Autoblog

First Drive: 2011 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Heavy Duty trucks set new HD standard

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Chevrolet, GMC, First Drives

2011 GM HD Trucks - Click above for high-res image gallery

Usually whenever we head out to a new vehicle press launch, we have to sit through exhaustive technical and marketing presentations before we get a chance to climb behind the wheel. However, General Motors put us straight into a dual-rear wheel GMC Sierra 3500 crew-cab diesel upon our arrival in Baltimore. On the docket? A 130-mile trek from Baltimore airport to Rocky Gap Lodge in the Allegheny mountains of western Maryland with Vehicle Line Executive Rick Spina sitting shotgun.

We actually appreciated this 'backwards' approach, because it gave us the opportunity to develop some 'gut' impressions of these new trucks even before we got the attendant sales pitch. For a two-hour, mostly highway jaunt, the duallie SLT proved to be a surprisingly amiable companion, but it was just the first of seven different trucks we would drive over the next couple of days. Read on past the jump find out what GM's new heavy duty trucks are like when sampled in a range of real-world conditions.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 GM HD Trucks

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Heavy Duty trucks set new HD standard

First Drive: 2011 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Heavy Duty trucks set new HD standard originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2010: 2011 Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty ups the ante

Michael Harley — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Truck, Work, Chevrolet, Off-Road

2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD - Click above for high-res image gallery

Identified by its new power dome hood, a styling throwback, the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD arrived at the Chicago Auto Show riding on an all-new ladder frame, suspension, and axles - about the only carry-over part is the front stabilizer bar link that connects the stabilizer bar to the lower control arm. Maximum towing capacity is up to 20,000 pounds with the DRW Duramax diesel and fifth wheel combo (yes, that trumps the Ford F-Series Super Duty F-350 apples to apples). The gasoline-fed SRW 6.0-liter V-8 engine will pull 14,500 pounds with a fifth wheel.

In addition to the beefy hood, the front bumper has been revised with a larger emblem and a more gaping intake - designed to improve transmission cooling. Other improvements include 17-inch wheels (standard) or optional new 18- or 20-inch alloys. The dual rear-wheel tires are still 17-inch, but they now accommodate taller aspect ratio tires. The improvements for 2011 are all good news for heavy duty truck buyers with the exception of the wheel bolt pattern - the eight-lug hub has a slightly different measurement meaning 2007-10 wheels simply won't fit. See the rest of the details in the press release after the break.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD at Chicago Auto Show

Continue reading Chicago 2010: 2011 Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty ups the ante

Chicago 2010: 2011 Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty ups the ante originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD to debut in Chicago

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Truck, Work, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Diesel

According to our friends over at PickupTrucks.com, Chevrolet will show off the latest iteration of its Heavy Duty pickup truck at the Chicago Auto Show next month. The 2011 Chevy Silverado 2500 and 3500 (2010 model shown above) are expected to be equipped with a new version of the well-regarded 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 engine that will almost assuredly use a urea solution to curb nitrogen oxide emissions. General Motors continues to partner with the diesel experts at Isuzu for the Duramax engine.

Under what's sure to be somewhat revised sheetmetal will reportedly be an all-new chassis along with some "other surprises," surmises PickupTrucks.com. We expect a GMC Sierra HD to also be on display, but we can't say for sure. We'll be on hand in Chicago to see how GM reacts to the 2011 Ford Super Duty pickups and their all-new 6.7-liter diesel V8 engine, so stay tuned.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Report: 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD to debut in Chicago originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Will GM debut a bowtie-badged Raptor fighter?

Chris Shunk — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Truck, Chevrolet, Ford, GM

Click above to watch the video after the jump

When gas prices spiked and automakers began focusing more attention on fuel efficient cars and crossovers, we began wondering if the pickup truck's best days were behind it. The next big blow came when domestic automakers began postponing or canceling development of light-duty diesel engines for their half-ton trucks. Then, when things were at their bleakest, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor arrived. The SVT-badged baja bruiser is one serious piece of hardware, with unique Fox struts and 35-inch rubber.

