Both trucks have been rated by the EPA at 25mpg (9.4l/100km) combined in two-wheel-drive form, while the four-wheel drive models are rated at 23mpg (10.2l/100km).
Both trucks are powered by the company’s 2.8-liter Thailand-built Duramax engine, which GM says makes the trucks the cleanest it has ever produced thanks to a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system.
The inline-four features a high-pressure common rail injection system and dual-overhead camshaft. Bore and stroke are 94mm and 100mm respectively, while the compression ratio is 16.5:1.
Above: The Chevrolet Colorado
GM says its variable-geometry turbocharger helps optimize power and efficiency across the rev band and a balancer shaft contributes to smoothness. Ceramic glowplugs are fitted to improve overall efficiency.
Additionally, Canyon and Colorado diesel models feature a diesel exhaust brake that has been designed to reduce brake wear by using engine compression to slow the truck down, particularly when traveling downhill.
Above: The GMC Canyon
The Duramax’s power and torque are rated 184ps and 500Nm, and the trucks are paired with GM’s Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission, which uses a centrifugal pendulum vibration absorber in the torque converter to reduce powertrain noise and vibration.
GM is also keen to note that both trucks have received an EPA certificate of conformity, following the agency’s extensive emissions and fuel consumption testing. The Duramax engine has been designed to run up to 20% biodiesel.
November 11, 2015