General Motors has launched its new 2.8-liter Duramax diesel engine in the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado trucks.
The new unit is part of GM’s family of four-cylinder turbodiesels and puts out 184ps at 3,400 rpm and 500Nm of torque at 2,000rpm. It offers an increase in towing capacity for both trucks and GM says it has segment-leading economy.
Features of the engine include an iron cylinder block and aluminum DOHC cylinder head, an oiling circuit that includes a dedicated feed for the turbocharger to provide increased pressure at the turbo and faster oil delivery, piston-cooling oil jets, a 16.5:1 compression ratio, ceramic glow plugs and a laminated steel oil pan with upper aluminum section that contributes to engine rigidity and quietness.
The 2.8-liter Duramax also comes with B20 bio-diesel capability. Indeed, GM says this is the cleanest truck engine it has ever produced, thanks in part to a cooled EGR system.
Both installations of the engine use a centrifugal pendulum vibration absorber (CPVA) in the torque converter to cut down on NVH by canceling out the engine’s torsional vibrations. This setup is used with the standard Hydra-Matic 6L50 6-speed automatic transmission, and GM says it’s the first time the technology has been used in the midsize truck segment.
Another interesting feature is the driver-selectable exhaust braking system that works with the cruise control to maintain speed downhill, or reduce brake pad wear during standard driving.
Assistant chief engineer on the project, Scott Yackley, said, “It is a no-compromise turbocharged engine that is also really fun to drive, with excellent responsiveness. It was also designed specifically for trucks and has undergone many of the same validation tests as the 6.6L Duramax, contributing to legendary Duramax durability and reliability.”
July 30, 2015