With the overwhelmingly positive reaction that the Raptor has received, we've been wondering if General Motors, Chrysler or even Toyota would follow suit with their own sand monster. After seeing a Camaro video posted by Chevrolet on YouTube, we may have evidence that it's a strong possibility.

The purpose of the video is to showcase several new Camaro graphics packages that will appear at SEMA next month, but anyone can see the pair of pics in the upper right hand corner that show a bad ass green machine dressed up in a bow tie and sporting six-spoke wheels. The hopped-up Silverado is lifted to within an inch of its life with highly flared wheel wells to corral all that rubber, but it's hard to tell if the mods are more for show than actual dune diving. Hit the jump to check out the video, and clap twice out loud if you want Chevy to take on Ford's Raptor.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Will GM debut a bowtie-badged Raptor fighter?

SEMA Preview: Will GM debut a bowtie-badged Raptor fighter? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM investing $21M in Flint assembly plant to build light-duty crew cab pickups

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

General Motors gave embattled Flint, MI a rare bit good news today with the announcement that the truck assembly plant in the company's home town will add some additional production. The truck plant on the south side of the city currently builds heavy duty versions of the GMT900 trucks (Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra) including all of the crew cab versions. GM has decided to spend $21 million on new tooling for the plant that will allow it to add production of light duty crew cabs as well.

With truck sales seeing some recovery this year with sustained lower fuel prices and the Oshawa truck plant closing, GM decided some extra light-duty crew cab capacity was warranted. Crews will start to make the modifications to the assembly line in the last quarter of this year and production is scheduled to start next July with the 2011 models.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM investing $21M in Flint assembly plant to build light-duty crew cab pickups

GM investing $21M in Flint assembly plant to build light-duty crew cab pickups originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Texas truck sales uptick seen as bellweather for auto sales?

Chris Shunk — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Nissan, Toyota

2009 Ford F-150 - Click above for high-res image gallery

When auto sales began to circle the drain in 2008, no single segment was hurt more than pickup trucks. Sales were cut in half in many instances, pummeling the domestics from Detroit more often than their foreign competition. Truck sales even dropped in Texas - easily the world's largest market for all things with four wheels, a bed and a V8 engine. Some Texas dealers saw sales drop 30% or more in 2008 and 2009, but some signs point to a turning point for truck sales and perhaps even the auto industry as a whole.

In August, the Ford F-150 saw its first year over year sales increase in three years. Automotive News is reporting that dealers in Texas are reporting more fleet and retail traffic, and one ton trucks are beginning to move off the lot again. Analyst Erich Merkle with Autoconomy.com told AN that the increased truck activity in Texas could mean that the auto industry is on the back swing, and more importantly, perhaps the entire American economy.

As an example of how this could play out, Texas is home to many of our nations biggest ranches. Dealers often sell entire fleets of trucks to these massive ranches, and if they are asking for more trucks, the results will be noticeable in our monthly By the Numbers update. And if ranchers are buying trucks again, that means we're making more things and more money changes hands, which means the economy may be bouncing back to life.

We know it's a bit of a stretch to hang the entire economy on Texas truck sales, but more trucks usually means more building and more construction. We're not sure if that's a bellweather for success, but it can't exactly be a bad thing either.

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150

[Source: Automotive News - Subs. Req'd]

Texas truck sales uptick seen as bellweather for auto sales? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Numbers Don't Lie: Silverado beats out F-150 as America's best-selling light-duty pickup

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Nissan, Toyota, Off-Road

Quick - What's the best-selling light-duty pickup truck in America? Did you say the Ford F-150? Not so fast. According to the J.D. Power Information Network (via our friends at PickupTrucks.com), General Motors sold more Chevy Silverado 1500 pickups (119,959 units) in June that Ford sold F-150s (107,778 units), and that's not a fluke.

It seems that the automakers don't actually break out the sales of each pickup line when reporting overall figures, so Ford lumps all F-Series (F-150, F-250, F-350...) sales together when it correctly lays claim to the title of Best-Selling Pickup Line in America. Ford's Super Duty series commands nearly 50-percent of the HD pickup market, which puts the Blue Oval on top of the overall sales race.

