a Mother could love” file. Thanks for your time.
08/26, 6:00 PM
posted by:
D-MAX
It will be awesome!!Everybody check out THE DIESEL PLACE.COM Diesel engine’s need to be everybody’s choice. Let our Farmers grow the Soy-Beans to make Bio-Diesel and Let’s all do something for our Fuel Price issues. THIS WILL BE THE NEW IN THING (DIESEL)!
MEMBER #1…
08/27, 12:21 AM
posted by:
Brendan
Jay – it may be only five cents cheaper, but remember that diesels get way better fuel economy.
The only thing I don’t know for sure is if diesels tack on enough to the MSRP to make the savings in fuel not worth it.
08/27, 10:25 PM
posted by:
JC2
Yes Brendan, they get alot better milage. But the extra cost of the diesel, just like they’ve been trying to point out with hybrids, will take a while to start actually saving money.
Why early 2010 though? I can understand if they need to work out a few bugs, but they need it now more than ever. I would think they would come out with a group of new cars and technologies (Camaro, diesels, any other cars coming out in the future?) at one time, that would recieve more credit and media attention.
Kickin… Funny comment, but they are still scratching their monkey asses to figure out how to make a better car LOL.