GM Releases Details On New 4.5L Turbo Diesel V8
A war is about to erupt in the diesel-powered half-ton pickup truck segment. GM has recently released details on the weapon in its arsenal, a 4.5L Duramax diesel. Due to a narrow angle V-block, this motor is small enough to fit in the same space as many of GM’s small block gasoline powered V8s. This provides hope for applications other than half ton pickup trucks. Surely GM’s large SUVs will see this motor under the hood.
“This premium diesel engine is expected to deliver the power, torque and refinement our customers expect,” said Tom Stephens, executive vice president, GM Global Powertrain and Global Quality.
Utilizing an electronically controlled 25,000psi common-rail fuel injection system this engine is able to produce 310hp and 510 foot-pounds of torque, while increasing fuel efficiency by 25% compared to other comparable diesels. This motor will be 50 state legal and pass stringent BIN 5 and LEV 2 emissions standards by utilizing a diesel particulate filter, and a urea injection system to cut down on NOx emissions.
“This new V-8 diesel meets the toughest emissions requirements in North America, and it also delivers an effortless performance feel because of its high torque across the speed range,” said Charlie Freese, executive director of GM Powertrain Diesel Engineering. “It is also significantly quieter than many other diesels on the road today, with noise and vibration performance approaching gasoline V-8 levels.”
GM has reduced production cost, parts count, and weight by implementing such innovative features as exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder heads and cam shaft cover being built into the intake manifold. This 4.5L turbo diesel will be available in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra half ton pickups for the 2010 model year.