Interestingly, all three American automakers picked up full-size pickup market share at the expense of Nissan and especially Toyota, which saw sales of its Tundra plummet from 76,516 units to just 36,106 units in June of 2009 compared to one year ago. Click here for the full breakdown of full-size truck sales data.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Numbers Don't Lie: Silverado beats out F-150 as America's best-selling light-duty pickup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 spotted

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Chevrolet

The market for the largest of non-commercial pickup trucks may still be contracting, but it remains a necessary and profitable segment for American automakers that the imports have yet to infiltrate. You can bet that General Motors, Ford and Dodge will do their utmost to keep it that way, a point proven by this spy photo of the 2011 Chevy Silverado 3500 over at PickupTrucks.com. At first glance, it might be hard to notice the differences over the current HD behemoth, but closer inspection reveals that the entire front clip has been heavily revised.

The bumper has lost the huge chrome slabs that act as controversial visual bookends to the wide expanse under the grille of today's truck, which now houses rectangular fog lamps. A larger air inlet smack dab in the center of the new bumper funnels a cooling breeze to what appears to be a transmission oil cooler that may prove necessary given the huge loads that the Duramax diesel V8 will be able to haul with its rumored peak of over 700 lb-ft of torque.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Spy Shots: 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM 4.5L light-duty diesel V8 "indefinitely postponed"

Chris Shunk — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:25:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Green, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

General Motors' 4.5-liter Duramax diesel V8 engine has become the latest casualty of the automotive downturn, as GM has put the promising powertrain on indefinite hold. The General follows Ford, Toyota, and Dodge in dropping light diesel engines from its near-term plans. GM spokesperson Susan Garavaglia told Pickuptrucks.com that the project has not been canceled, and that the General was "still very interested" in using the innovative diesel powertrain in the future.

The 4.5-liter Duramax diesel sounds terrific on paper, with a 25% improvement in fuel economy, 310 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque for towing, and an innovative design that cuts weight while also saving $600 per engine. The news will be difficult for fans of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra anxiously waiting for a diesel engine in a light duty pickup truck. Still, GM points out that it has a dual-mode hybrid truck that can achieve 40% better fuel economy in the city, along with a full line of gasoline and diesel engine offerings in its truck lineup.

While the 4.5-liter diesel isn't going into GM trucks and SUVs any time soon, the General says it would still consider license the technology to a third party if the deal was beneficial to all involved.

[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]

REPORT: GM 4.5L light-duty diesel V8 "indefinitely postponed" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Mike Rowe takes on dirty job of comparing full-size pickups

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Videos, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Toyota

Click above to watch the video

In today's world, you'd imagine that any new full-size pickup truck can handle the daily grind with ease. And for the most part, you'd be right. But when the time comes for heavy hauling, not all trucks are created equally. Each manufacturer can probably come up with scenarios where its particular pickup performs better than the competition, but after watching Ford's video, hosted by Dirty Job's Mike Rowe, we feel that the footage offers a few compelling reasons why the Blue Oval's latest F-150 might be the pick of the litter.

Up first is the well-known rough road test, and we were shocked by how much difference there was between how the F-150 handled the exam compared to the Chevy Silverado, Dodge Ram and Toyota Tundra. You've got to watch it to see what we mean. After that is a test of fuel efficiency, and all we know about the procedure is that the most efficient engine option was chosen and, not surprisingly, the Ford came out on top. The third test involved placing a 993-pound spool of cable in the bed and running through a handling course and again, the results were enlightening. Lastly, an improperly loaded trailer was hooked to each truck and sway was induced.

In each test, the trucks were driven by a set of professional drivers, including Tanner Faust (that boy ain't right indeed), and the scenes were recorded from every conceivable angle. We're not going to suggest that these results conclusively show that the F-150 is the best truck available under all circumstances. What we will say, is that the footage after the break is certainly entertaining. Thanks for the tip, Kevin!

Continue reading VIDEO: Mike Rowe takes on dirty job of comparing full-size pickups

VIDEO: Mike Rowe takes on dirty job of comparing full-size pickups originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Photos: 2010 Chevy Silverado HD

Dan Roth — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:38:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Chevrolet, GM

Look quickly, and you'll miss the changes, but GM's got some subtle exterior tweaks in store for its Heavy Duty trucks in 2010. Development doesn't stop even though the practice of using a pickup truck as a commuter car is no longer popular, so GM is plugging away at a new Silverado to avoid being passed up by its competitors.

Competition aside, there's also the issue of federal regulations to comply with, so changes were necessary no matter what. Most noticeably, the bumper changes, gaining a strip of trim that extends across the top, doing away with the overemphasized corner look of the current cow catcher. Looking more closely at the bumper, the air intake in the middle appears to have grown in size. That opening feeds the transmission cooler, so the speculation is that the Allison transmission has picked up extra ratios. Of course, it could just be bigger to gain an edge on thermal management underhood, but we're going to jump on the bandwagon of being excited for more cogs spun by the heavily revised 6.6-liter Duramax diesel with urea injection. That'd be just the thing to tow the Alero.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com, Photo: Priddy]

Spy Photos: 2010 Chevy Silverado HD originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM full-size trucks earn industry's "only" 5-star side-impact rating

John Neff — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Safety, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

You have to watch those PR folk, their inclination to spin the facts can sometimes cause people to see what's not there. Take for instance news released today that the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 both received top five-star side-impact safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration. The release states that GM's GMT-900 pickups are now the only full-size pickups with five stars for side-impacts in the industry. This is true, but only because none of the other pickups have been rated yet. If you check the NHTSA's safercar.gov website, which hosts the crash test ratings for every vehicle tested, you'll find that the 2008 Ford F-150, Dodge Ram, Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan are all listed as "Not Rated" when it comes to side-impact crash tests, and neither are models of each pickup from previous years. So while GM's claim is true, one shouldn't also assume its competition isn't just as safe in a side-impact crash until the NHTSA side-impact crash test proves otherwise.

View the full press release after the jump.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading GM full-size trucks earn industry's "only" 5-star side-impact rating

GM full-size trucks earn industry's "only" 5-star side-impact rating originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports responds to pickup comparo controversy

John Neff — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:05:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Chevrolet, Toyota

Earlier this week we told you about a pickup truck comparison in the most recent issue of Consumer Reports that seemed a bit fishy. The comparison pitted the new 2007 Toyota Tundra against the 2007 Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram. It was clearly a fight between the Tundra and Silverado from the get-go, since both were the only two completely new trucks in the test. The Tundra, however, seemed to have an advantage in that it was ordered up with the larger of its two engines, the 5.7L V8 producing 381 hp. The Silverado, while available with a more evenly matched 6.0L Vortec MAX V8, was ordered with a less powerful 5.3L V8 producing 315 hp. Not only that, but the Tundra benefited from a 4.30 rear axle ratio that provides better towing and acceleration than the 3.73 ratio in the Silverado, which sacrifices those qualities for better fuel economy. The Silverado, however, could've been ordered with a more comparable 4.10 rear axle ratio at no extra charge.

Well, the gentlefolks at CR recently posted an answer to everyone's questions about this particular half-ton pickup comparo on their blog, which you should go read by clicking here before going on. They explain that choosing equipment for vehicles involved in a comparison is a tricky thing that involves balancing the objective of several goals.

"In general, we want to test a representative vehicle that is comparable to other vehicles in the test group (and previously tested peer vehicles). We also typically test the version--powertrain and trim level--that most regular consumers will buy. "

Read on after the jump to hear our take on CR's explanation.

Continue reading Consumer Reports responds to pickup comparo controversy

Consumer Reports responds to pickup comparo controversy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports rates half-ton pickups, raises eyebrows

John Neff — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Chevrolet, Toyota

While we do respect the folks over at Consumer Reports, we do not envy them. Whether the subject is vacuums, lawnmowers or half-ton pickups, nearly every test they perform is scrutinized down to the tiniest of details. We suppose it goes with the reputation of being the most reliable source of production information for consumers, but it's gotta be hell on the nerves.

In its most recent issue, CR is publishing a report on half-ton pickups that might have some crying foul and revisiting claims the publication is biased in favor of imports. Included in the test are the 2007 Toyota Tundra 5.7L V8, 2007 Chevy Silverado 1500 5.3L V8, 2007 Ford F-150 5.4L V8 and 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L V8. The report puts an emphasis on towing, and (spoiler alert) the Toyota Tundra received the best score of the four pickups. The Tundra also received the "Recommended" label from CR (as did the Dodge Ram 1500), and was awarded a predicted reliability rating of "Very Good" thanks to the past performance of all Toyota's in CR's reader survey results.

We can already hear the grumbling. The domestic half-tons are offered in such a dizzying array of configurations, why didn't CR choose to buy a Silverado with the larger 6.0L V8 and a 4.10 rear-axle ratio (a no-cost option that would have matched the Tundra's ratio)? Jake Fisher, a senior automotive engineer for Consumer Reports, told Mike Levine at Pickuptruck.com, "For our readers, fuel economy is more important than gaining an extra second or two faster time 0 to 60, and we tested the trucks we felt were configured as our subscribers would use them."

More after the jump...

Continue reading Consumer Reports rates half-ton pickups, raises eyebrows

Consumer Reports rates half-ton pickups, raises eyebrows originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Aug 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM considering cuts at Pontiac

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, GM

Stick with us on this one, because the names might be a bit confusing. Because of less-than-expected demand for its full-size pickups, and despite heavy incentives, GM is considering cutting 500 workers at its Pontiac plant. And you didn't even know Pontiac had a full-size pickup in its lineup! Well, it doesn't, obviously. The General is expected to lay off those 500 workers from its Pontiac Assembly Center. That is, the Pontiac, Michigan plant where they build the recently redesigned Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups. As good as they may be, they haven't exactly taken off in the marketplace. Although one could make the argument that no full-size truck is faring particularly well in this sales climate.

GM officials should be meeting as we speak to make a decision about the fate of 100 full-time workers and about 400 temporary employees. The actual layoffs would probably happen in September if approved. The full-time employees will likely be relocated, if possible. The temps, as is usual, wouldn't get any severance pay or benefits. By eliminating those positions, production would drop by about 17 percent.

[Source: The Detroit News]

GM considering cuts at Pontiac originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jul 2007 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM announces new 4.5L V8 Duramax diesel for half-ton trucks and HUMMER H2

John Neff — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 15:49:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Green, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Hummer

Mark your calendars, because we're calling today a watershed moment for the advancement of diesel's acceptance in the U.S. General Motors has just announced a new 4.5L V8 Duramax turbo-diesel powerplant it plans to use in the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra half-ton pickups, as well as the HUMMER H2. The new oil burner is expected to produce at least 310 horsepower and 520 ft-lbs. of torque. It features dual-overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, a variable-vane turbocharger and aluminum cylinder heads with integrated manifolding that helps keep the overall package small enough to fit in the same space as the automaker's small-block gas V8s.

That's right, just imagine the possibilities. Wherever GM uses a small-block V8 gas engine, it could potentially use the 4.5L V8 Duramax diesel. In a few years we could be driving diesel Impalas, diesel Camaros, maybe even a diesel Corvette! To quote GM's press release, the engine's small size gives it "the flexibility to introduce this engine in a wide variety of vehicle applications should there be future market demand." Indeed.

GM estimates that the engine will improve fuel efficiency by 25%, reduce CO2 emissions by 13% and decrease particulate and NOx emissions by at least 90% in its GMT900 pickups and the HUMMER H2. Whoever said the HUMMER H2 was on its way out will likely be proven incorrect after this engine debuts. Scheduled to be built at the GM Tonawanda engine plant outside Buffalo, NY, the 4.5L V8 Duramax diesel will be 50-state emissions compliant and meet 2010 diesel emissions standards, as well. GM claims its new diesel will also have NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) levels approaching those of today's current gas V8s, though we'll have to wait and see if that wish comes true. That wait should end in a couple of years, as the automaker states the engine will be available in Silverado, Sierra and H2 models built after 2009.

UPDATE: Pickuptruck.com's Mike Levine has learned from GM that despite sharing its name with the older 6.6L Duramax diesel that was developed in partnership with Isuzu, the new 4.5L Duramax was developed completely in-house by GM.

Check out GM's full press release after the jump for more details.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading GM announces new 4.5L V8 Duramax diesel for half-ton trucks and HUMMER H2

GM announces new 4.5L V8 Duramax diesel for half-ton trucks and HUMMER H2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jun 2007 15:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2007 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra details emerge

John Neff — Sun, 23 Jul 2006 00:26:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

Though Brenda Priddy revealed the shape of the 2007 Chevy Silverado back in early June, details about the new GMT900 pickups from General Motors have been sparse. The September issue of Motor Trend contains all the deets you'd ever want to know about the General's big pickups, which Cheers and Gears has been nice enough to digitize and upload. However, we rounded up all of the details revealed in the article and assembled them below. Follow this link to view all three body styles of the Silverado and its interior, as well as our first look at the GMC Sierra.

2007 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra

All-new frame
New coil-over front end and recalibrated rear leaf springs
Class-leading 10,500-lb. towing limit
Class leading 2,070-lb. payload limit
Every interior dimension larger than predecessor
Extended cab rear doors feature 180-degree articulation
Chevy and GMC versions feature unique front end, hoods and fenders

Engine lineup

4.3-liter V6 (195 horsepower/260 ft-lbs.)
4.8-liter V8 (285 horsepower/295 ft-lbs.)
5.3-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management (310 horsepower/335 ft-lbs.)
5.3-liter flex-fuel V8 with Active Fuel Management
6.0-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management (345 horsepower/380 ft-lbs.)

Transmission
Four-speed automatic (beefed up for 6.0-liter V8), except for GMC Sierra Denali, which will receive the Escalade's six-speed automatic and a detuned version of its 6.2-liter V8.

[Source: Sept. 2006 issue of Motor Trend, Chears and Gears]

2007 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra details emerge originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Jul 2006 00:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2007 Ford Super Duty

John Neff — Wed, 05 Apr 2006 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Ford

As noted by Inside Line, Ford decided not to go with the locomotive-inspired theme of the Super Chief concept for its refreshened Super Duty pickups due out this summer. Too bad, as the Super Chief was super cool. Regardless, the new Super Dutes will get bigger and bolder in the front and back, with larger, one-piece headlights that extend down to a one-piece bumper, bigger vents in the grille, quarter panel vents behind the front wheels and the words "Super Duty" branded everywhere it will fit.

The bigger news for the new Super Dutes will be the arrival of an all new Powerstroke diesel to replace the current one that's been plagued with problems from the get-go. The new oil burner will displace 6.4 liters and employ a pair of sequential turbos to help produce 350 hp and 650 ft-lbs of torque. Those numbers would put the Super Duty ahead of both Dodge's 5.9L Cummins turbo diesel (325 hp/610 ft-lbs.) and GM's 6.6L Duramax diesel (310 hp/605 ft-lbs.), in which case it's time for another race.

[Source: Inside Line]

Spy Shots: 2007 Ford Super Duty originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Apr 2006 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Titan to come in commercial versions

Erin Mays — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Truck

Chevy Silverado 2500 and Ford F-250, look out. Nissan is a-comin' your way with new commercial models of its Titan pickup. Scheduled to debut as a 2009 model, the commercialized Titan will be based on the upgraded pickup chassis Nissan is developing, and will offer a diesel engine and other heavy-duty equipment. So far, there's no word on whether a model will come out to compete with the F-350-level pickups, but the addition to its lineup will likely give Nissan a greater foothold in the pickup market.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Nissan Titan to come in commercial versions originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Mar 2006 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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